What is SSO?

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a powerful tool in modern authentication. With SSO, there is no longer the struggle of jumping between apps and entering passwords repeatedly. It lets users access multiple applications with just one login.

In today’s enterprises, SSO is crucial. It enhances security by minimizing password vulnerabilities. With fewer passwords to manage, there's less chance of breaches. Users appreciate the streamlined experience, reducing what's known as "password fatigue"—the frustration of remembering numerous complex passwords.

SSO isn't just about ease of access. It integrates smoothly with other security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) and Identity Access Management (IAM). By combining these systems, enterprises create a robust security framework that adapts to evolving threats and user needs.

For IT administrators in large enterprises, SSO simplifies life. Managing authentication across various platforms becomes less of a chore. It offers a compliant and reliable way to handle identity management. Plus, customization options ensure it fits the unique needs of any organization.

With SSO, security doesn't mean sacrificing convenience—it's about enhancing both. Here’s our detailed guide to SSO for B2B apps.

Understanding Single Sign-On

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a clever way to manage user access. With SSO, users need just one login to access multiple applications. No more juggling different passwords. It’s straightforward and secure.

Single Sign-On (SSO) simplifies user access by centralizing authentication through an Identity Provider (IdP). When a user logs in, they authenticate once with the IdP, which then issues an access token. This token acts as a digital pass, granting access to linked applications without needing additional logins.

Here's how the process unfolds:

1. User Authentication: The user logs in through the IdP using their credentials. This step involves verifying identity and ensuring the user is who they claim to be.
2. Token Issuance: Upon successful authentication, the IdP issues an access token. This token is a secure, encrypted piece of data that confirms the user's identity.
3. Token Validation: The user's access token is sent to the Service Provider (SP) when they want to access a particular application. The SP validates the token with the IdP to ensure it's legitimate and hasn't expired.
4. Access Granted: Once the token is validated, the user gains access to the application. This seamless process eliminates the need to repeatedly enter credentials.

SSO relies on protocols like SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect to facilitate communication between IdPs and SPs. These protocols ensure that each step of the authentication and token validation process is secure and efficient.

For a comprehensive guide on implementing SAML with Okta, you can refer to our step-by-step SAML implementation guide for developers. With SSO, enterprises streamline access management, enhancing both security and user experience without the hassle of multiple passwords.

Types of SSO Solutions

• Cloud SSO Solutions: Cloud-based SSO is perfect for SaaS apps. It offers flexibility and ease of management, making it ideal for businesses scaling up.
• On-Premise SSO Solutions: These are hosted within an organization. They offer high control and customization, fitting enterprises with specific security needs.
• Mobile SSO Solutions: Mobile SSO streamlines access on smartphones and tablets. It’s all about ensuring seamless transitions across mobile applications.
• Web SSO Solutions: These focus on web app access. They’re tailored to handle the specific requirements of web-based platforms.

Benefits of SSO Tools

SSO solutions bring a host of benefits to enterprises, revolutionizing how users access applications. Here are a few:

• Enhanced security
• Reduced password fatigue
• Increased productivity
• Cost-efficient IT management

Security Considerations for SSO Tools

Security is a big deal when it comes to Single Sign-On (SSO). One of the key concerns is the central point of failure. Since SSO consolidates access, a breach here can impact multiple systems. That's why securing the SSO infrastructure is crucial to protect against cyber threats.

Phishing is another risk. Attackers might try to steal credentials to gain unauthorized access. This makes it vital to enhance security measures.

Here’s how you can mitigate these risks:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security. Even if passwords are compromised, MFA makes it harder for attackers to access accounts.
• Continuous Monitoring: Keep an eye on login activities. Detect unusual behavior early to prevent potential breaches.
• Employee Training: Educate staff about phishing tactics and safe login practices. Knowledge is a powerful defense against social engineering attacks.
• Secure Token Management: Safeguard authentication tokens. Ensure they're encrypted and have short lifespans to reduce misuse risks.
• Regular Security Audits: Conduct frequent checks on the SSO setup. Identify and fix vulnerabilities to strengthen defenses.

