SSO Examples: Real-World Use Cases and How to Implement Them

Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication scheme that allows users to log in once with a single set of credentials to access multiple applications or websites, thereby reducing the hassle of managing multiple usernames and passwords. SSO enhances security by centralizing authentication, which minimizes password reuse and the risk of password-related breaches while providing faster access and reducing IT support needs. It operates by using a central identity provider to verify user credentials and issue tokens that grant access to various applications. Different protocols like SAML and OAuth/OpenID Connect facilitate this process, with real-world examples including Google Sign-In and Facebook Login. In enterprise settings, providers like Okta offer robust SSO solutions, while open-source options like SuperTokens allow for custom identity management. SSO is widely used across industries such as e-commerce, education, healthcare, and SaaS, each benefiting from streamlined access and improved security tailored to their specific needs.