Single sign-on, or SSO, ]allows you to log in to different resources or servers with only a single set of credentials. This technology makes it easier for the user and more secure for a company. As a senior citizen center administrator, you may be concerned about increasing cyber threats to organizations. With sensitive resident information at stake, understanding more about how SSO improves your company’s cybersecurity is essential.

Single sign-on security risk is an important topic today, especially in the healthcare industry, which must comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. In this guide, we’ll explain how SSO improves companies’ cybersecurity and how it can help safeguard senior care communities’ sensitive information.

What Is SSO in Cybersecurity?

SSO gives you as a user access to numerous applications with one set of login credentials, enhancing security and user experience. It works through a relationship between your identity provider (IdP) — a system that manages user identities — and the service provider (SP) where the IdP authenticates you as the user and passes an assertion to the SP for access. This streamlines the sign-in process.

For example, instead of needing to remember five passwords for five different applications, you can use a single set of login credentials to access each of them. SSO reduces password fatigue while improving security and boosting productivity.

Here’s how SSO typically functions:

1. Authentication: When you try to access a system or application, you’re directed to the SSO service for authentication.
2. Verification: You enter your credentials — normally a username and password — into the appropriate fields, and the SSO verifies your identity.
3. Token generation: Upon successful authentication, the SSO service generates a secure token — or a secure digital master key — that contains information about your identity and permissions.
4. Token exchange: This token is then passed to the application or system you want to access.
5. Access: The application or system validates the token received from the SSO service and grants access.

Cybersecurity Challenges in the Senior Care Communities 

In the healthcare sector, especially the senior care industry, sensitive resident information must be protected and maintained. Some common cybersecurity challenges in this industry include:

• Vulnerable data: Assisted and senior living communities store sensitive data like medical records, personal information and financial details, making them attractive targets for data breaches.
• Limited IT resources: Many senior care communities have limited IT resources and budgets, which can make it challenging to implement robust cybersecurity measures and keep up with evolving threats.
• Lack of awareness: Staff members may not always be adequately trained on cybersecurity best practices, leading to potential vulnerabilities like falling for phishing attacks and ransomware or inadvertently disclosing sensitive information.
• Legacy systems: Older systems and software at many senior care communities may have security vulnerabilities that need updates to lower the risk of exploitation by threats.
• Third-party risks: Some senior care organizations work with various third-party vendors for services like electronic health records systems or telemedicine platforms, which introduce additional cybersecurity risks if these vendors have insufficient security measures in place.
• Mobile device usage: The increasing use of mobile devices in healthcare settings can create security challenges as they may contain sensitive data and be susceptible to loss or theft.
• Regulatory compliance: Senior and assisted living care communities must comply with regulations such as HIPAA, which mandates structural security measures to protect patient data. Noncompliance may result in legal consequences.

SSO simplifies user access management for those working in senior care communities. It makes it easier to monitor and control who can access what and keeps data safe from potential cybersecurity threats.

Benefits of Implementing SSO Security in Senior Care Communities

Implementing SSO security benefits organizations in the senior care industry in the following ways:

• Improved user experience: SSO eliminates password fatigue and frustration and allows seamless access to applications with only one username and password.
• Simplified operations: SSO solutions help IT teams streamline tasks, accelerate user onboarding and reduce operational costs.
• Reduced risk: SSO strengthens security and reduces cybersecurity attacks by eliminating risky password practices. You can complement it with frequent password changes, robust login management and role-based access control.
• Encryption: SSO can encrypt data exchanges for added security.
• Cost efficiency: SSO security solutions can reduce your IT support costs associated with password resets and account management.
• Compliance adherence: By implementing cybersecurity measures, such as SSO, your organization meets regulatory requirements in handling patient and other sensitive information.

Frequently Asked Questions About SSO 

Below are a few questions commonly asked about SSO and cybersecurity.

Can You Use SSO and MFA at the Same Time? 

Both SSO and multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be implemented for an added layer of security, even though they serve different purposes.

SSO focuses on user convenience and streamlined access across multiple platforms with a single login. In comparison, MFA strengthens security by adding extra layers of verification to ensure users’ identities. MFA requires two or more forms of verification, typically via passwords, tokens or biometrics. Therefore, even if a password is compromised, MFA reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

What Are the SSO Security Risks and Drawbacks?

SSO, like any user authentication system, has potential downsides when used on its own. One of the risks of compromised SSO systems includes accessing multiple systems or applications linked to one account. However, you can combat SSO security risks by:

• Implementing MFA in conjunction with SSO.
• Using biometric authentication for sensitive accounts.
• Conducting regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities in the SSO system.
• Configuring the SSO system with proper encryption and access controls.
• Enforcing strict access control policies to limit privileges.
• Developing an incident response plan for SSO security breaches.

Is SSO a Type of SAML?

Although SSO is related to security assertion markup language (SAML), they’re dissimilar. SAML is an open standard that exchanges authentication and authorization data between an IdP and an SP. It enables SSO by allowing the exchange of security information between these entities. When you attempt to access a platform, the SP requests authentication from the IdP through SAML messages, which communicates that authentication to multiple applications.

Improve Your Senior Care Community’s Cybersecurity With Prelude Services

SSO plays a vital role in enhancing security within a senior and assisted living care organization. It simplifies access management while strengthening authentication processes. By implementing SSO as part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, you can reduce the risk of password-related vulnerabilities and mitigate risks associated with cybersecurity threats.

Prelude Services has the capabilities and expertise to provide a variety of cost-effective and practical solutions for senior care organizations. Whether you need additional cybersecurity, infrastructure support or IT outsourcing management, we welcome the chance to walk you through our comprehensive IT solutions.

Let’s improve the well-being and security of your platforms and protocols. Get in touch with us today.