For a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of authentication in B2B SaaS applications, including essential features like stringent password policies and session management, read our detailed article on B2B SaaS Security & Trust.

Different Types of SSO Protocols

Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols are the backbone of seamless authentication. They enable users to access multiple applications with one login. Let's explore some popular protocols and their unique features.

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language): This protocol is popular in enterprise applications. It enables a secure exchange of authentication and authorization data between parties. SAML is XML-based and ideal for environments requiring high security and complex identity federation.
For more insights on implementing SAML effectively, you might find our guide on navigating SAML pitfalls useful.

OAuth: This open standard is widely used for token-based authentication and authorization on the internet. It allows third-party applications to access user data without exposing passwords. OAuth is common in social media and cloud services, making it great for scenarios where apps need to share data securely.

OpenID Connect (OIDC): Built on top of OAuth 2.0, OIDC provides authentication and identity verification. It simplifies managing user identities across web and mobile platforms. OIDC is user-friendly and integrates well with modern web applications, offering a straightforward approach to identity management.
Scalekit offers a streamlined solution for implementing SSO with OpenID Connect, enhancing security and user experience.

Kerberos: This protocol uses secret-key cryptography for secure network authentication. It's often employed in on-premise environments, especially within Windows domains. Kerberos relies on a trusted third-party server to authenticate users and is known for its robust security.

Each protocol serves specific needs and use cases. Understanding these helps IT administrators choose the best fit for their organizational requirements.

Implementing SSO Tool

Implementing SSO solutions in an enterprise environment calls for careful planning and attention to detail. Start with a system assessment. Evaluate your existing infrastructure to understand current capabilities and identify necessary upgrades for SSO integration. This step ensures that the SSO solution aligns well with your current systems.

Compatibility with APIs is crucial. Check if the SSO tools can seamlessly integrate with your existing software through API compatibility. This ensures smooth data exchange and operational efficiency. Don't overlook legacy systems. Many enterprises still rely on older software, so make sure your SSO solution supports legacy system integration. This guarantees that all parts of your infrastructure work in harmony.

Customization plays a big role. Every organization has unique needs, so your SSO should offer customization options. Tailor authentication methods to fit your security policies and user experience preferences. This flexibility ensures the system adapts to your specific requirements.

Scalability is another key factor. As your enterprise grows, your SSO solution should scale accordingly. Ensure that the chosen system can handle an increasing number of users and applications without compromising performance.

Consider these elements to implement a robust and efficient SSO solution, paving the way for improved security and user experience in your organization. If you are ready to start implementing check out our detailed guides on:

• SAML based SSO implementation
• OIDC bases SSO implementation

Top SSO tools

1. Scalekit

Scalekit is a top-tier SSO solution primarily for B2B enterprises. They stand out because of their seamless integration capabilities with enterprise systems like CRM and ERP. Their ability to support SAML and OpenID Connect is a clear win because of its compatibility with various identity providers (IDPs).

Offers excellent API and SDK integrations that benefit teams loving customizations. Additionally, the social login options through Google, Microsoft, and LinkedIn makes it apt for both internal and external user bases. 

Lastly, from a security standpoint, Scalekit offers multi-factor authentication (MFA) and also complies with SOC2 and ISO 27001. 

Key features:

• Full support for multi-tenancy and role management.
• SCIM provisioning is available but might require some additional configuration based on the enterprise environment.
• Flexible and customizable user journeys through API and SDK. 

Pricing: Scalekit is positioned for enterprise clients with transparent pricing models scaling based on additional features. Starts at $79/month with straightforward pricing, no limits on MAUs or organizations, and includes unlimited connections in production environments.

Best for: Enterprises and SaaS companies requiring flexibility and deep customization, valuing sophistication like multi-tenancy, strong security framework, and advanced API capabilities.

2. Auth0

Auth0 is one of the most popular brands used by both new and mature companies. They are known for being versatile and adapting to the needs of both B2B and B2C environments. Regardless of the tech stack, its support for APIs, SDKs, and other pre-built integrations makes it easy to integrate with existing infrastructure.

