At a time when we have to repeat our name twice even to buy a coffee, what is accessing multiple systems with a single authentication if not magic? This is the magic of Single Sign-On (SSO)… While creating a separate username and password for each application is both a waste of time and a multi-knowledge equation, with SSO, it takes seconds to log in to the connected systems in a single step. Just like every magician has a trick up his sleeve, SSO has an organized mechanism behind it. Let’s take a look at how this mechanism works!
Single Sign-On (SSO) is one of the multiple access control solutions and saves time for stakeholders in your organization. Another advantage of single sign-on is that it is very easy to incorporate new applications and systems into the SSO system. Of course, in order to achieve these facilities, SSO must follow a layered process and deliver the right information to the right place. The following steps are followed in this entire process:
- Authentication Request: A request is sent to the system by users who wish to verify their identity. This request is the first step in the process.
- Request Routing: The SSO provider sends the verification request to the SSO system.
- Redirecting the User to the Authentication Page: The next step is to redirect the user who created the request to the SSO provider’s authentication page. The person whose identity information is requested enters information such as username and password into the required fields.
- Realization of Verification: If the user information is correct, the SSO provider generates a personalized token. This token, which is valid for a certain period of time, is usually in JSON Web Token or another similar data format. The data structure, which includes the user’s identity, token type, validity period and other special information and authorization, is the set of data that includes the authorization and verification steps.
- Token Distribution: Digitally signed by the SSO provider, the token is sent to the user’s browser or device. When you want to log in to another app, tokens representing authentication (if they have not expired) are activated.
- SSO Provider Verification: The application that created the login request checks whether the token in the SSO provider is valid. If the SSO provider verifies the token, the user’s identity is confirmed.
- Access to Application: Once the token is verified, the application grants the user access and the login is complete.
Being able to log in to all registered systems with a single verification step can create the perception that “all accounts are put at risk in the event of an adverse event’’. However, Single Sign On is among the most reliable methods thanks to its structure that can be integrated with passwordless login alternatives. Losing a password means that more than one of your accounts could be compromised, but if there is no password, there is no risk! Passwordless authentication methods such as biometric data, one-time codes, push notifications or QR codes are part of SSO.
With the AuthTake Single Sign-On Method, managing the access and security policies of all stakeholders in your organization from a single center prevents errors in authorization stages. Thus, it offers a seamless access management. With multiple advantages in terms of user experience, security and management, SSO has become a frequently preferred method regardless of large companies or individual users. It may adapt to flexible working environments as it is adaptable to mobile devices and modern cloud-based technologies. This allows users to access securely from different locations or devices. Thanks to optimized business processes, the authentication and login process is kept under control in the most reliable way.
You can contact us to get more detailed information about AuthTake Single Sign-On (SSO) and bring a new breath to your access management with this magic.
