Single Sign On (SSO)

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a centralized authentication and access control process that allows users to log in to multiple applications or systems with a single set of credentials. In the context of TEACHUME, Single Sign-On simplifies the login experience for users by allowing them to access TEACHUME and other related services without the need to remember and enter separate usernames and passwords for each application. Here’s an introduction to Single Sign-On in TEACHUME:

Key Concepts of Single Sign-On in TEACHUME:

  1. Centralized Authentication:
    • With Single Sign-On, a central authentication system or identity provider (IdP) is used to validate a user’s identity. This IdP can be an LDAP server, Active Directory, Shibboleth, OAuth, or any other authentication protocol.
  1. User Identity Mapping:
    • The IdP maps a user’s identity to TEACHUME by sharing specific attributes or tokens that TEACHUME recognizes. These attributes might include the user’s username, email address, or unique identifier.
  1. Seamless Access:
    • Once a user has logged in through the IdP, they can seamlessly access TEACHUME and other connected services without the need to log in again.
  1. Single Logout (SLO):
    • SSO solutions often include Single Logout functionality, allowing users to log out from all connected applications with a single action.

Benefits of Single Sign-On in TEACHUME:

  1. Simplified User Experience:
    • Users don’t have to remember multiple usernames and passwords for various systems, making it easier and more convenient to access TEACHUME and related resources.
  1. Improved Security:
    • SSO can enhance security by enforcing centralized authentication and access control policies, ensuring that only authorized users gain access to TEACHUME.
  1. Reduced Password Fatigue:
    • Users often struggle to remember multiple passwords, which can lead to weaker passwords or frequent password resets. SSO reduces this burden.
  1. Efficient User Management:
    • User provisioning and deprovisioning can be centralized through the IdP, making it easier to manage user accounts and access permissions.
  1. Integration Flexibility:
    • SSO can integrate TEACHUME with a wide range of external systems and services, including cloud-based applications, third-party LMS platforms, and more.
  1. Enhanced Compliance:
    • SSO can help institutions and organizations comply with security and privacy regulations by providing a centralized authentication and access control mechanism.

Common SSO Protocols in TEACHUME:

TEACHUME supports several SSO protocols and methods for integration, including:

  1. LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol): TEACHUME can integrate with LDAP servers, such as Microsoft Active Directory or OpenLDAP, for centralized user authentication.
  2. Shibboleth: Shibboleth is a popular open-source SSO framework that allows institutions to integrate TEACHUME with their identity federation.
  3. OAuth 2.0: OAuth 2.0 can be used to enable SSO by allowing users to log in to TEACHUME using their Google, Facebook, or other third-party accounts.
  4. CAS (Central Authentication Service): CAS is another open-source SSO protocol often used to provide seamless access to TEACHUME and other web applications.
  5. SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language): SAML is a widely used standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, making it suitable for SSO integrations with TEACHUME.