Some organizations are focused on improving the customer experience. Others are enhancing their employee experience. Every organization, however, needs to provide a great login experience.
The best two approaches to a great login experience are via multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SOO). Evaluating MFA vs. SSO, however, can be complicated.
Understanding the Difference Between SSO and MFA
According to the FIDO Alliance’s 2023 Authentication Barometer survey report, consumers are manually entering passwords nearly four times a day, or 1,280 times a year.
Relying on outdated login approaches like that only increases IT security risks. However, until the MFA vs. SSO debate is resolved, almost any passwordless authentication method would be better to keep data safe.
What is the difference between MFA vs. SSO? Let’s break down both approaches.
What Is Single Sign-On (SSO)?
A recent history of SSO traces the technology back to the 1990s, though it has become far more ubiquitous since the emergence of cloud computing.
Definition and benefits of SSO
Want to check your e-mail? “Please enter your password.” Need to log into your company’s database? “Please enter your password.” Time to upload your expenses into the employee portal? You guessed it: “Please enter your password.”
SSO provides an alternative to entering multiple passwords repeatedly by providing users with a single set of credentials that will work across several different applications. This could be a set of internal business applications, those used by customers or even citizens accessing a set of online government services.
How SSO simplifies user authentication
By taking the “one ID to rule them all” approach, SSO does away with the need to create multiple passwords that they’ll need to remember. It can also avoid the tendency to create weak passwords that increase cybersecurity risks.
Enhancing productivity with SSO
SSO is obviously a time-saver for people who would otherwise have to pause and log into multiple applications. There could also be a productivity boost for IT departments who sometimes have to spend considerable time helping people recover or reset passwords.
What Is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
MFA does not necessarily replace SSO, but it takes a different approach that puts a stronger emphasis on cybersecurity by introducing additional steps at login.
Explanation of MFA and its advantages
Rather than provide access to applications as soon you enter your passwords, MFA requires two or more ways to authenticate yourself.
The credentials involved tend to fall into a couple of common categories. It could be something you know (like a password) combined with something you have, like a key fob you have on your device, or a text message with a unique code that gets sent to your phone.
MFA can also incorporate biometric identifiers, like your retina or your fingerprint.
Having to use multiple credentials can greatly reduce the likelihood hackers or other third parties could break into an application or system. It's also a great login experience because it provides extra peace of mind, knowing that only authorized people will get access to highly valuable or sensitive information.
Different MFA methods and their effectiveness
In a 2023 study, researchers found all MFA methods have their benefits and drawbacks. However they concluded certificate-based authentication worked well when tough security was paramount. If usability was a bigger priority, biometrics may work better, the study suggested.
Securing user accounts with MFA
Usually, MFA is deployed by providing those who will use it an overview of how it works and why it’s necessary. There may be additional steps in the set up or enrollment process as they’re creating or updating accounts and profiles, such as capturing a retina or fingerprint scan or providing their phone number.
MFA vs SSO: Choosing the Right Authentication Approach
According to a 2024 report from the Identity Defined Security Alliance, 90% of organizations have experienced an identity-related security incident in the past year, and 84% said it had a direct impact on their business. That means the MFA vs. SSO question is quickly becoming critical if you want to keep data secure.
Comparing the features and functionality of SSO and MFA
Though SSO removes the need for multiple credentials, it also gives attackers a single “door” to break through before they can access multiple applications and services. MFA makes breaking in harder, but it is not foolproof. Both methods will likely get better over time. In fact, the National Security Agency and Enduring Security Framework (ESF) published a report in late 2023 recommending areas to improve both MFA and SSO.
Understanding when to use SSO or MFA
SSO can provide a balance between security and convenience in environments where cybersecurity risks are lower, and the data involved is less sensitive. MFA may be preferable in situations that require a higher level of defense, such as financial services applications.
Choosing the right authentication approach should take into account any existing attacks the organization has experienced, industry regulations, and emerging threats.
Benefits of combining SSO and MFA for enhanced security
One answer to the MFA vs. SSO debate is to use both. For example, an organization could adopt SSO to provide access to a set of applications and services but add MFA as part of that process. You’re still streamlining the login experience but layering on more robust data protection mechanisms.
Implementing SSO and MFA for Improved Security
Deploying new authentication methods can help build trust and confidence among customers and employees alike. Here’s how:
Best practices for implementing SSO and MFA
Take the time to research MFA and SSO solutions that align with your organization’s security requirements. Once you’ve chosen a provider, review any policies and procedures you’ll need to introduce or update. Educate everyone who will be using these new approaches, and of course test thoroughly before going live.
Considerations for integrating SSO and MFA into existing systems
Authentication technologies need to roll out without disrupting existing operations. Think about a phased approach across departments and explore running the solutions in a staging environment before going live.
Securing sensitive data with SSO and MFA
There may be areas that are more important to use SSO and MFA than others. Your priorities could include deploying MFA and SSO to applications and systems that store customer contact information and transaction histories first.
Choosing LastPass for SSO and MFA
Why LastPass is a trusted SSO and MFA provider
It’s easy to get started with SSO when you choose LastPass, which we offer as part of LastPass Identity Suite. LastPass also offers Adaptive MFA, and customers trust us because we offer more ways to authenticate that help meet unique business needs.
Unique features and benefits of LastPass for SSO and MFA
Our approach to authentication is based on a passwordless user experience that can secure every access point based on a combination of factors that adapt to uses and scenarios. We make our solutions simple to deploy and can conveniently integrate them with common user directories.
Customer success stories and testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it, though – discover how a range of organizations have already benefited from LastPass MFA and SSO solutions.
Then, start your LastPass trial to experience the benefits of MFA and SSO for yourself.
