Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication process that allows a user to log in once and gain access to multiple applications or systems without needing to log in again for each one.
🔐 Different Types of Single Sign-On (SSO) Methods
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common SSO methods and where they shine:
🌐 Web-based SSO (via SAML)
Protocol: SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language)
How it works: XML-based assertions between Identity Provider (IdP) and Service Provider (SP)
Use case: Enterprise apps like Salesforce, Google Workspace
Providers: Okta, Azure AD
📱 OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect (OIDC)
Protocol: OAuth 2.0 (authorisation), OpenID Connect (authentication)
How it works: Token-based (ID Token, Access Token) via HTTP
Use case: Mobile apps, APIs, modern web apps
Providers: Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Auth0
🖥️ Kerberos-based SSO
Protocol: Kerberos
How it works: Ticket-based authentication via a central server (e.g., Active Directory)
Use case: Internal Windows environments
Provider: Microsoft AD
🔑 Token-Based SSO (JWT, SAML tokens)
How it works: Tokens issued post-login (e.g., JWT) are used for subsequent authentications
Use case: APIs, microservices, SPAs
Providers: Auth0, Firebase, custom setups
🗂️ Delegated Authentication via LDAP
How it works: Authenticates against a central user store using LDAP
Use case: Legacy systems, internal tools
Providers: OpenLDAP, Microsoft AD
🪪 Smart Card / Certificate-Based SSO
How it works: Digital certificates are stored on smart cards or the OS
Use case: High-security sectors (government, finance)
Examples: PIV cards, CAC cards
Each SSO method has its strengths — SAML excels in web-based enterprise environments, OIDC/OAuth 2.0 dominate modern cloud and mobile apps, Kerberos and LDAP suit internal corporate networks, while certificate-based systems secure high-assurance sectors.
The right choice depends on your architecture, security requirements, and application ecosystem.
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