Single Sign-On
An authentication scheme allowing users to log in once and access multiple applications without re-authenticating.
Also: Single Sign-On
Definition
Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication mechanism that allows users to authenticate once with an identity provider and gain access to multiple related applications and services without needing to log in separately to each. SSO improves user experience and reduces password fatigue. Common SSO protocols include SAML 2.0 (enterprise), OAuth 2.0/OIDC (web/mobile), and Kerberos (internal networks). Identity providers like Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, and Google Workspace power SSO for organizations.
Example
“An employee logs into their company's Okta SSO portal once and can immediately access Salesforce, Slack, GitHub, and AWS without entering additional passwords.”
Synonyms
- federated login
- unified login
- identity federation
Antonyms / Opposites
- separate logins
- password-per-app
- siloed authentication
Images
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Related Terms
- oauth
- saml
- authentication
- identity-provider