SSL server and code sign certificates can be used to increase security whenever your organization relies upon single sign on authentication. This method of authentication is where users enter in a single user name and password to gain access to all approved resources on your network, as well as online. Because there is an increased risk with using single sign on, you need to take steps to improve security and prevent unauthorized access to your company’s data and resources. By using SSL and code sign certificates, authentication processes not only involve verifying the correct user name and password were entered, but also checks to ensure they have the required certificate.
Convert Single Sign on Authentication to Two Factor Authentication
Another method your company can consider using to increase the security of single sign on authentication processes is to replace it with two factor authentication. Two factor authentication (2FA) not only requires users to input a user name and password, but also supply a digital certificate. 2FA is slightly different from SSL and code sign certificates, because users must select the certificate when they are prompted for it. With SSL and code sign certificates, the certificates are automatically verified in the background, just like the user’s log in and password. Converting your existing procedures to 2FA is not complicated. Users are still able to use a single user name and password to gain access to your network and resources. The only added step is asking them to provide their digital certificate prior to the actual log in.