Single Sign-On (SSO)

1. Introduction

Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications with one set of login credentials. This enhances user experience and security by reducing password fatigue and the risk of phishing attacks.

2. Key Concepts

• Authentication: Verifying the identity of a user or system.
• Authorization: Granting access rights to a user once authenticated.
• Identity Provider (IdP): A service that stores and verifies user identity information.
• Service Provider (SP): The application that a user wants to access.
• Token: A data structure that securely represents the user's identity and permissions.

3. How SSO Works

SSO operates through a central authentication server, which communicates with various applications. When a user logs in, the server creates a session, and a token is issued. This token is then used to authenticate the user across different applications without needing to log in again.

3.1 Flowchart of SSO Process

graph TD;
    A[User tries to access SP] --> B{Is user authenticated?};
    B -- Yes --> C[Grant access to SP];
    B -- No --> D[Redirect to IdP];
    D --> E[User logs in];
    E --> F[IdP issues Token];
    F --> C;
        

4. Implementation Steps

Implementing SSO typically involves the following steps:

1. Choose an SSO protocol (SAML, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect).
2. Set up the Identity Provider (IdP) with user credentials.
3. Configure the Service Providers (SP) to trust the IdP.
4. Implement token generation and validation in your applications.
5. Test the SSO functionality across all applications.

5. Best Practices

• Use secure tokens (JWT) and encryption for data transmission.
• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for added security.
• Regularly audit and review access rights and logs.
• Educate users about phishing and security awareness.
• Keep your SSO software and components updated.

6. FAQ