Work from home solution
Work from home solution Digital tool that facilitates remote working. A remote access solution is a tool, often computer software, provided by the organization, so
Single Sign-On (SSO) l What Is It?
In today’s digital workplace, workforces (employees, contractors, and customers) are constantly switching between applications. From cloud-based productivity tools to legacy business applications, each service traditionally requires a separate username and password. The result? Password overload, security risks, and a frustrating user experience.
A Single Sign-On (SSO) solution changes this. By allowing users to authenticate once and seamlessly access several applications, SSO combines simplicity for users with stronger control for IT and security teams.
This article explores what SSO is, how it works, its benefits, and why organizations of all sizes should consider implementing a robust Single Sign-On solution.
What is a Single Sign-On Solution?
A Single Sign-On (SSO) solution is an identity and access management (IAM) technology that enables a user to log in once and access many and, if possible, all organization’s IT assets without needing to re-enter credentials.
Users log into the operating systems of an end user computer (PC, workstation, device, terminal, thin client, smartphone, etc.) and they log into applications. SSO can be realized between the O.S. login and the application login (once you are logged into a PC O.S., you don’t have to log again into an application), or between applications (once you are logged into an application, you don’t have to log again into another application).
There are usually two ways to implement the SSO capability:
- Through “credentials injection”: a client software executed on the end user computer retrieves from a Vault the credentials for that user and the target application and injects them into the login window interface of that application ;
- Through “identity federation” (for application level SSO): the application delegate authentication to an Identity Provider (IDP): once the user is logged into the IDP, it is able to deliver an “authentication token” to applications which delegate their authentication to this IDP.
In short from the UX perspective: one login, access to many applications, zero friction.
How Does Single Sign-On Work?
The credential injection model
Before being able to inject credentials into an application, two preliminary steps are required:
- The target application must be enrolled into the SSO software, so that it knows in which fields of the login page it must inject the credentials ;
- At first use of the application, the end user must make the SSO software “learn” her credentials, that it will keep safely stored in its vault.
The Identity Federation model
At the heart of federated SSO is the identity provider (IdP). This is the trusted system that verifies a user’s identity and communicates it securely to applications.
Here’s how a typical federated SSO process works:
- User login – The user logs in once, typically with a username, password, and sometimes multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Identity provider verification – The IdP authenticates the user’s credentials.
- Token issuance – The IdP issues a digital token confirming the user’s identity.
- Application trust – Other applications recognize the token and grant the user access without requiring another login.
Key Protocols Behind SSO
- SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) – Used in many enterprise and cloud applications.
- OAuth 2.0 – Focused on secure authorization, widely used by web and mobile apps.
- OpenID Connect (OIDC) – An authentication layer built on OAuth 2.0.
- Kerberos – Common in Windows and corporate network environments.
These protocols ensure that authentication is secure, standardized, and compatible across diverse systems.
Benefits of Single Sign-On Solutions
Adopting a Single Sign-On solution brings both security and business advantages:
Stronger Security
Fewer passwords mean less chance of password reuse or weak credentials.
Centralized enforcement of policies (e.g., password complexity, session duration).
Seamless integration with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and Zero Trust principles.
Better User Experience
Users no longer juggle multiple logins.
Seamless access across all applications boosts productivity.
Lower frustration improves adoption of digital tools.
Reduced IT Workload
Fewer password reset requests (often a top source of IT tickets).
Easier onboarding and offboarding of employees.
Centralized management reduces admin overhead.
Business Productivity
Employees spend more time working and less time logging in.
Partners and contractors gain secure, controlled access quickly.
Customer-facing portals provide a unified, frictionless experience.
Common Use Cases for SSO
Inside the Organization
Employees authenticate once into their corporate PC and gain access to corporate applications: intranets, CRMs, HR systems, and collaboration tools.
Remote and Mobile Workforces
SSO simplifies secure access to cloud services (email, productivity apps, file-sharing) from anywhere.
