What is Single Sign-On and Why it’s a Game Changer - IntelligenceBank (2024)

What is Single Sign-On?


We often find ourselves juggling multiple usernames and passwords for various software applications. Use enough software and you end up creating a complex web of credentials that can be cumbersome to manage. Single Sign-On (SSO) simplifies this process by allowing you to log in just once with your primary set of credentials. After this initial login, you gain seamless access to all SSO-enabled applications without needing to re-enter your username and password for each one. This not only enhances security but also significantly improves user convenience.

Why You Need Single Sign-On



Using SSO as your authentication process means it’s actually less of a ‘process’. It provides a better user experience on many fronts:


Security


SSO offers a whole lot more protection than logging in with a username and password each time. When users have to remember multiple passwords, they often resort to unsafe practices such as writing them down, using simple and easy-to-guess passwords, or reusing the same password across different applications. These practices lead to security vulnerabilities. By reducing the number of times users need to log in, SSO minimizes the risk of phishing attacks and password fatigue.

Efficiency

The marketing collateral production cycle works at warp speed. Hitting a roadblock simply trying to access a platform wastes valuable time. When you’re switching between platforms, logging in with lengthy credentials after timing out on each is nothing short of maddening. SSO is also a time saver for administrators, as they don’t have to manually register each user’s details. Instead, user information is automatically retrieved from the business’s existing directory or database.

Reduces the cognitive load


No need to remember credentials, reset passwords – and better yet – make unnecessary calls to Marketing or IT. It also helps out those that are less tech-savvy.



How to Get Started With SSO at IntelligenceBank


SSO is an optional add-on at IntelligenceBank so you need to contact your Customer Success Manager to initiate the process. Setting it up is a simple process for your IT department and we will work with them to ensure smooth implementation. Technical information about SSO can be found here.

What About External Users?

Agencies, freelancers and brand partners often have access to the IntelligenceBank platform. The best practice security measure for external users is to add Two Factor Authentication (2FA) to their login. Requesting a second level of authentication via a separate email or text is a way of ensuring login details cannot be widely shared.

Regardless of whether you have SSO and 2FA, IntelligenceBank is a robust and secure platform as it stands. By including additional security measures you further enhance the protection of your data, ensuring peace of mind that you are maintaining the highest standards of security.