Single sign-on (SSO)

Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication scheme that allows users to access multiple applications and services with one set of credentials. For cloud security engineers, SSO provides a crucial tool for managing user access across various cloud services while enhancing both security and user experience.

SSO systems typically work by authenticating a user once and then passing authentication tokens to other applications and services, eliminating the need for users to log in separately to each system. This not only improves user convenience but also reduces the security risks associated with managing multiple passwords.

In cloud environments, SSO plays a vital role in streamlining access management across diverse cloud services and applications. It helps address the challenges of securing access in complex, multi-cloud architectures where users may need to interact with numerous systems. SSO solutions often integrate with identity providers and support various authentication protocols used in cloud environments. By implementing SSO, cloud security engineers can enhance their organization's security posture by reducing password fatigue, improving password hygiene, and gaining better control and visibility over user access across their cloud ecosystem.