What is the Difference Between SSO and LDAP?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between SSO (Single Sign-On) and LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) lies in their purpose and functionality.
SSO is an authentication method that allows users to access multiple applications and systems using just one set of credentials, providing convenience and simplifying the login process. On the other hand, LDAP is a protocol used for accessing and managing network resources through a directory service. It provides support for navigating and interacting with local network resources, such as users, directories, and other objects.
LDAP servers can support SSO if a single login grants the user access to all applications and devices on that server. While LDAP can provide authentication for users, it cannot support web-based and portable SSO like typical SSO methods.
In summary:
- SSO is focused on simplifying the authentication process for users by enabling access to multiple resources with a single set of credentials.
- LDAP is a protocol used for accessing and managing network resources through a directory service, providing support for navigating and interacting with local network resources.
Comparative Table: SSO vs LDAP
| Feature | SSO (Single Sign-On) | LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | User authentication process, providing access to multiple systems with a single set of credentials. | An open and vendor-neutral protocol used to access directory services, providing support for navigating and interacting with local network resources such as users, directories, and more. |
| Scope | Focuses on authentication, possibly authorization. | Provides access controls and information cross-checks for network resources above and beyond authentication. |
| Security | Stronger security through centralized authentication, reduced phishing attacks, and limited password fatigue. | Can be adapted for SSO, but not designed specifically for web-based Single Sign-On. |
| Implementation | Typically used with SAML or OpenID Connect protocols. | Has its own directory system and can be used as an authentication method for SSO systems. |
| Use Cases | Simplified authentication, increased security, and reduced help desk expenditure. | Storing a wide variety of user attributes and permissions, which serves as the core of IAM. |
While SSO is a user authentication process that simplifies access to multiple systems, LDAP is a protocol used to access directory services and manage network resources. SSO can be implemented using LDAP as an authentication method, but they are not the same technology.