Single Sign-On (SSO)

5 minutes 5 Questions

Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication method that allows users to access multiple, related systems or applications with a single set of credentials. SSO simplifies the user experience by reducing the number of times a user must authenticate when working with several systems. In turn, this decreases the potential for password fatigue and the risk of compromised credentials. SSO typically involves the use of a centralized identity provider, which acts as a trusted authority responsible for validating the user's credentials and granting access to connected systems. To maintain security, SSO systems often use secure tokens and various encryption methods.

Guide for Single Sign-On (SSO) Exam

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a valuable part of identity and access management. Why it is important:
It is important because it enhances productivity and provides a seamless user experience by reducing the time spent on the sign-in process, reduces password fatigue, and also improves security measures by lowering the chance of password loss or theft.

What it is:
SSO is a user authentication service that allows a user to use one set of login credentials to access multiple applications. It authenticates the user for all the applications they have been given rights to and eliminates further prompts when the user switches applications during a particular session.

How it works:
When a user attempts to access an application, the SSO solution requests authentication. If not already authenticated by SSO, the user signs in the SSO solution, becoming authenticated. Now, when the user tries to access another application, the SSO solution verifies the user's authentication to the new service.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Single Sign-On (SSO)
- Understand the basic characteristics and functioning of SSO.
- Be aware of the advantages and potential security issues related to SSO.
- Remember that SSO helps to improve both end user experience and system security by minimizing the need for multiple passwords.

Test mode:

Exam (Timed)

Practice (With explanations)

Start practice test

Question 1

A company has implemented SSO across its network, and an employee loses their access badge. What security risk is the company exposed to if the badge is not reported as lost?

Unauthorized access to multiple applications Man-in-the-middle attack SQL Injection Denial of Service (DoS) attack

Correct Answer: Unauthorized access to multiple applications

SSO allows for one set of credentials to access multiple applications. If an employee loses their badge and it's not reported as lost, an attacker could gain unauthorized access to multiple applications using the lost badge as the authentication method. The other options are not directly related to the scenario and the risks associated with a lost access badge.

Question 2

ABC Corp is implementing SSO and has received security requirements from the Legal department. The requirement states that an external user should not have direct access to internal systems. Which SSO solution would best meet this requirement?

SAML Password synchronization OAuth Password vaulting

Correct Answer: SAML

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is an XML-based protocol allowing the exchange of authentication and authorization data between parties. This SSO solution would help meet the legal requirement as external users would not have direct access to internal systems. Other SSO solutions focus on the authentication and authorization within a single organization.

Question 3

A company wants to allow their employees access to various cloud services with the same credentials as their internal network resources. Employees should not sign into each service separately. Which SSO solution should be implemented?

Password vaulting Federated SSO Password synchronization Kerberos

Correct Answer: Federated SSO

Federated SSO allows for a seamless experience across multiple organizations by exchanging standardized tokens containing user authentication data. This method is suitable for providing access to various cloud services and internal resources. Other methods may work for specific applications or within a single organization but do not solve the issue of seamless access for multiple cloud services.

Go Premium

CISSP Preparation Package (2024)

More Single Sign-On (SSO) questions

9 questions (total)