What is single sign-on and why do enterprises demand it?

This blog post is written for a technical audience. It provides detailed information about single sign-on (SSO) in the context of authentication and identity infrastructure, focusing on its benefits, requirements, and the role of Bastionary as a solution.

What is Single Sign-On?

Single sign-on (SSO) is a security feature that allows users to access multiple applications and services using a single username and password. It simplifies the user experience by eliminating the need to log in separately for each application.

Why Do Enterprises Demand SSO?

  • Security: SSO reduces the risk of password-related security breaches. By requiring users to authenticate only once, it minimizes the attack surface.
  • Compliance: Many industries have strict compliance requirements for authentication and authorization. SSO helps organizations meet these requirements.
  • Cost Reduction: By reducing the need for multiple passwords, SSO can help enterprises save on password management and support costs.
  • User Experience: SSO enhances the user experience by simplifying the login process and making it more convenient for end-users.
  • Security Controls: SSO can be configured with various security features, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to provide an additional layer of security.

The Role of Bastionary

Bastionary is a self-hosted solution that provides a comprehensive authentication, identity, billing, licensing, and feature flags platform. It offers SSO out of the box, making it a popular choice for organizations looking to implement SSO without the need for a third-party vendor.

Key Features of Bastionary's SSO Solution

  • Centralized Authentication: Bastionary provides a centralized authentication system that allows users to access multiple applications and services using a single login.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Bastionary supports MFA, adding an additional layer of security to the SSO process.
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Bastionary allows organizations to define role-based access controls, ensuring that users have access only to the resources they need.
  • Compliance Support: Bastionary is designed to meet various compliance requirements, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
  • Billing and Licensing: Bastionary provides a billing and licensing system that allows organizations to manage their subscriptions and usage.
  • Feature Flags: Bastionary offers a feature flags system that allows organizations to manage and deploy features in a controlled manner.
  • Conclusion

    Single sign-on is a critical security feature that helps organizations simplify the user experience, reduce costs, and meet compliance requirements. Bastionary, a self-hosted solution, provides a comprehensive authentication, identity, billing, licensing, and feature flags platform that offers SSO out of the box. By leveraging Bastionary's SSO solution, organizations can enhance their security posture and provide a better user experience for their end-users.