Single Sign-On (SSO) is a cornerstone for both improving the higher education experience and cybersecurity measures. Gone are the days where SSO is seen as a single point of failure or written off as an overly complex inconvenience reserved for large school systems.
While some institutions still mistakenly believe SSO replaces Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), the reality is quite the opposite. The truth is, when implemented correctly, SSO works hand-in-hand with MFA further enhancing security and simplifying access.
Explore five SSO takeaways below to help fortify the security posture of your campus.
1. SSO Is More Secure Than Multiple Logins
By reducing the number of credentials students and staff have to manage, SSO lowers the risk of password reuse and phishing attacks. Fewer logins equate to fewer opportunities for cyber criminals. Pairing SSO and security policies further extend protective measures.
2. SSO and MFA Are Stronger Together
SSO does not replace MFA, they are complementary. Together, they simplify the login process, add layers of security, and bolster defenses against unauthorized access and credential-based attacks. Explore our MFA White Paper to learn more.
3. SSO Secures Campuses Large and Small
SSO isn’t just for big schools with sprawling IT systems, smaller colleges also benefit from its security and simplicity. SSO delivers valuable efficiency, simplifies access, and strengthens security, bringing gains for campuses of all sizes.
4. SSO Improves the Student and Staff Experience
Far more than a convenience, SSO improves student and staff experiences which boost enrollment retention numbers. By reducing login credentials, it cuts password reset requests and frees IT teams to focus on higher-value projects over routine support.
5. SSO Implementation Is Well Within Reach
Modern SSO solutions, like ClassLink, are created specifically for education with pre-built connectors for SIS, LMS, and applications, making deployments fast and easy. Paired with automated rostering tools, they also improve identity governance strategy.
Single Sign-On (SSO) is more than a convenience, it’s a necessity that fortifies security, streamlines access, and improves the campus experience. When paired with MFA and modern tools, it reduces risks, eases IT workloads, and delivers lasting benefits for institutions of every size.