SSO stands for Single Sign-On, which is a method of authentication that allows users to log in to multiple applications and systems using a single set of credentials. In other words, SSO enables users to access a network of related but independent software applications without having to log in to each one separately.
With SSO, once a user logs in, they can access all the authorized applications without having to enter their login information again. This eliminates the need for users to remember multiple login credentials, which can be especially helpful in enterprise environments where employees need access to several systems and applications.
SSO works by using a centralized authentication system that stores and verifies user credentials. When a user logs in to an application, the authentication system generates a token that identifies the user and grants them access to the requested application. This token is then used to authenticate the user for subsequent applications.
There are several types of SSO implementations, including SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language), OAuth (Open Authorization), and OpenID Connect. Each of these methods has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one depends on the specific needs and requirements of the organization.