May 1, 2024
Updated July 6, 2025
15 minute read
Single Sign-On (SSO) is a method of authentication that allows users to access multiple applications or systems with a single set of login credentials. SSO is a convenient and secure way to manage user access, as it eliminates the need for users to remember multiple passwords and it reduces the risk of unauthorized access to applications and systems.
Why Learn Single Sign-On?
There are many reasons why someone might want to learn about Single Sign-On. Some of the benefits of learning about SSO include:
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Improved security: SSO can help to improve security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access to applications and systems. By using a single set of login credentials, users are less likely to be phished or hacked, and they are less likely to forget their passwords and leave systems vulnerable to attack.
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Increased convenience: SSO can make it more convenient for users to access multiple applications and systems. By eliminating the need to remember multiple passwords, users can save time and effort, and they can be more productive.
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Reduced IT costs: SSO can help to reduce IT costs by reducing the amount of time and effort that IT staff spend on managing user access. By using a single set of login credentials, IT staff can easily provision and deprovision users, and they can quickly reset passwords if necessary.
How to Learn Single Sign-On
There are many ways to learn about Single Sign-On. Some of the most popular methods include:
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Find a path to becoming a Single Sign-On. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected 25 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Single Sign-On.
Authored by a highly influential figure in the identity space, this guide analyzes OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect, explaining not just how they work but the reasons behind their design. It offers a deep and insightful understanding of these key SSO protocols.
Is excellent for gaining a broad understanding of the key protocols underpinning modern SSO. It demystifies OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, and SAML 2.0, which are frequently mentioned in the course titles provided. It's suitable for developers and architects involved with identity management solutions.
Focusing specifically on OpenID Connect, the identity layer built on top of OAuth 2, this book is crucial for understanding modern authentication flows used in SSO. It provides example-driven guidance for securing various application types, directly relevant to the course contexts.
Offers a practical, step-by-step guide to planning, designing, and deploying IAM solutions. It breaks down complex concepts into manageable components and provides a proven method used in numerous successful deployments. This valuable reference for understanding the broader context of SSO within IAM.
Offers an in-depth view of the OAuth 2.0 protocol from a client perspective, focusing on practicality and security. It's useful for developers integrating with OAuth 2.0 service providers, a common scenario in SSO.
Offers a holistic approach to IAM, focusing on fundamental principles, processes, and technologies. It provides valuable context and practical guidance for implementing IAM solutions, which include SSO.
A concise guide to building an OAuth 2.0 server, this book offers high-level overviews and practical examples. It's a good starting point for understanding the core concepts of OAuth 2.0, which is integral to many SSO solutions.
Offers a deep dive into digital identity protection, covering areas like identity federation tools, which are directly relevant to SSO. It provides a broad perspective on managing digital identities in today's technological landscape.
Focuses on identity and data security specifically for web development, covering best practices that are important when implementing or integrating with SSO solutions in web applications.
Provides a fresh perspective on IAM systems through the lens of Systems Engineering principles. While not solely focused on SSO, it demystifies the complexities of authentication and authorization within a broader system context, valuable for a deeper understanding.
Provides a clear and practical description of authentication and authorization for websites, including discussions on OpenID and OAuth. It's a good resource for understanding the foundational concepts relevant to SSO in web applications.
Collection of the core RFCs related to OAuth 2.0, providing the foundational specifications. It is essential for anyone needing a deep, technical understanding of the protocol, valuable for advanced study and reference.
This primer provides strategies and focuses on key issues in identity management, including single sign-ons. It's a good resource for gaining a foundational understanding of the concepts behind SSO.
This resource tailored for IT managers explores cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and cybercrime prevention with a focus on identity access management. It provides a broad understanding of the security landscape where SSO operates.
While not solely focused on SSO, this book provides a practical approach to cybersecurity risk management, emphasizing the importance of access control and identity management. It's valuable for understanding the security context in which SSO is deployed.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/sg7iea/single