Integrating SSO Solutions

Introduction

Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications with one set of login credentials. This lesson covers the integration of SSO solutions in front-end applications, focusing on security and user experience.

Key Concepts

Integration Steps

1. Choose an Identity Provider (IdP): Select an IdP that supports SSO and OAuth, such as Auth0, Okta, or Google Identity.
2. Register your application: Create a new application in the IdP dashboard and configure it to use OAuth 2.0.
3. Implement the OAuth 2.0 flow:
   Note: Use the Authorization Code Flow for web applications for enhanced security.

   const authUrl = "https://your-idp.com/oauth/authorize";
   const clientId = "YOUR_CLIENT_ID";
   const redirectUri = "https://yourapp.com/callback";
   const scope = "profile email";
   
   const loginUrl = \`\${authUrl}?response_type=code&client_id=\${clientId}&redirect_uri=\${redirectUri}&scope=\${scope}\`;

4. Handle the callback: After successful authentication, the IdP will redirect to your provided URI with an authorization code.

   const params = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search);
   const authCode = params.get("code");
   // Exchange the auth code for access token here

5. Store Tokens Securely: Store the JWT securely in memory or a secure cookie to maintain the user's session.

Best Practices

• Always use HTTPS to protect data in transit.
• Implement token expiration and refresh logic.
• Use secure storage mechanisms for sensitive tokens.
• Regularly update dependencies related to authentication.

FAQ