Again, Auth0 also supports both SAML and OIDC. However, some cross-application SSO features are restricted to higher-tiered pricing, making it expensive for teams with limited budgets. Social logins and enterprise system integrations make it desirable too.

While one of Auth0's USPs is its customization, it still requires significant dev efforts, making it less suitable for teams looking for no-code or low-code options.

Key features:

• Comprehensive integration options with social logins and enterprise systems.
• MFA and risk-based MFA options are available, though advanced needs for the latter need customization.
• SCIM provisioning is available only on higher-tier plans.

Pricing: Auth0 has a variety of pricing models, ranging from free plans to starter kits to attract 0-1 startups, and extending up to enterprise-grade packages. Starts at $35/month for B2C and $150/month for B2B, but costs can escalate significantly with increased MAUs and organizations.

Best for: Companies with significant integration requirements across various platforms.

Drawbacks: Quite a lot of users expressed dissatisfaction with B2B workflows.

3. Descope

Descope is a modern, no-code SSO solution solving complex user journeys and integrations, predominantly serving the North American markets. It is positioning itself as a CIAM solution for both B2B and B2C companies. However, its journey traces back to starting as a passwordless Auth solution. From there, it expanded into authentication and authorization. Built for companies who are looking to implement SSO solutions without a lot of dev effort. Descope also offers APIs, SDKs, and no-code workflows to make integration easier. 

Its standout feature is the drag-and-drop no-code customization to build user authentication journeys and flows without coding much. Descope provides risk-based MFA as a part of its advanced security features. It has strong support for both SAML and OIDC.

Key features:

• No-code workflow builder for complex user journeys.
• Automated SCIM provisioning and tenant-aware management to simplify identity management.
• Offers risk-based MFA, adding an extra layer of security.

Pricing: Descope offers competitive pricing for startups and enterprises. Starts at $250/month for an annual commitment.

Best for: B2B businesses looking for no-code implementation.

4. Frontegg

Frontegg is another SSO tool built primarily for B2B tools, offering out-of-the-box support for SAML and OIDC. It offers machine-to-machine authorization, social logins, and MFA.

Frontegg offers pre-built workflows with team management and role-based permissions. It helps SaaS companies offer a self-service experience for their users, allowing them to configure their own SSO settings.

From a security perspective, it offers forced MFA, IP blocking, and password history tracking. While its SCIM provisioning is available, it is restricted to higher-tier plans, which might not make it the best fit for smaller organizations.

Key features:

• Full SSO support through SAML and OIDC, with social login options.
• Multitenancy with control over user access-based permissions.
• Pre-built workflows for team management, permissions, and user onboarding.

Pricing: Frontegg’s pricing model is tiered and customizable based on their scale and is not available publicly.

Best for: SaaS companies looking for a self-service experience for their users.

Drawbacks: Several companies have reported dissatisfaction with this solution, citing issues such as lack of flexibility, instability, and bugs, which have led them to seek alternative SSO tools.

5.  WorkOS

WorkOS is designed for large-scale enterprise clients and is known to be B2B enterprise-ready. It supports both SAML and OIDC, providing seamless integration with major identity providers (IDPs) such as Okta, Azure AD, and Google Workspace. It has a simple yet comprehensive API documentation. 

What sets them apart is their first-mover advantage with SSO, offering enterprise-level SSO support for both SAML and OIDC along with SCIM provisioning. This platform also offers a self-service option to configure SSO, thereby reducing engineering effort. 

WorkOS as a brand is growing strong with its maturing product, posing itself as a strong competition for other SSO, and SCIM products. 

Key features:

• Enterprise-level SSO support with integration options for major IDPs.
• Real-time SCIM provisioning for user management
• Self-service options allow non-tech users to manage SSO settings

Pricing: While WorkOS is positioned toward enterprises, it has a tiered plan too. Starts at $99/month. As it may arise with most enterprise tools and solutions, WorkOS has a reputation for being pricey. 

Best for: Large enterprises looking for a scalable SSO with real-time SCIM provisioning.

