While these topics may seem somewhat disparate, there is actually a common thread amongst them: They all have security officers and end users concerned.

Single Sign-On and a Secure Portal

Over the last several years, some of the most common security articles have concerned passwords, potential hacking of accounts, data security and cloud applications. While these topics may seem somewhat disparate, there is actually a common thread among them: They all have security officers and end users concerned.

So how do we start to address the concerns and limit the vulnerability? The combination of single sign-on (SSO) with a secure portal and multi-factor authentication just may be the answer to the majority of the concerns. The number of credentials that an end user must remember to login into personal and work-related applications has most definitely exceeded the average person’s ability to remember them without some crutch. That may be writing them down on a sticky note, storing them in a plain text file or using the same set across multiple systems. The advent of SSO and password manager technology has greatly alleviated the need for these non-secure password storage/use methods. End users only need to remember the single set of credentials (one user name and password combination) to access the SSO login, and access to all authorized applications are automated as the SSO caches or remembers the apps for everything else.

The common concern with this approach has been if that one set of credentials is stolen or compromised, a nefarious individual now has the keys to the kingdom and can wreak havoc on the organization’s information and steal sensitive data. The most common approach to secure that one master key had been two-factor authentication (2FA). By using a form of 2FA – biometrics, fingerprint, keystroke recognition, PIN code, etc. – it is possible to secure the single password with something that only the real user would have.

Also, newer technology has evolved in the form of software enforced security and can be utilized with or without 2FA to make the use of the password even more secure. By introducing a secure portal, which becomes the only avenue that users can access their applications, it is possible to set further restrictions. These restrictions can include IP ranges, on/off company network, time of day, device type and location. Enhancing these measure even further, they can be defined per application, group or individual.

Let’s take a look at a quick example: John Smith works in the finance department as an accounts payable controller. He accesses the financial application only from inside the network between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from his desktop PC. However, he accesses email anywhere from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. from either his PC or his smartphone. Using a combination of the restrictions, the finance application can be restricted to a PC with a specific IP on the network, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the email supplication can be accessed from the PC or an iOS smartphone with a specific MAC address on any network between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. If someone were to gain access by hacking John’s password, they would not be able to access the finance application if they were physically on John’s desktop nor would they be able to access the email if they did not have John’s iOS device.

Combining the access rules with 2FA, such as biometrics, safeguards the single password needed to access the secure portal even more so. By locking down the access to especially sensitive applications to time of day, device, IP and network, it is completely feasible to minimize the risk associate with the SSO credential. The result is a happier employee -- as he or she now only needs to recall one set of user credentials -- and a happier security officer as they can be assured that access is tightly controlled.

Until the much-touted, ultimate demise of the password occurs, the best an organization can do is implement as many security fences around applications as possible and secure the password itself with either two- or multi-factor authentication.

Featured

  • Facing Facts for Facilities

    Despite the proliferation of constantly evolving security solutions, there remains a troubling trend among many facility operators who often neglect the most important security assets within their organization. Keys and shared devices like radios, laptops and tablets are crucial to successful operations, yet many operators are managing them haphazardly through outdated storage systems like pegboards and notebooks. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Security Training Reduces Global Phishing Click Rates by 86%

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its “Phishing by Industry Benchmarking Report 2025” which measures an organization’s Phish-prone Percentage (PPP) — the percentage of employees likely to fall for social engineering or phishing attacks, indicating the organization’s overall susceptibility to phishing threats. This year’s report found a global average baseline PPP of 33.1%, meaning a third of employees interact with phishing simulations before taking part in best-practice security awareness training (SAT).COVER 2025-PIB-NA-Report_EN-US Read Now

  • TSA Begins REAL ID Full Enforcement Today

    Today, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the imminent implementation of its REAL ID enforcement measures at TSA checkpoints nationwide. Read Now

  • Body-Worn Cameras on the Rise

    On the evening of Oct. 29, 2024, the owner of 300 Guard based in Houston, was shot while on duty at a convenience store. He returned fire. He was wearing a plated vest and thankfully recovered in the hospital. Read Now

  • Brazil Port Enhances Surveillance and Supports Wildlife Conservation with Sustainable Technology

    Ferroport, which operates the iron ore terminal at the Port of Açu in São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has deployed state-of-the-art video surveillance cameras from Axis Communications to enhance nighttime security and visibility, while decreasing environmental impact and prioritizing sustainability. With cutting-edge technology, the port now has precise surveillance cameras that capture high-quality nighttime images, while reducing the amount of artificial lighting that negatively impacts the surrounding ecosystem. Read Now

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.