What Is Single Sign-On (SSO) and Does Your Business Need It?

Single Sign-On (SSO) lets your team access multiple applications using just one set of login credentials. That means fewer passwords to remember, fewer login prompts during the day, and less time spent recovering forgotten credentials.

But SSO isn’t just about convenience. It can also improve security and simplify how access is managed across your business.

What does SSO actually do?

Instead of signing into each tool separately—email, file storage, CRM, HR software—SSO connects them under one login. That login is usually managed through an identity provider like Microsoft Azure AD or Google Workspace.

Once a user logs in, they can access all approved tools without entering more passwords.

Benefits for your business

• Fewer password resets
  One login means less time wasted on forgotten passwords.
• Faster onboarding and offboarding
  Add or remove someone from one system and it updates across all connected apps.
• Centralized control
  Easier to manage who has access to what. Also easier to audit.
• Supports MFA
  MFA can be enforced at the identity provider level, increasing security without relying on individual tools.

What types of apps can be included in SSO?

Many commonly used business tools support SSO. These typically include:

• Email and productivity suites (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
• File storage platforms (Dropbox Business, Google Drive, OneDrive)
• HR and payroll systems (BambooHR, Gusto, ADP)
• CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Monday.com, Jira)
• Video conferencing tools (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams)
• Cybersecurity platforms (Duo Security, Okta, Cisco Umbrella)

Before implementing SSO, check with your IT partner to see if your most-used apps are compatible.

Is SSO a replacement for a password manager?

Not really. SSO works well when most of your tools support it, but that’s not always the case—especially for industry-specific or older software.

Password managers are still essential for tools that aren’t connected to your SSO setup.

Many businesses use both.

Learn more about password managers: How to Choose a Password Manager for Your Business

Security considerations with SSO

While SSO can improve security by reducing password fatigue and centralizing access control, it also introduces new risks.

Because one login unlocks access to all connected tools, SSO can become a single point of failure. If an attacker compromises a user’s credentials, they may be able to access everything.

That’s why businesses need to pair SSO with stronger protections:

• Use phishing-resistant MFA such as authenticator apps or security keys, not just SMS-based codes
• Adopt a zero-trust approach that continuously verifies access and doesn’t assume users are safe just because they’ve logged in once
• Monitor login activity and configure alerts for unusual behavior
• Review provider track records for known vulnerabilities or attack vectors like access token leaks, session hijacking, or password spraying

SSO is powerful—but it’s not a silver bullet. It should be part of a layered security strategy, not a replacement for one.

What to consider before setting up SSO

Setting up SSO isn’t always straightforward. Different platforms have different integration requirements, and not every tool your team uses may support it—especially older or industry-specific applications. Some businesses may also find that enabling SSO requires technical configuration beyond what’s available in their current licensing plan.

Here are a few questions to help you prepare:

• Do your key tools support SSO?
• Are you already using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace? These platforms can often be used as your main login.
• Do you need IT support to configure it?
• Is it included in your current licensing plan, or does it require an upgrade?

Sound complicated? Don’t let that stop you

Setting up SSO might sound technical—and it can be—but the right IT partner will know how to make the process smooth. A good setup should feel seamless to your team. They’ll just log in once and get to work.

And from what we’ve seen, employees usually appreciate the change. No more juggling passwords. No more repeat logins throughout the day. Just one secure way to access the tools they already use.

Plus, it helps keep your business safer. When it’s done right, SSO makes both the user experience and your security posture stronger.

Does your business actually need SSO?

SSO isn’t just for large enterprises. It can be a good fit for businesses that are starting to experience friction with managing user access, dealing with multiple login systems, or handling growing security needs. If your team regularly switches between tools, struggles with password resets, or you need a faster way to manage onboarding and offboarding, SSO might make sense.

Here are a few common situations where businesses benefit from SSO:

• Businesses growing past 10–20 employees
• Organizations with remote or hybrid teams
• Companies managing sensitive client or employee data
• Teams using several SaaS tools across departments
• Businesses looking to simplify MFA across multiple platforms

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If you’re starting to feel the strain of managing multiple logins—or just want a cleaner, more secure way to handle access—SSO might be worth a closer look. And if you’re not sure where to start, we can help you figure out if it makes sense for your setup.

Horizon helps SMBs across Western Canada implement smart security practices like SSO and password management—without overcomplicating how your team works.