In this article, we’ll cover how a zero-trust IAM like infisign can help you comply with data compliance laws, improve your security, and lower administrative costs in your company
What is SSO?
Single Sign On is a framework or process that allows users to access multiple applications or platforms after signing in only once.
A good example of this would be how Google lets you use Gmail, your notes app, and many other apps without having to keep signing you in.
Now imagine this, but with apps built by different companies - that’s what software like Infisign allows through universal sign-on.
Why Should You Use SSO?
- It saves you time
- It allows you to track all apps used from one place
- Creates a better user experience
- Improves productivity
- Better for security
What is MFA?
Multi-factor authentication or MFA is a login process that needs you to use more than one type of authentication to sign in to a platform or company.
MFA makes use of something you know (a password or passcode), something you have on you (an OTP, email access, or device), and something that's characteristic of who you are (biometrics like a fingerprint or facial recognition).
IAM or CIAM platforms like Infisign allow you to utilize these alongside conditional MFA - meaning you can change the methods of login required based on criteria like a new IP code, location, or device. One example of this would be Google sharing a code when you log in to your account on a new device.
Why Should You Use MFA?
- A no-nonsense approach to security
- Reduces the chances of your accounts being taken over
- Guarantees all employees keep information safe
- More flexibility in authentication compared to 2FA
How to Use SSO and MFA to Improve Security
Make Sure to Pick the Right SSO and MFA Provider
Selecting the right SSO and MFA tools makes a huge difference in terms of security outcomes. While there are many authentication solutions available, choosing one that reduces risks and prioritizes user convenience can be a bit hard to do immediately.
For platforms handling sensitive data, SSO with MFA is essential. Infisign simplifies user access while providing robust protection through multiple authentication layers, reducing the chances of unauthorized access.
But by using Infisign not only do you improve your security, but it also creates trust and reassures your employees and customers against potential breaches.
Enhance Security With Social Logins and OTPs
Depending on user authentication patterns, you can improve security by combining social logins and OTPs.
Unlike traditional methods, social logins improve the sign-in process while making sure that the user’s identity is verified through a trusted external platform.
Which is where platforms like Infisign are invaluable - they can added directly to your platform and help enable different types of authentication and ways to onboard users quickly.
What this means is that the authentication is faster, and the OTP adds an additional layer of security, helping safeguard accounts and reduce unauthorized access risks.
Make Use of Adaptive MFA and Conditional Access Policies
A lot of the time, traditional SSO and MFA setups aren't enough to fully secure authentication. Adaptive MFA and conditional access policies in applications like Infisign dynamic solutions that adjust authentication requirements based on user context.
This means that factors like device, location, and time of access are analyzed to determine the level of security needed.
These advanced controls allow businesses to add security measures to specific risk factors, making them more effective at safeguarding user accounts without unnecessarily hindering the user experience.
Optimize SSO and MFA Frameworks With Directory Sync
SSO and MFA frameworks are essential for improving security, but optimizing them with directory sync can take it a step further. While there are many methods to secure user access, IAM software like Infisign that syncs directories and simplifies authentication processes can make a huge difference.
The most important part is that it lets you integrate all your tools and platforms with one SSO a lot easier - especially in the case of automated directory sync frameworks which is what tools like Infisign do.
Not only does this boost security, but it also gives stakeholders confidence in the platform’s ability to prevent unauthorized access and safeguard sensitive data.
Keep Your Employees or Users Informed About Your Security
Quite often, security measures like SSO and MFA are only as effective as the communication surrounding them. While these systems protect user accounts, keeping users informed about changes, such as new authentication steps or security alerts, is just as important.
This means platforms need to use clear notifications and updates to make sure users understand any new security protocols in place, creating both trust and compliance. This also helps users remain aware of what’s happening with their accounts, making security less of a mystery and more of a transparent process.
Create Different Authentication Journeys Based on User Conditions
Based on user risk profiles, device status, and location, you can create tailored authentication journeys to strengthen security. Unlike traditional authentication methods, this approach allows you to trigger additional authentication steps like MFA when specific conditions are met.
What this means is that users only experience a better process when it’s safe, while additional measures are applied when necessary. Software like Infisign does this improving both security and user experience. Infisign also helps comply with regulatory standards by adapting security protocols to user context.
