Single sign-on and multi-factor authentication solve different problems — and the industry frequently confuses them. SSO consolidates identity across applications; MFA increases the strength of each authentication event. They're complementary, not competing, and any serious enterprise identity programme uses both.
What is Single Sign-On (SSO)?
The use of single credentials to log in to multiple accounts and applications is known as SSO. The benefit of single sign-on is that users can access accounts and applications without having to enter new credentials each time.
An example of SSO is Google and its set of applications. Users can access all of Google's applications with only one login credential. Many websites and online transaction sites have enabled users to log in to their applications using their Google credentials.
Single sign-on does have its advantages. When used externally it can improve overall user experience and while using it within an organization it can boost productivity. It removes the hassle of remembering complex passwords for each application, making it convenient for users to access multiple devices.
With SSO, IT departments find it easy to monitor user activity. It removes the regime of weak passwords across organizational networks, reducing potential entry points for hackers to infiltrate and allowing IT teams to quickly respond to any threats.
There are certain pitfalls. Single sign-on allows users to access the system with just one credential, which can turn risky if an attacker gains access to the SSO system. They will gain access to all applications and devices associated with that login credential. Additionally, if one system is compromised users won't be able to access any associated application tied to that system.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
Password guessing is the topmost form of cyber-attacks. To stop them additional layer protection is crucial. With MFA, users are required to enter two or more factors to prove their identity to access the system or resources. Such factors are challenging to guess or duplicate, as they are unique to the user.
MFA relies on three categories:
- What you know — usually password, security question, or PIN
- What you have — smartphone, USB device, keycard
- Who you are — biometrics: fingerprints, facial recognition, voice, or iris scan
Privileged users with access to highly sensitive information may require additional factors for authenticating them. Security tokens, facial recognition, and fingerprint factors prevent unauthorized access. Biometric authentication provides exclusive access and is next to impossible for hackers to gain personal identification information.
Which is the Best Cybersecurity?
What we see from above is that SSO and MFA are both exclusive. Organizations can increase their security structure by implementing both of them. Combining single sign-on with MFA will strengthen security and stop hackers in their path. Even with a compromised password, they would not be able to access user accounts and systems.
SSO and multi-factor authentication should be implemented to meet organizational needs. Organizations should not hesitate to take the help of experienced cybersecurity vendors to add data loss prevention solutions to their cybersecurity framework. With a proper approach, companies can balance security with user experience.
Secure Sign-In with AmbiSecure
FIDO2 is a standard that simplifies and secures user authentication. It uses public-key cryptography to protect from phishing attacks and is the only phishing-proof factor available. AmbiSecure key and card offers superior security by combining hardware-based authentication and public key cryptography to effectively defend against phishing attacks and eliminate account takeovers.
AmbiSecure helps organizations accelerate to a password-less future by providing support for the FIDO2 protocol. AmbiSecure key or card do not require a battery or network connectivity, making authentication always accessible.
About Ambimat Electronics
With design experience of close to 4 decades of excellence, Ambimat Electronics is a single-stop solution enabler to Leading PSUs, private sector companies, and start-ups. AmbiIoT design services have helped develop Smartwatches, Smart homes, Medicals, Robotics, Retail, Pubs and brewery, Security. Solutions include AmbiPay, AmbiPower, AmbiCon, AmbiSecure, AmbiSense, AmbiAutomation.