MFA vs. SSO: What is the Difference?
Tags: mfa, sso, authentication, cybersecurity
Published: 2023-02-13 06:28:43

Over the years, Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-on (SSO) have become crucial parts of authentication. MFA ensures the application and data security against various [cyber attacks](https://mojoauth.com/blog/password-attacks/), while SSO ensures a great user experience as users don’t have to create or remember another account password.

The articles cover more details on each of these authentication approaches, including:

- What is Multi-factor Authentication?
- What is Single Sign-on?
- MFA vs. SSO: How Do MFA and SSO Work Together?
- MFA vs. SSO: What is the Difference?
- MFA vs. SSO: Which is More Secure?
- When to Choose MFA for Your Business
- When to Choose SSO for Your Business

## **What is Multi-factor Authentication?**

MFA requires multiple factors to authenticate a user after the first successful authentication, such as Email link, Email OTP, Phone SMS OTP, or biometric. It is designed to provide an additional layer of security by reverifying the user’s identity.

**Examples of MFA Authentication**

- When users enter a password to access their Gmail account, it asks them to provide a second factor of authentication, such as an OTP or code from the authenticator app, before letting them access the account. Only after verifying both password and OTP/code, users are allowed to access Gmail accounts.

- While withdrawing money from an ATM machine, users first provide their ATM card, which acts as the first factor for authentication. They then provide the ATM PIN to validate the second factor of authentication.

## **What is Single Sign-on?**

SSO enables users to log in to multiple applications automatically with a single set of credentials. This authentication method saves users time and makes it easier for them to access the resources they need while also simplifying the management of user identities.

**Examples of SSO Authentication**

- When users are logged in to Gmail, it automatically logs them into other related services of Google, such as YouTube and Google Analytics.

- In an office setup, if the employee is logged in to their central system, they can automatically access other employee services such as Employee Portal.

It simplifies the login mechanism by eliminating the need for users to remember multiple usernames and passwords for each application.

The next sections discuss the difference between SSO and MFA and help you decide which is best for your organization.

## **MFA vs. SSO: Which is More Secure?**

Both Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO) have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to security. MFA is considered more secure because it adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password or single-factor authentication and can prevent[ 99.9% of account attacks](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2019/08/20/one-simple-action-you-can-take-to-prevent-99-9-percent-of-account-attacks/).

SSO, on the other hand, allows a user to automatically log into multiple applications with just one set of credentials. While SSO can make the login process more convenient, it also represents a single point of failure. If a hacker gains access to a user’s SSO credentials, they can potentially access all the connected applications.

In conclusion, MFA is considered more secure due to the added layer of security. But both MFA and SSO can be effective if implemented properly and used in the right circumstances.

## **MFA vs. SSO: How Do MFA and SSO Work Together?**

MFA and SSO can complement each other to provide a more secure and seamless user experience.

When MFA and SSO are combined, users can automatically initiate logging in once with their single set of credentials and then complete MFA to access all of their applications and services.

This makes the process more secure and convenient - by eliminating the security risk of SSO and user experience concerns of MFA. The following explains how:

- Although MFA adds to the security posture of authentication, it comes with concerns about hampers user experience. As the user is first required to enter a password (that they should remember) and then enter another factor (code or OTP) sent to them, making the entire authentication process lengthier.

- On the other hand, SSO is great for user experience - who would not want automatic logins with one set of credentials? But comes with the security concern of a single point of failure, the threat of impacting all related applications is hackers get access to base credentials.

Combining SSO with MFA effectively overcomes both above-explained concerns, thus, a great user experience with added security.

**Here is an example of how SSO and MFA will work together - Active Directory and Employee Portal are connected with SSO in this example:**

1. User is logged into their base application, let’s say Active Directory Employee Account.
2. User tries to access their employee portal that contains PII (personally identifiable information) and finance information.
3. The first factor of login will be auto-complete, as the user is already logged in to their Active Directory Employee Account.
4. Employee portal would request for 2nd factor of authentication, which can be a push notification sent to their mobile device.
5. Users will confirm the 2nd factor of authentication by confirming the access via push notification.
6. Upon successful verification of both authentication factors, the employee will be able to access the employee portal.

