Software services are a major boon for productivity at the workplace, but juggling dozens of credentials creates security risks and admin overhead. 69% of people say they feel overwhelmed by passwords, which can lead to them using weak or reused passwords across your business.
Weak or reused passwords are susceptible to compromise, putting your business at risk of data breaches and the reputational, operational, and monetary damage that comes with them. Single sign-on (SSO) integration helps combat password fatigue, ensuring employee accounts are properly secured and, in turn, minimizing the risk of a breach.
SSO lets employees use one login for multiple tools, but it takes time to set up. Proton Pass is a business password manager that supports SSO and fills the gaps for apps that don’t, so nothing is left unprotected. This article explores the pros and cons of SSO and how a password manager supports strong security policies.
What is SSO integration?
Single sign-on (SSO) integration is a common solution to this problem, allowing employees to access multiple tools with one set of credentials. However, implementing SSO is a significant investment of time and money that may not make sense for every organization.
It works through two core components:
Identity Provider (IdP): The system that verifies user identities and manages authentication. Common examples include Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) and Okta.
Service Provider (SP): The application the user wants to access, such as Slack, Salesforce, Proton VPN, or Proton Pass.
Instead of signing in directly to each application, the user authenticates with the IdP. The IdP then sends a secure token to the service provider, granting access without requiring the user to create a new and separate password.
Benefits and challenges of SSO integration
SSO integration can change how your business handles authentication, but it also introduces new considerations.
Benefits of SSO integration
- Simplified logins: Employees only need to log in once to access all the apps they need.
- Increased productivity: Less time spent managing credentials and resetting passwords means more time spent on actual work.
- Improved security: SSO integration reduces the number of passwords employees manage, lowering attack points and helping prevent weak or reused credentials.
- Easy onboarding and offboarding: You can quickly enable or disable user access from a single dashboard.
- Reduced IT support: IT teams can allocate less time to handling password reset requests.
Challenges of SSO integration
- Single point of failure: If an SSO system fails, it could result in a complete loss of access to essential applications.
- Cost: Many software vendors only offer SSO integration on their most expensive plans, which can drastically increase your monthly software costs.
- Compatibility: Your software may not be compatible with SSO tools or protocols, which can complicate implementation.
- Customization: Not all SSO solutions can be customized to meet the unique needs of your business.
- Complex implementation: Deploying SSO requires significant IT resources to configure and test connections for every application.
Common SSO integration protocols
Understanding which SSO protocol is best suited for your business is the first step for successful implementation. Different protocols support different environments, from modern cloud apps to legacy servers.
Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)
SAML is the enterprise favorite because it allows IT admins to verify users securely across t both on-premise and cloud-based software. It works by exchanging authentication tokens, known as SAML assertions, between your IdP and the SP. Because it offers granular control over user sessions, it is the standard for high-security environments.
Find out more about the differences between SAML and SSO and SAML and OAuth.
OAuth
OAuth is what powers the “Log in with…” button across the web. Most modern apps support OAuth, and just like SAML, it lets one app access data from another without sharing your password. OAuth issues a limited access token that grants permission to perform specific tasks.
Open ID Connect (OIDC)
OpenID Connect adds an identity layer on top of OAuth by verifying who the user is. In addition to the access token, OIDC issues an ID token — similar to a digital passport. OIDC is supported by many modern operating systems and identity providers, including iOS, Android, Windows, and the major cloud platforms.
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)
LDAP is an older protocol standard, but it is still heavily used. If your business relies on legacy software solutions that may not be compatible with newer SSO standards, use LDAP to ensure compliance and security.
Identity providers and directories
Many businesses also use Identity Providers like Microsoft Active Directory or Entra ID, which rely on these underlying protocols to enable SSO.
Best practices for SSO integration
If you’re considering SSO integration for your business, follow these steps for a secure and successful implementation.
Choose a trusted SSO provider
Your SSO solution will be the single gateway to your applications. Choose an Identity Provider with a strong security track record and uptime guarantees. Other factors to consider include customer support, scalability, compatibility, and price. When in doubt about the legitimacy of a solution, it is best to avoid it.
Check for compatibility
Audit the applications and software used by your teams. Not all tools are SSO compatible, and some might hide SSO functionality behind paywalls. Checking compatibility helps you choose an SSO solution that fits your environment and identify if additional tools are needed for the implementation.
Budget appropriately
Beyond subscription costs, SSO may require upgrades to existing software or licenses. Time spent configuring SSO, migrating to compatible tools, and training employees will also add to the cost.
Prepare users for the change
SSO simplifies logins, but only if employees adopt it. Clearly explain the new process to your team and make sure they know who to contact if they have trouble accessing accounts.
Make a phased rollout
Rolling out SSO integration in phases lets you test that applications are properly configured and any bugs are resolved before a full rollout. A phased implementation will contain disruption if anything goes wrong.
Have a backup plan
Sometimes things go wrong, and your SSO solution goes down. Having a backup access plan ensures everyone will have access to essential services during an outage.
Proton Pass secures the gaps SSO can’t cover
The goal of SSO integration is to give your team secure access to the tools they need without the friction of multiple logins. However, in practice, most organizations operate in a hybrid environment. SSO reduces the number of logins your team needs, but most businesses still use tools that don’t support it.
With a business password manager like Proton Pass, you get native SSO support and secure credential management for the apps SSO doesn’t reach. This means you can securely store credentials for non-SSO-enabled apps and protect them with your existing SSO setup.
Proton Pass plugs the gaps in your SSO setup and keeps credentials secure and easy to manage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SSO and a password manager?
SSO links compatible apps to one central login, while a password manager stores unique credentials for everything else. They work best together.
Does SSO replace a password manager?
No. SSO works only with the apps that support it. Most businesses still use many tools that don’t offer SSO. Proton Pass helps secure access to those remaining accounts.
How does Proton Pass work with SSO?
Proton Pass supports SSO login, so teams can access it the same way they access other SSO-enabled tools. Once signed in, they can use it to manage credentials for any remaining accounts that don’t use SSO.
Is SSO worth it for small teams?
It depends on the tools you use. SSO can simplify access and improve security, but it requires setup time and often higher-tier software plans. Smaller teams might want to start with a password manager and add SSO later, as their needs grow.
