Security and convenience rarely go hand in hand, which is why single sign-on (SSO) vs. multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a topic of debate among many.
Do you trade the hassle of managing multiple passwords and credentials for a seamless SSO experience that relies on a single passphrase, or do you double down by adding additional layers of security with MFA?
Worry not, in this blog, we’ll delve headfirst into the SSO vs MFA debate and explain how each of them differs and why using both might be in your best interest.
What is single sign-on (SSO)?
Single sign-on, or SSO, is an authentication method that allows users to log in and access applications or websites after verifying that the user is who they say they are. What this means is that users have to enter a single set of credentials only once to get access to multiple connected apps and systems without re-entering credentials each time.
At its core, SSO is designed to reduce password management and ensure a seamless user experience. It helps enhance productivity across the floor, reduces the load on IT admins for password resets, and centralizes access control policies.
What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, is a security protocol that adds an extra layer of protection to user accounts by requiring two or more forms of identification for authorizing access. This authentication is based on the combination of – something you know (like a password), something you have (such as a smartphone or security token), and something you are (fingerprints and biometrics).
While SSO simplifies access and makes life easier for users, MFA locks it down and makes it harder for attackers.
Key differences between SSO and MFA
SSO and MFA both play a vital role in security and access, but they address different problems. SSO is focused on convenience and user experience, letting users log in once to access multiple applications without managing separate credentials for each.
MFA is designed to reduce the risk of cyberattacks and enhance security and data integrity, requiring users to verify their identity through two or more factors before granting access. It also helps the secure system become more resistant to phishing attacks and credential theft.
Here’s an overview of the key differences between MFA and SSO:
| Aspect | MFA | SSO |
| Primary goal | Tightens security by reducing unauthorized access and strengthening the authentication process | Simplifies login and access to required services and apps with a single set of credentials and reduces login fatigue |
| Security | Reduces the threat of breach when one set of credentials is compromised | Centralizes identity management |
| User experience | Adds extra steps for verification and access, which may create some friction | Streamlines the login process for faster access and a frictionless experience |
| Complexity | Requires setup for adding a multi-layered authentication process | Requires integrating apps and services with a single login system |
| Compliance | Helps meet compliance standards such as GDPR, CIS, and HIPAA | Creates immutable audit trails and centralized reports of access logs |
| Scalability | Requires training for users and configurations by IT teams | Highly scalable across enterprise systems |
| Shortcomings | Multiple authentication processes may create fatigue and inconveniences for users and increase IT load for solving issues | Single point of access; compromised credentials may grant threat actors complete access to the user system |
| Use case | For high-compliance sectors such as banks and hospitals that need tight-knit security | Granting access to mission-critical services such as GWS and Microsoft 365 to increase productivity |
| Protocols used | FIDO2/WebAuthn, TOTP, SMS/Email OTPs, and push notifications | SAML, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect |
Why you should use both MFA and SSO?
SSO offers convenience at the cost of simplified authentication, and MFA trades the convenience for hardened security. Instead of picking either one over the other, the best solution is to implement both to cover their gaps.
Combining both SSO and MFA creates a robust defense against cyberthreats and strikes a balance between convenience and security. With SSO, users enjoy the simplicity of logging in once, while MFA adds an extra layer of protection to ensure that even if the passphrase is compromised, the attacker doesn’t get access to the entire system.
This secure and scalable approach is applicable for several industries and use cases, such as:
Organizations with complex IT infrastructure
Organizations with diverse systems, multiple departments, and global operations need both centralized access and robust security.
In such a scenario, SSO streamlines access across platforms for HR and day-to-day operations, while MFA ensures that only verified users gain entry for high-risk operations like payroll processing or executive dashboards.
Government and healthcare sectors
Sectors such as these handle highly sensitive data and are often targets of cyberattacks. Here, SSO balances usability for employees as MFA adds extra layers to enhance security protocols.
This allows for frictionless access to services while maintaining compliance standards through rigorous checks for authentication and verification.
Retail and frontline sectors
Retail stores having an online storefront may want to implement SSO for customers to seamlessly browse the store and its services while implementing MFA for employees in order to secure sensitive data.
Frontline workers need quick and easy access to information and apps when operating in the field, which can be delivered through SSO, while their devices are secured through strong MFA in case of theft.
Don’t settle for half the security
As more and more of the workforce migrates to digital-only environments, the expectations for a seamless and secure work environment have become more than clear.
SSO and MFA represent the fundamental layers of security that can work in tandem to combat vulnerabilities while creating a hassle-free experience that boosts productivity. Combining them allows organizations to maintain a smooth user experience while defending against modern threats.
Scalefusion OneIdP provides organizations with a sophisticated suite of tools to implement SSO across their ecosystem and solidify their security posture with a robust MFA solution. It offers peerless compatibility to integrate with existing systems and tailors features to match the specific needs of organizations. With features such as Zero Trust Access, enhanced and conditional SSO, robust MFA, and Extended Access Policies, OneIdP solves all your security and management challenges.
Create a secure access and simplified login experience for your workforce with Scalefusion OneIdP.
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