Use Biometric Authentication for Quick Authentication
Using biometric authentication takes SSO and MFA a step further. While there are many ways to authenticate users, creating a system that quickly and accurately verifies identities using biometrics is no simple task.
This is when an IAM or CIAM platform is invaluable - it has biometric authentication that can be used in both token-based or passkey-based authentication frameworks with your devices.
For platforms dealing with sensitive information, biometric authentication makes the authentication process faster while adding a stronger layer of protection. It reassures stakeholders that user access is tightly controlled and fraud risks are minimized.
Opt to Use a Zero Trust Security Solution for Better Security
Based on access patterns, device health, and user roles, a Zero Trust model can create customized security checks for each request. Unlike traditional models that trust users once authenticated, Zero Trust assumes no one is trusted by default and verifies each access attempt.
This creates more granular control over data access, helping prevent unauthorized actions while maintaining high security. It also supports compliance by minimizing exposure to threats through continuous verification processes.
Implement AI Access Management for Easier User Experience
While many systems offer secure authentication, creating one that adapts to user behavior and simplifies access using AI access management is ideal.
Infisign’s AI access management allows for dynamic authentication based on user patterns, reducing unnecessary steps while maintaining high security. Not only does this streamline access, but it also reassures stakeholders that security is both robust and flexible.
What Are Features Aside From SSO and MFA to Improve Authentication Security?
Zero Knowledge Proof Authentication
Zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) authentication offers an added layer of protection. Many systems focus on traditional methods, but ZKP allows for user verification without sharing any sensitive data.
This approach strengthens security by ensuring that authentication occurs without exposing credentials, reducing the risk of data breaches. Not only does it protect user privacy, but it also builds confidence among stakeholders by maintaining strict security protocols.
Managed Password Web Authentication
Based on user authentication patterns and behavior, you can create strategies to secure access through managed password web authentication. Unlike traditional authentication methods, this system handles passwords securely while preventing data leaks by using encrypted storage.
What this means is that users' passwords remain protected, with no direct exposure to unauthorized access, which significantly aids compliance.
Brute Force Protection
Brute force attacks are a common threat that can bypass basic security layers. A lot of the time, securing authentication processes against these types of cyber threats goes beyond just SSO and MFA.
This is where systems equipped with detection tools that block repeated, unsuccessful login attempts come into play. These systems create barriers against such attacks, alerting users or administrators if suspicious activity is detected.
Additionally, these tools enabled through a software like Infisign can lock accounts temporarily, requiring additional verification methods, which strengthens overall authentication processes
Universal SSO integration
Universal SSO is a powerful way to improve authentication security beyond traditional SSO and MFA methods. While many solutions aim for secure access, creating one that works across multiple platforms and services is a challenge.
Universal SSO simplifies user access by allowing one set of credentials to work across various systems, boosting convenience and security. This approach not only strengthens user verification but also improves your access and the speed at which you access applications without lowering security.
HRIS Integration
Based on employee roles, job status, and HR data, you can create access strategies to trigger responses based on information from your HRIS system. Unlike traditional systems, HRIS integration with authentication platforms allows for dynamic access control and role-based updates.
This means you can track employee changes while maintaining security, ensuring only authorized individuals have access, which is beneficial for compliance and streamlined user management.
SCIM Provisioning
SCIM provisioning helps in improving authentication security beyond traditional SSO and MFA. While many focus on basic authentication, SCIM improves user management by automating account creation and updates across platforms.
This reduces human error and speeds up user access while ensuring that only authorized individuals can gain entry. What this does is make sure that access controls are both precise and efficient, improving overall platform security.
Why Choose Infisign for SSO and MFA?
Unlike a lot of other IAM or CIAM software, Infisign is built on a zero-trust and zero-proof framework from the ground up - this means your user data leaking or hackers taking advantage of security gaps is a lot less unlikely. Aside from that, we have tenant-based pricing and features like directory-sync and use of passkeys which you can use without additional costs. On the whole, Infisign is a lot more affordable and scalable compared to manual provisioning and typical authentication frameworks - why not check out our free trial to know more?
