Discover the Power of SSO and Passwordless Authentication for Enhanced Security

Your business's cybersecurity is critical. Just like you invest in physical security to protect your property from theft, your digital assets are only as secure as your digital security investment.

Passwords, once the go-to method for protecting your business, are gradually becoming less effective. One of the most effective ways to strengthen password security is to implement Single Sign-On (SSO). It's easy to implement and can significantly enhance your business's security.

This blog will discuss the advantages of Single Sign-On and how passwordless authentication can effectively safeguard your business from unauthorised access attempts.

What is Single Sign-On (SSO)?

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a type of authentication that enables you to use one set of login credentials to access multiple accounts, applications, and websites. You only need to log in once to access all your connected accounts.

For instance, if you use Microsoft Entra as your SSO method, linked to both Microsoft applications like Microsoft 365 and other external applications such as a CRM portal and a suite of creative applications, you can utilise Microsoft Entra to sign in to your system and access all of the above using just one login.

Single Sign-On works in four steps:

1. Login: You log in using your username and password on your central authentication system (such as Microsoft Entra).

2. Authentication: The portal verifies your identity using credentials. Sometimes, you’ll also use other authentication factors, such as MFA, to confirm the login.

3. Token Generation: Upon verification, a token is generated. This unique and secure token will be used to log into other applications.

4. Access: Whenever you go to sign onto an application that supports SSO, the token is given instead, which saves you from having to log in manually.

This login type is commonly used in enterprises, allowing users to access their business's critical functions with just one login. It is also used by many different providers in everyday life. Companies like Google and Facebook offer single sign-on for their services, as well as a variety of other services.

Benefits of SSO for Organisations

Introducing Single Sign-On into your business has many benefits. You won't have to remember numerous passwords for all the applications used daily, relieving you from the stress of managing multiple credentials and?allowing you to focus on having one more secure password that you can easily remember.

Here are some of the other benefits of SSO:

• Convenience: Using SSO, you only need to remember one password. Once you’re logged in, you can open the applications you need and automatically remain logged in, providing you with a sense of ease and comfort in your daily operations.
• Credential Theft: SSO allows you to reduce the number of ways?you can be vulnerable to credential theft. After all, the more passwords you create, the more likely you are to give access to your organisation through one of those passwords.
• Complicated Passwords: The headache of having to make a bunch of complex passwords is eliminated with SSO. There’s no need to remember everything and spend time making passwords that are secure enough. Just a singular password that you can update regularly and keep safe.

Introduction to Passwordless Authentication

As previously mentioned, passwords are becoming increasingly vulnerable. With frequent data breaches and the rise of better solutions, passwords are gradually becoming outdated. Passwordless authentication is gaining popularity. This involves using an alternative method of authentication instead of a password to access a system, such as email "magic links" or biometrics.

Typical forms of online passwordless authentication include email/SMS authentication using a magic link or a code and MFA authentication using a third-party authenticator on another device. Additionally, biometric authentication, like TouchID and FaceID, is frequently integrated into modern devices and operating systems.

Advantages of Passwordless Authentication

Passwordless authentication surpasses traditional password usage. As passwords are becoming obsolete, adopting passwordless authentication provides numerous benefits relevant to the challenges of the modern technological landscape. Here are some of the advantages of passwordless authentication:

• Security: Passwords could be more robust. Passwordless authentication employs more secure methods to combat this weakness and mitigate threats like brute force attacks, ensuring you feel safe and protected in your digital interactions.
• User Experience: Alternative authentication methods are more user-friendly than passwords. Clicking a link in an email is simpler than entering a password, especially when using a password manager instead of a single sign-on (SSO) solution. Remembering and locating passwords can take time and effort.
• Cost Savings: Resetting passwords and regaining access to user accounts consumes significant?IT resources. Implementing more secure authentication methods reduces the need for recovery efforts, freeing up resources for other purposes.

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How We Can Help

Embrace the future of secure access with Single Sign-On and passwordless authentication. These cutting-edge technologies are revolutionising business security worldwide, leaving outdated passwords in the past. Elevate your business with the benefits of Microsoft Entra and a modern authentication approach.

Ready to leap into SSO and passwordless authentication? Let us guide you every step of the way to ensure your business has top-notch security. Don't hesitate to contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve the gold protection standard.

Contact us on 03333 208 601 or visit www.auratechnology.com

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