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What Is Single Sign-On (SSO) and Why It Matters for Your Business

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This blog is 346 words, a 1.5-minute read.

Managing dozens of logins across different platforms is time-consuming and frustrating for employees. It also increases the risk of weak passwords and unauthorized access.

Single Sign-On (SSO) allows users to sign in once and gain secure access to all the tools they need without re-entering passwords for each one. It simplifies the login process while improving security for the organization.

How SSO Works

With SSO, users authenticate once using a central identity provider like Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) or Okta. Behind the scenes, the system handles access to all connected applications through secure tokens.

This means one password gives access to:

  • Email (Outlook, Gmail)

  • Productivity tools (Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint)

  • Business platforms (Salesforce, QuickBooks, internal portals)

Benefits of SSO

1. Time Savings for Employees

Logging in once instead of multiple times each day reduces frustration and increases productivity.

2. Fewer Password Resets

One password means fewer support tickets and fewer forgotten credentials.

3. Stronger Security

SSO supports centralized control, password policies, and integration with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for additional protection.

4. Easier Onboarding and Offboarding

Access to all systems can be managed from one place — granting or revoking rights in minutes.

Microsoft Entra ID vs. Okta

  • Microsoft Entra ID works well for organizations already using Microsoft 365.

  • Okta offers broader app integrations and more advanced identity features for mixed environments.

Some businesses use both — Microsoft for Microsoft apps and Okta for third-party software.

Next Steps

If your team is managing multiple logins across apps, or if password-related support requests are slowing things down, SSO is worth serious consideration.

To move forward:

  1. Evaluate your current environment – What apps are in use? Where are users logging in most often?

  2. Decide on a provider – Microsoft 365 users may benefit from Entra ID, while more diverse platforms might require Okta.

  3. Consider layering in MFA – For added security, pair SSO with multi-factor authentication.

  4. Plan the rollout – Start with a test group before expanding company-wide.

Implementing SSO is one of the fastest ways to improve both user experience and security posture — without adding complexity.

 

Edited by:

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