How Single Sign-On (SSO) works – and how to add it to your app

Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication method that allows users to access multiple applications with one set of login credentials through a trusted identity provider, such as Okta or Azure AD, streamlining access for users and centralizing security management for organizations. This approach reduces password fatigue, enhances security by allowing IT teams to enforce centralized policies, and facilitates faster onboarding and offboarding. SSO is crucial for B2B SaaS applications, particularly when targeting enterprise customers, as it aligns with compliance standards and simplifies procurement processes. SSO operates on protocols like SAML and OIDC, which differ in their technical implementations but share the goal of delegated authentication. Platforms like WorkOS simplify SSO integration for developers by abstracting protocol differences and managing authentication flows, allowing for rapid implementation of enterprise-grade security features.