## **MFA vs. SSO: What is the Difference?**

The following explains the differences between MFA and SSO:


![MFA v/s SSO](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8rj2osj1c4i3v19i1n1j.jpg)

The article has already discussed how combining SSO and MFA is a great solution to the security and user experience needs of businesses. However, you can also utilize them individually as per your business needs.

The following sections talk about when SSO or MFA is a good fit individually for your business:

## **When to Choose MFA for Your Business**

MFA provides an additional layer of protection for business data, networks, and systems, helping to keep businesses safe from cyberattacks. Here are a few tips on when businesses should consider implementing MFA:

**1. Store Sensitive Information**

If a business stores sensitive information, such as personal data, financial information, or trade secrets, it should consider adding MFA to protect that information.

**2. Have Remote Workers**

If a business has employees who work remotely, it should consider adding MFA to secure remote access to the company’s systems and data.

**3. Use Cloud Services**

If a business uses cloud services to store data, it should consider adding MFA to secure access to that data. This is especially important for businesses that use cloud services for critical business operations.

**4. Want to Comply With Regulations**

If a business must comply with regulations, such as HIPAA or PCI-DSS, it should consider adding MFA to meet those regulations’ security requirements.

**5. Want to Increase Security**

If a business simply wants to increase the security of its authentication process, it should consider adding MFA. MFA provides an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

**6. Experienced a Data Breach**

If a business experiences a data breach, it should consider adding MFA to prevent future breaches. MFA provides an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

If the business falls into any of the above-explained categories, consider implementing MFA. Check out the best practices to finalize MFA for your business [here](https://mojoauth.com/blog/multi-factor-authentication-best-practices/).


## **When to Choose SSO for Your Business**
SSO improves user onboarding and makes it easier for them to access the applications they need. Here are a few tips on when businesses should consider implementing MFA:

**1. Use Multiple Applications**

If a business uses multiple applications, it should consider using SSO to simplify the login process for users. With SSO, users only need to enter their login credentials once and can then access all the applications and websites they need without having to log in again.

**2. Want to Simplify IT Administration**

If a business wants to simplify the administration of its IT systems, it should consider using SSO. With SSO, IT administrators can manage user access to all the applications and websites in one central location, reducing the time and effort required to manage multiple systems.

**3. Have Remote Workers**

If a business has employees who work remotely, they should consider using SSO to simplify the login process for remote workers. With SSO, remote workers can access all the applications they need from anywhere without having to remember multiple login credentials.

**4. Want to Increase User Productivity**

If a business wants to increase the productivity of its users, it should consider using SSO. With SSO, users can access all the applications they need quickly and easily without having to log in multiple times or remember multiple login credentials.

If the business falls into any above-explained categories, consider implementing SSO.

## **Conclusion - SSO vs. MFA**

In conclusion, from MFA vs. SSO analysis, businesses can make Single Sign-On (SSO) better and more secure by incorporating [Passwordless Multi-Factor Authentication](https://mojoauth.com/products/multi-factor-authentication/). By doing so, businesses can take advantage of the convenience of SSO while also adding an extra layer of security.

This approach helps against the single point of failure threat that comes with SSO, and if a hacker gains access to the SSO credentials, they will not be able to get access to connect applications due to added MFA.

Passwordless MFA eliminates the need for users to remember and manage another factor. Instead, it uses alternative authentication factors, such as biometrics or push notifications, to verify a user’s identity. This makes the login process even more convenient while also increasing security. Know more about implementing [MFA feature.](https://mojoauth.com/products/multi-factor-authentication/)

In summary, combining SSO and Passwordless MFA can provide a balance between convenience and security.