A centralized access point that facilitates Single Sign-On (SSO) by managing authentication and authorization for multiple applications.
Description
An SSO Gateway acts as a bridge between users and various applications, allowing them to authenticate once and gain access to multiple services without needing to log in separately for each one. This gateway simplifies the user experience, enhances security, and reduces password fatigue. In a typical scenario, when a user tries to access an application, the SSO Gateway checks the user's credentials and provides a token or session that the application recognizes. This process not only saves time for users but also streamlines the management of user identities and permissions for IT administrators. For example, organizations like Google employ SSO Gateways to allow users to access Google Workspace applications such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar with a single login. This centralized approach minimizes the risk of insecure password practices and enhances the overall security posture of the organization.
Examples
- Google Workspace uses an SSO Gateway to let users access multiple services with one login.
- Okta provides an SSO Gateway that integrates with various applications and services for seamless authentication.
Additional Information
- SSO Gateways can improve productivity by reducing login times and the number of passwords users need to remember.
- Implementing an SSO Gateway can lead to better compliance with security regulations by centralizing user access control.