Organizations which use single sign on authentication processes are able to improve their security by implementing SSL certificate solutions. This is because this type of authentication only requires users to enter in a single log-on name and password in order to gain access to all approved resources. Even if the resource is not immediately connected to, their computer stores their log-on information in the background and uses this to complete authentication processes without prompting users to re-enter it each time a new application or network connection is made. SSL is secure socket layer protocol that helps secure transmissions sent over networks. SSL can be used for email, internet access, instant messaging, and other applications conducted over a network or the internet. Without any sort of added security, users’ information could easily be accessed while connected over a network.
Two Factor Authentication Is an Alternate Method Used in Place of Single Sign-on Authentication
An alternative security method that may be used in place of SSL and single sign-on authentication is two factor authentication. The primary difference between these two authentication methods is how users supply their log-on information. With two factor authentication processes, users first attempt to make the connection over the network. They are then prompted to supply a digital certificate containing their authentication information for accessing the resource. Once this has been validated, they are allowed to enter in their user name and password. With this setup, each time a new resource is accessed over a network, the user must provide the appropriate digital certificate.