SSO implementation to your tech stack makes accessing apps easier while strengthening security across your company.
To simplify the process, this article breaks down SSO using an IdP and explains how to set it up with Java. Want to know how to implement single sign-on? Well, here’s what you keep in mind.
What is SSO?
Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication method that lets users sign in to multiple applications with a single set of credentials. Instead of juggling multiple passwords, SSO makes access easier by handling authentication in one place.
SSO works by using an identity provider (IdP) to verify credentials. Once a user is signed in, they can move between connected applications without signing in again. This not only strengthens security but also improves user experience while cutting down administrative workload.
What are the Benefits of SSO Implementation?
If you’re on the fence about SSO, here are some of the major benefits of SSO worth looking into before seeing whether these aspects would add value to your tech stack.
Implementing SSO Creates Better security
Since users don’t have to manage multiple passwords, they’re less likely to reuse weak ones or fall for phishing attacks. SSO implementation also allows stronger authentication methods, lowering the chances of unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Reduces the attack surface by limiting the number of entry points hackers can exploit through compromised credentials.
- Supports multi-factor authentication (MFA) and adaptive security measures, ensuring only authorized users gain access.
Lower IT Costs Due to Fewer Password Resets
When users forget their passwords, IT teams often have to step in. By cutting down the number of credentials people need to manage, SSO implementation helps bring down password reset requests, saving both time and resources.
- Reduces help desk workload, freeing IT resources for higher-value tasks like security enhancements and infrastructure improvements.
- Lowers software and service costs by decreasing dependency on password management tools and recovery solutions.
Single Sign On Implementation Allows Better Tracking of Access
Since authentication happens in one place, businesses can keep an eye on user access more easily, apply security policies, and meet regulatory requirements.
- Centralized authentication logs provide a clear audit trail, making it easier to detect suspicious activity and meet compliance requirements.
- With single sign on implementation you allow granular access control, allowing businesses to enforce least-privilege access based on roles and responsibilities.
Implementing SSO Creates Easier Growth Management
As your business expands, handling user access across multiple applications gets more complex. SSO implementation helps with this by making it easier to add new users, applications, and security measures without disrupting daily operations
- Simplifies onboarding and offboarding processes, helping users get the right access instantly while preventing lingering credentials.
- Improves scalability by allowing businesses to integrate new tools and platforms without increasing login complexity.
How Does SSO Implementation Work (4 Ways)
The ways SSO is implemented vary based on the protocols you choose to opt for as well as the IDP or SSO provider you look to work with:
- Token-based authentication: Instead of asking users to sign in repeatedly, security tokens confirm their access. Once a user signs in, the system issues a secure token that allows them to move between applications without signing in again. This way, single sign on implementation speeds up workflows while keeping security intact.
- Federated identity: Users can access multiple systems with one login, even across different companies or platforms. This works well for businesses working with external partners, as it removes the need for separate logins while keeping authentication controlled in one place.
- OAuth and OpenID Connect: These widely used authentication methods let users log in through trusted third-party identity providers. By cutting down reliance on passwords and securing authorization, they improve security while making logins easier.
- SAML authentication: Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) allows identity providers and applications to exchange authentication data securely. This lets users sign in once and move between services without multiple logins, helping prevent login fatigue while maintaining security.
Types of SSO
In terms of types of SSO, it can be divided based on the protocol used or even the specific user case. However, in this section, we divide it into where the SSO is initiated from - the Identity provider or Service provider.
- IdP or Identity Provider Initiated SSO: IdP Initiated SSO refers to single sign-on or SSO where you first are required to log into your IdP portal and use the dashboard there to navigate to various applications that your company has granted access to.
- SP or Service Provider Initiated SSO: SP-initiated SSO is an SSO or single-sign-on system that requires that when you attempt to log in to the service provider using the company email or email registered with your IdP, you are then redirected to authenticate yourself using the IdPs framework, which then redirects you back to the application.
Choosing the Right SSO Protocol
SAML fusiness and cloud authentication
SAML allows secure, single sign-on access to business applications and cloud services. SAML works by passing authentication data between identity providers and applications, making access easier while keeping security tight.
- Ideal for enterprise apps – Works well with Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and other corporate tools.
- Reduces password fatigue – Users authenticate once and access multiple services without re-entering credentials.
- Strengthens compliance – Many industries (finance, healthcare) require SAML for regulatory compliance.
