Single Logout (SLO) is a feature of Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols that allows users to log out of multiple applications simultaneously.
Description
Single Logout (SLO) is a crucial component of Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols that enhances user experience by enabling users to log out from all their authenticated sessions in various applications with a single action. When a user initiates a logout from one application, SLO ensures that the user's session is terminated across all connected services that share the same authentication system. This is particularly important in enterprise environments where users access multiple applications, such as email, CRM systems, and cloud services. Without SLO, a user may remain logged into other applications even after logging out from one, which can lead to security risks and confusion. SLO is implemented through standardized protocols such as SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) and OAuth, which communicate logout requests across different service providers. Popular applications that support SLO include Google Workspace and Microsoft Azure Active Directory, allowing seamless session management for users.
Examples
- Google Workspace allows users to log out from all apps, such as Gmail and Google Drive, at once.
- Microsoft Azure Active Directory provides SLO capabilities to ensure users are logged out from all integrated services like Office 365.
Additional Information
- SLO enhances security by ensuring that sessions are not left open inadvertently.
- Implementing SLO can streamline user experience by reducing the need for multiple logouts.