Which technology ensures a user can authenticate once and gain access to multiple systems?

Single Sign-On (SSO) is the technology that enables a user to authenticate once and access multiple systems without needing to log in separately to each one. The primary benefit of SSO is improved user convenience and productivity, as it reduces the number of times users need to remember and enter their credentials across various applications and systems. In a typical SSO setup, once the user successfully logs in through a centralized authentication server, they receive a token that grants them access to other linked services without additional authentication prompts.

This technology often integrates with various identity providers and applications, allowing seamless transitions between different systems while maintaining a secure authentication process. It centralizes management of user credentials, which can enhance security as well since it simplifies monitoring of access and potentially reduces credential fatigue that can arise from managing multiple logins.

In contrast, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) focus on enhancing security by requiring additional verification methods beyond just a username and password. These mechanisms do not inherently provide access to multiple systems upon a single authentication event; rather, they add layers of protection for a single login.

Federated Identity Management facilitates the sharing of identity information across trusted domains or organizations, which can also support SSO in some scenarios. However