OAuth for third-party access without passwords
OAuth lets users give applications permission to access their accounts without sharing login credentials. OAuth is commonly used for linking apps with services like Google, Microsoft, and social media platforms.
- Best for app integrations – Ideal for letting users sign in with "Log in with Google/Facebook" buttons.
- Improves user experience – No need to create new passwords, reducing signup friction.
- Limits security risks – Apps only get permission to access specific data, not full account credentials.
OpenID Connect (OIDC) for identity confirmation
Built on top of OAuth, OIDC adds an extra step to confirm a user’s identity. OIDC strengthens security for web and mobile applications by making sure that authentication and identity verification happen together.
- Provides standardized user info – Returns consistent identity details (email, name) across different services.
- More secure than OAuth alone – Verifies who the user is, not just that they’re logged in.
Kerberos for Windows-based authentication
With Windows based authentication, Kerberos is one of the more popular protocols that uses ticket-based authentication to authenticate users in Windows environments. By removing repeated password entries and lowering security risks, it strengthens access control for business networks and internal systems.
- Built for internal networks – Works well with Active Directory in corporate IT environments.
- Improves session security – Prevents credential replay attacks by issuing time-sensitive tickets.
How to Implement SSO Using an IDP
SSO implementation requires configuring an identity provider, setting up authentication protocols, and integrating applications. Here’s how to do it.
How to Implement SSO Using Java
- Pick an identity provider: Choose an IdP like Okta, Auth0, or Keycloak. These platforms handle authentication, manage user identities, and allow secure access to applications, cutting down the need for multiple logins.
- Set up SAML or OAuth authentication: Choose an authentication method that fits your needs—SAML for business applications or OAuth for third-party integrations. Setting these up secures communication between your Java application and the IdP.
- Use Java libraries for SSO setup: Libraries like Spring Security (for OAuth and SAML) or Apache CXF (for handling authentication) make SSO implementation easier, so you don’t have to build everything from scratch.
- Authenticate users with security tokens: Once authentication is in place, the IdP issues security tokens that your application can verify. These tokens let users move between applications without needing to sign in again.
How to Implement SSO Using an IDP
- Choose an identity provider: Select a trusted IdP that can handle authentication securely. This allows users to sign in once and access multiple applications without needing to log in again.
- Connect applications using SAML, OAuth, or OIDC: Set up the authentication method that works best—SAML for business apps, OAuth for third-party access, or OIDC for identity verification. This keeps login processes secure and easy to use.
- Define access permissions: Set up user roles and permissions to control who can access specific applications and what actions they can take. Controlling access by role keeps security tight while making sure employees and customers get the right level of access.
- Test authentication across all applications: Check that SSO works correctly by testing logins, logouts, and token exchanges. Making sure authentication runs smoothly across different applications prevents access issues and improves user experience.
Why Implement SSO Using Infisign
Infisign makes SSO implementation and authentication easier while keeping security at a high level. Supporting SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect, it also includes adaptive MFA for added protection.
Both are suitable for customer-facing platforms with UniFed and internal teams with Infisign Workforce Identity Management is a reliable access management tool.
With 6,000+ pre-built connections and unlimited directory sync, Infisign helps businesses handle access more efficiently.
- AI-Powered Access Assist: With AI-powered access assist, you can improve how quickly admins can add and remove users. AI-powered access assists allow users to add or remove through Slack, Teams, or even with the usage of chatbots.
- Network Access Gateway: With NAG or Network Access Gateway, users can use on-premises applications from cloud environments where access is allowed through NAG acting as an intermediary for secure access control.
- MPWA: Managed password web authentication, or MPWA, is a feature that allows web-based applications and legacy software to have access control despite not being compatible with typical access protocols or IAM tools.
- Adaptive MFA: Infisign has adaptive MFA, which adjusts the level of authentication required by users based on the risk associated with their device, IP address, or geo-location.
- Just In Time Access + Impersonation: With Just-in-Time access and impersonation, you can allow temporary emergency access to tools for both customers and employees for a limited amount of time. This helps with maintaining overall control over your database even in emergency situations where access must be delegated.
- Attribute-Based Access Control: Attribute-based access control goes one level deeper when compared to RBAC or PBAC control with allowing users to grant and remove access to hundreds or entire groups with a few clicks.
Request a free demo to see how Infisign SSO can strengthen security while keeping access simple.
