What Is SSO Authentication?
Single sign-on (SSO) authentication is a process that enables users to log in once and gain access to multiple applications or systems without needing to re-enter their credentials. This streamlines the user experience by reducing the number of login prompts and minimizing the risk of password fatigue, which often causes users to resort to insecure practices like reusing passwords.
Passwords can expose organizations to cyberthreats like phishing attacks and data breaches, making a robust authentication solution mission-critical. By integrating WAVE ID® credential readers into your SSO solution, you can replace traditional password entry with a more secure, passwordless authentication process. Enhance security across your organization and ensure only authorized users gain access to sensitive information and systems with SSO authentication and WAVE ID readers.
Why Implement an SSO Solution?
Weak passwords and insufficient endpoint security make organizations prime targets for hackers. Implementing SSO with stronger measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) helps prevent data breaches, reduces password resets and eliminates the need to remember multiple passwords for systems like Microsoft Office, HR portals and CRMs.
Increase security with one credential
The average employee manages 191 passwords — an overwhelming and insecure burden4. With SSO authentication, you can reduce that number to a single credential for login. When SSO is combined with a secure credential and badge reader, it eliminates weak passwords and mitigates risks like phishing, boosting endpoint security.
Improve workforce efficiency
SSO authentication elevates user convenience and improves productivity by removing the need for employees to remember and manage multiple credentials. Employees avoid the hassle of password resets and logging into numerous systems daily, unlocking time and cost savings for your organization. Streamlined access processes through tap-and-go authentication enable employees to work more efficiently.
Reduce IT workload
SSO authentication reduces your IT department's workload by minimizing the number of password-related support requests. With fewer credentials to manage, IT staff can focus on more strategic initiatives rather than handling frequent password resets and account lockouts. Additionally, WAVE ID readers seamlessly integrate with leading SSO software, simplifying the implementation process.
Relevant Products
2024 State of <br>Passwordless Security
Discover why companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft are turning to passwordless authentication to defend against rising security risks. Explore the intricacies surrounding passwordless authentication and its place in modern operations in our 2024 State of Passwordless Report.
Frequently Asked Questions about SSO
Navigating SSO can be complex, so we've compiled a list of the most common questions to help you understand its benefits, methods and implementation.
What pain points does SSO address?
SSO addresses several pain points by centralizing user authentication. It eliminates the need for multiple passwords, reducing password fatigue and the risk of password-related security breaches. SSO also minimizes the time spent on password resets and login processes, boosting user convenience and productivity. Additionally, it streamlines IT management by reducing the number of credentials to monitor and manage, lowering the overall administrative burden.
What are the benefits of SSO?
SSO offers numerous benefits, including enhanced productivity and cost savings. The estimated cost of a single password reset is $705 , which can accumulate significantly over time. Employees also waste an average of 36 minutes6 a month on password-related activities. By reducing the need for multiple passwords, SSO can reduce these costs and improve productivity by streamlining login processes. This allows employees to focus more on their tasks instead of managing multiple logins.
What methods of SSO exist?
SSO methods include federated SSO (SAML, WS-Federation, OAuth), where an identity provider handles authentication, and cookie-based SSO, which stores encrypted credentials locally for seamless access.
How can I integrate SSO into my other systems?
rf IDEAS provides the development tools, protocol support, credential-compatible reader technology and industry-specific expertise required to engineer a tailored SSO solution for your organization. Learn more about how to integrate SSO with your systems.
How easy or difficult is it to implement SSO?
Implementing SSO is easy with rf IDEAS’ extensive independent software vendor (ISV) partnerships. Our partners have invested significant time integrating with the most prominent business systems — such as Epic, Workday and Cerner — ensuring our readers support a wide range of platforms. With our joint solutions, we simplify the implementation process, removing complexity for end users and providing a seamless experience.
What devices can I leverage SSO on?
You can leverage SSO across all endpoints, including desktop computers, tablets, shared workstations, medical devices, web browsers and more.
Imprivata: A Partnership for Healthcare Security
Clinicians typically enter passwords up to 70 times daily to access secure workstations and applications. Imprivata’s Enterprise Access Management authentication solution revolutionizes this process with tap-and-go access, saving valuable time and enhancing security.
Simple, Secure, Seamless
Contact us today, and we’ll evaluate your unique access needs to recommend the best passwordless SSO options for your organization.
1. LastPass, “The Password Exposé”
2. Verizon, “2022 Data Breach Investigations Report”
3. Beyond Identity, “Measuring Password Fatigue: Usability and Cybersecurity Impacts
4. LastPass, “The Password Exposé
5. Forrester, “Best Practices: Selecting, Deploying, And Managing Enterprise Password Managers
6. LastPass, “The Password Exposé