Partner and Contractor Access
Organizations can extend secure access to third parties while maintaining strict controls.
Customer Portals
Service providers can unify login across multiple services or platforms, improving user satisfaction.
Best Practices for Implementing an SSO Solution
Implementing Single Sign-On isn’t just about convenience, it’s also about reinforcing security. Here are key best practices:
Make sure you have a password policy in place
- SSO does not remove the best practice to protect your credentials, and policies are a key aspect to that protection
Pair SSO with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Prevents unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
Pair SSO with identity and entitlement management solutions
- Ensure that users have the right account for the right application, and for the duration of the need-to-use the application
Audit SSO-enabled Applications Regularly
- Ensure only necessary apps are linked and credentials are properly secured.
Educate Users
- Train employees about phishing, credential theft, and the importance of secure access.
Monitor Your Attack Surface
Continuously scan for exposed applications or misconfigurations that could be exploited.
Why Organizations Need an SSO Solution Today
Modern organizations face a paradox: the number of applications continues to grow, yet users expect simplicity, and security teams demand control.
Without SSO:
Employees juggle dozens of logins.
IT spends hours resetting forgotten passwords.
Security teams face a fragmented access environment.
With SSO:
Users authenticate once and gain seamless access everywhere.
IT manages identities centrally.
Organizations enforce consistent security policies without sacrificing usability.
Why Choose cyberelements for Your Single Sign-On Solution?
At cyberelements, we believe security should empower productivity. That’s why our cloud-native SSO solution is designed to meet the needs of modern, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments.
Key advantages of our approach:
Universal access: Connect users securely to SaaS apps, web apps, and mission-critical business applications.
Strong protection: Built-in MFA and Zero Trust principles ensure only the right people access the right assets.
Ease of use: A frictionless login experience boosts adoption and user satisfaction.
Centralized visibility: Unified dashboards give IT and security teams full control over access policies and monitoring.
Scalability: Adaptable to organizations of all sizes, from SMBs to global enterprises.
By combining invisibility, simplicity, and resilience, cyberelements helps organizations strengthen their security posture while ensuring seamless access to essential resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSO Solutions
Is single sign-on secure?
Yes. When combined with MFA and strong identity governance, SSO reduces risks associated with weak or reused passwords.
Can SSO work with both cloud and on-premises apps?
Absolutely. Modern SSO solutions bridge SaaS, cloud-native, and legacy applications.
How is SSO different from a password manager?
A password manager stores multiple credentials, but users still log in separately. SSO eliminates repeated logins by relying on a central identity provider. SSO protects better the credentials vault.
Does SSO improve compliance?
Yes. Centralized authentication and access logs make it easier to meet regulatory requirements such as NIS2, IEC 62443, or ISO 27001..
A Single Sign-On solution is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for organizations navigating a multi-application, hybrid, and mobile world. By reducing login fatigue, strengthening access control, and simplifying administration, SSO is a cornerstone of modern identity and access management.
With cyberelements, you don’t just simplify authentication—you gain a secure, scalable, and future-ready solution designed to keep your business productive and protected.
Ready to strengthen your security and simplify access? Contact us now
Continue Reading
Identity Governance and Administration (IGA)
Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) The management of users’ identities and their authorizations IGA concerns the management of users’ identities and their authorizations (their rights
IDaaS (Identity as a Service)
IDaaS (Identity as a Service) Identity as a Service is identity and access management provided as a cloud service Identity as a Service is identity
ZTNA
Zero Trust Network Access What is ZTNA? The ZTNA is a name describing products that apply a “Zero Trust”, or lesser privilege, policy in the
Authentication
Authentication Primary and Secondary Authentication Authentication allows a user to guarantee his or her identity before accessing a resource or service. Primary authentication will give
Single Sign-ON (SSO): What Is It?
Single Sign-On (SSO) l What Is It? In today’s digital workplace, workforces (employees, contractors, and customers) are constantly switching between applications. From cloud-based productivity tools