What is Direct Login?
Direct login is a conventional login method where users are required to enter a unique username and password to gain access to each specific application or website. For instance, when accessing the FMG platform, you would use your FMG-specific credentials to log in. These credentials are unique to FMG and are not shared with or applicable to other platforms or services. This means that if you are registered on multiple platforms, you will need to remember a different set of credentials for each one. This differs from SSO where one set of credentials can grant access to multiple applications. The direct login method does not share authentication across applications, making it distinct from SSO.
What is Single Sign-On (SSO)?
Single Sign-On, commonly known as SSO, is a user authentication method that some FMG enterprise customers adopt via their Service-Provider-Initiated SSO gateway. SSO allows users to access multiple applications or websites by using a single set of login credentials. This streamlined process not only simplifies the login experience but also enhances security and overall user experience.
How Does SSO Work?
SSO serves as a centralized session and user authentication service, where a single set of login credentials can grant access to multiple applications. The main objective of SSO is to minimize the number of times a user needs to enter login credentials, making the login process more efficient.
On your first login, SSO establishes an active session. Then, when you try to access another application that uses the same SSO system, you're automatically logged in. This seamless transition is possible because the SSO system verifies your identity to the new application based on your active session.
The Importance of SSO
- Improved User Experience: SSO simplifies the login process for users. Instead of remembering numerous usernames and passwords, users only need to remember a single set of credentials.
- Enhanced Security: SSO reduces the risk of password fatigue, where users reuse the same password across multiple sites. It also allows more robust password policies, as users only need to remember one complex password.
- Increased Productivity: SSO can save time for users as they don't need to repeatedly enter login credentials when switching between apps.