6. Clerk

Clerk is built for the B2C environment and offers pre-built solutions for web applications, tracing its origin to the Javascript ecosystem. It is designed for quick and easy implementation, allowing businesses to integrate and start using it rapidly with minimal setup time. It supports OIDC and SAML for SSO, but its customization options are limited to pre-built widgets. This means it might not be suitable for businesses with advanced configurations.

While Clerk focuses on API-first and simple integrations, it lacks complex multi-tenant support and other advanced security features available in other tools. MFA is available but it is basic compared to other risk-based solutions.  

Key features:

• Ease of integration with pre-built solutions for web applications
• Basic SCIM provisioning suited for small businesses.
• Simplified tenant management for basic authentication functions.

Pricing: Affordable and has a reputation among small-scale businesses and 0-1 startup teams. Starts at $25/month and has other custom pricing plans.

Best for: Small businesses looking for a faster setup.

7. Stytch

Stytch is an API-first platform designed for both B2B and B2C applications, with deeply customised authentication flows for web and mobile applications. It supports both SAML and OIDC but requires technical intervention for setup.

Stytch offers MFA, but like Clerk, it lacks a risk-based MFA and advanced security options. SCIM provisioning and tenant management are also present, but it’s more tailored for small to medium-sized businesses.

Key features:

• API-first integration for mobile and web applications.
• Customizable user journeys but via APIs and hence needs tech intervention.
• Basic tenant management focused on user authentication.

Pricing: Flexible, scales with the number of active users but starts at $249/month

Best for: Teams that are looking for API-first integrations but also have technical resources for much more complex and custom integrations. 

Overview of top SSO Tools

Common Challenges While Implementing SSO Tools

Implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) in an enterprise setting isn't always smooth sailing. It comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right approach, you can tackle them effectively.

Integration can be tricky. Organizations often face difficulties aligning SSO with existing systems and applications. Ensuring that the SSO solution communicates seamlessly with different platforms is essential. This requires a deep understanding of your current tech stack and choosing SSO tools that support flexible integration options like APIs.

Managing multiple applications is another hurdle. Enterprises typically have a wide range of software and platforms. Coordinating SSO across these varied environments demands meticulous planning. It's crucial to map out which applications need SSO and how they'll interact with your identity provider.

High availability is a must. The SSO system needs to be reliable and always accessible. Downtime can disrupt access to critical business applications. To ensure high availability, invest in robust infrastructure and consider solutions with features like multi-region deployment.

Here are some practical tips to overcome these challenges:

• Thorough Planning: Start with a detailed assessment of your current setup. Identify potential integration points and prepare for any technical adjustments needed.
• Continuous Monitoring: Keep an eye on your SSO system's performance. Regularly check for any issues and optimize as necessary.
• Collaboration: Work closely with your IT team and vendors. Their expertise is invaluable in navigating complex integrations and troubleshooting.
• Scalability: Choose an SSO solution that scales with your business. As your enterprise grows, your authentication strategy should adapt without major overhauls.
• Documentation and Training: Provide comprehensive guides and training for your team. A well-informed team can manage and maintain the SSO system more effectively.

By addressing these challenges head-on, you can create a seamless and secure SSO environment that enhances user experience and boosts operational efficiency.

For more insights on implementing SSO and overcoming common challenges, you can explore our blog on authentication, security, and SSO solutions.

Conclusion

SSO solutions make logging in easy and secure. With one login, users access multiple apps effortlessly. This streamlines work and reduces password hassles. Users love it, and it boosts security by limiting weak points.

Several SSO protocols exist. SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect each shine in different areas. SAML works great for big companies, ensuring safe identity sharing. OAuth excels when apps need secure access to other data. OpenID Connect manages user identities across platforms smoothly.

When setting up SSO, security comes first. Use multi-factor authentication, watch your system closely, and manage tokens safely. Regular security checks strengthen your defenses.

IT teams should evaluate what their organization needs and think about how SSO can enhance security and user experience. Scalekit provides robust solutions supporting many identity providers and protocols. Our tools integrate smoothly with your current systems. The right SSO approach will boost your security, simplify access, and increase productivity.