SSO and Social login systems are examples of technologies that ease users’ way of logging in or verifying their identity. These two ways have similarities in concepts but are totally different systems or in fact use cases.
Single Sign-On
Single Sign-On is an authentication action that allows websites/applications to use other trustworthy sites to verify users. Enables users to log in or register to multiple applications and websites using a single set of credentials.
SSO is a password authentication method that uses existing account information to log in to new websites/applications that might be in same or different domains.
Typical example is of Google where user login into Gmail account and gets logged in complete google ecosystem comprising of Google drive, maps, music, tv etc. No need to login in each application separately.
Enterprise gains numerous benefits out of SSO as in
- Centralized Control
- No Login implementation required for each application in context.
- Simplicity
- No Need to remember passwords for multiple applications.
Social Login
Social login is a part of SSO, and both these terms enable you to authenticate yourself seamlessly and securely. Social login gathers your login credentials and information from social networking platforms and then provides authentication directly through that information. Social Login is only a part of SSO. SSO includes different ways, one of which is the social login.
Social Login Process
User clicks on the login option and selects the social network application to login.
Social platform receives the authentication request for login and provides permission. User needs to accept/approval the access itself on the screen/page presented user. Social platforms accept the request only if user accepts/approval.
Once approved, user gets authenticated by social platform provided and identity is confirmed.
SSO Vs Single Sign-On
Social Login | Single Sign-On |
Refers to the single-click login method using existing accounts of authenticator networks. | SSO is an authentication method through which they can log in to any application or website with a single login credential. |
Includes multiple identity providers such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google, GitHub, etc | SSO has identity providers for any interconnected websites or applications. E.g., Google Account |
Users don’t need to create new accounts and directly log in through their existing accounts with the social login system | Enables users to visit interconnected and independent apps or sites without re-authenticating frequently. |
Users don’t need to re-create new identities in social login | Users don’t need to reauthenticate interconnected and independent applications. |
This makes it easier to log in with just one account instead of having to remember multiple passwords or accounts associated with each site. | Don't need to worry about implementing a separate login system. just provide one password that works across all your connected accounts |
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