Let’s start with a question. How many different online accounts do you have to manage your applications and services? Keeping track of applications is hard enough, let alone managing countless usernames and passwords. However, new technologies like Single Sign-On (SSO) are simplifying Access Management for enterprises and allowing users to access multiple applications with one set of credentials securely.
In this article, we’ll discuss how Single Sign-On technology is revolutionizing access management for enterprises, making it more efficient. First, let’s understand what Single Sign-On is.
What Is Single Sign-on?
Single Sign-On is an authentication system that enables users to access multiple applications using one set of credentials. With SSO, a user only needs to log in once to access all their connected applications and websites. Whether your workplace uses Slack, Asana, Google, or Zoom, you don’t need to remember multiple passwords. SSO provides a single login pop-up requiring one password to log you into every integrated application.
The popularity of Single Sign-On is evident. While 87.4% of SMEs were using SSO for devices or applications in 2022, only 20.4% had implemented it in April 2021, according to a report by JumpCloud.Â
As organizations rely more on various applications and services, SSO has become a game-changer for seamless and secure access. This has not only improved security and user experience but also made Access Management easy for enterprises. Let’s look at how Single Sign-On is revolutionizing Access Management.
The Single Sign-On Revolution In Access Management
As the digital landscape continues expanding and evolving, Single Sign-On solutions have become more critical than ever. Here are some key reasons why SSO is essential today:
Better User Experience
With SSO, employees can seamlessly transition between applications without having to reauthenticate every time. This creates smooth, uninterrupted workflows. Employees no longer have to deal with password fatigue or forgotten logins.
Studies by Garner show that password problems account for up to 40% of IT help desk calls in large organizations. SSO eliminates these issues, providing users with a streamlined digital experience.
Smarter Security
With staff using countless applications, security risks increase. SSO secures access by reducing the number of credentials in circulation. IT team from organizations also gains better visibility into who accesses what resources – who logs in and out, when, and from where.
Also, if a device goes missing, the IT team can immediately disable the device’s access to accounts and critical data. By complementing Single Sign-on (SSO) with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), organizations can have an additional layer of security supporting multiple protocols.
Enhanced Productivity & Efficiency
As users can log into the different applications and platforms with a single sign-on, it increases employee productivity by reducing the time they would have spent signing on and dealing with passwords.
For example, organizations can implement SSO across their teams, allowing employees to access their emails, documents, CRM, and other business applications seamlessly with a single sign-on. This will not only increase efficiency but also improve overall employee productivity as well.
Compliance & Reporting
Staying compliant with data regulations is tough, but essential. SSO makes it easier! It creates one central record of all user activity across connected apps and systems.
No more cross-checking multiple systems for audits. Just generate detailed access reports from your SSO system and your audit reports are ready – a hassle-free regulatory compliance.
Simplified IT Management
As employees will not need to deal with multiple passwords, they are less likely to reset their passwords. Resources required for credential maintenance are optimized.
As per the study by Forrester, password resets cost organizations around 70$ per fix – SSO will solve this problem. Moreover, the implementation of new apps and services is also smoother when integrated into the SSO system. This allows IT teams to focus their efforts on more strategic initiatives.
The Future of Single Sign-On
As per the reports by Research Nester, the enterprise single sign-on market size is projected to reach $11 billion by the end of 2036, expanding around 14% CAGR between 2024-2036. Let alone in 2023, the industry size of enterprise single sign-on was around $4 billion. These statistics demonstrate only one thing and that is a promising and exciting future of Single Sign-on as a must-have for all enterprises.
With SSO, companies both small and large will enjoy simplified access management and compliance reporting. Employees can conveniently access multiple apps with one login. IT teams benefit from centralized control and fewer help desk tickets. However, potential data breaches and integrating all apps into the SSO system remain challenges. Overall, SSO provides password-free convenience while securing critical assets. As our digital footprint expands across devices, SSO will be the glue binding our fragmented online lives into one smooth experience.
Conclusion
In summary, Single Sign-On is revolutionizing access management by delivering a unified authentication solution. With streamlined logins and enhanced security, SSO provides convenience and control. As our digital ecosystem grows exponentially, this technology will be critical for managing seamless and secure access across platforms and devices. Imagine a world where we can log in to apps password-free!
