SSO

Single Sign-On

Authenticate once, access many systems.

When you'd see it: Enterprise IT and any "Log in with Google / Okta / Microsoft" button. SSO means authenticating once to reach many systems.

Why it matters: SSO lets one verified identity unlock many applications, improving both security (one strong login, central control) and convenience. It is why cutting off a departing employee can be a single action.

Common mistakes: Treating SSO as only a convenience. Its larger value is control: one place to enforce MFA and to revoke all access instantly.