20 Single Sign-On Interview Questions and Answers

Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication process that allows users to access multiple applications with one set of credentials. This can be a useful tool for businesses as it can streamline the login process for employees and reduce the risk of password breaches. When interviewing for a position that involves SSO, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience and technical knowledge. In this article, we review some common SSO interview questions and provide tips on how to answer them.

Single Sign-On Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked Single Sign-On interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is Single Sign-On?

Single sign-on is a session and user authentication service that permits a user to use one set of login credentials (e.g. name and password) to access multiple applications. The service authenticates the end user for all the applications the user has been given rights to and eliminates further prompts when the user switches applications during the same session.

2. Can you explain the different types of SSO solutions available in the market today?

The three most common types of SSO solutions available today are web-based SSO, enterprise SSO, and identity management systems.

Web-based SSO solutions are typically used to provide SSO for employees who need to access multiple web-based applications. Enterprise SSO solutions are used to provide SSO for employees who need to access both web-based and non-web-based applications. Identity management systems are used to provide SSO for both employees and customers who need to access multiple applications.

3. What are some common challenges faced while implementing SSO solutions?

One common challenge is integrating SSO with existing applications and systems. Another challenge is ensuring that SSO is secure and cannot be exploited by hackers.

4. How can we increase security using SSO?

There are a few ways to increase security using SSO. One way is to use stronger authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication. Another way is to make sure that the SSO system is properly configured and that only authorized users have access to it. Finally, it is important to keep the SSO system up to date with the latest security patches.

5. What’s the best way to achieve SSO between a Java web application and Salesforce?

The best way to achieve SSO between a Java web application and Salesforce would be to use an identity provider that supports both platforms. One example of such an identity provider is Okta.

6. What is an IdP? When do you need one?

An IdP is an identity provider. This is a service that provides authentication for users trying to access a system. When you need one depends on the system you are trying to access. If the system requires authentication and you do not have an IdP, then you will not be able to access the system.

7. What is SAML? Why do you need it to implement SSO?

SAML is an XML-based standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between security domains. In order to implement SSO, you need a way to securely exchange information between the various security domains that a user might access. SAML provides a standard format for this information exchange, which makes it possible to implement SSO across a variety of different platforms.

8. What are the main benefits of using OAuth 2.0 for SSO?

OAuth 2.0 is an industry-standard protocol for authorization that can be used for SSO. The main benefits of using OAuth 2.0 for SSO are that it is easy to set up and it is compatible with a wide range of applications and services. Additionally, OAuth 2.0 provides a high level of security, which is important for any SSO solution.

9. Does password vaulting help with SSO? If yes, then how?

Yes, password vaulting can help with SSO by allowing users to store their passwords in a central location. This can make it easier for users to remember their passwords and also make it easier for administrators to manage password security.

10. What does SPIDF mean? How does it relate to SSO?

SPIDF stands for Single Point of Identity Federation. It is a system that allows for the management of multiple identities from a single location. This can be used to provide SSO, or Single Sign-On, capabilities to a system. By managing all of the identities in a single place, it becomes much easier to provide access to those identities from multiple locations.

11. What is LDAP? How does it work?

LDAP is the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. It is a protocol used to access directory services, and it works by sending requests to a server which then searches for and returns the requested information.

12. What do you understand about Kerberos authentication? How does it differ from other forms of authentication?

Kerberos is a network authentication protocol that uses secret-key cryptography to provide strong authentication for client/server applications. It is different from other forms of authentication in that it uses a three-way handshake to authenticate users and provide them with a ticket that can be used to access resources on the network.

13. What are some examples of federated single sign-on systems that use OAuth?

Some examples of federated single sign-on systems that use OAuth are Google, Facebook, and Twitter.

14. Is it possible to build custom identity providers for SSO? If yes, then how?

Yes, it is possible to build custom identity providers for SSO. This can be done by creating a custom Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) identity provider. This will allow you to specify the authentication process that will be used for SSO.

15. What is the difference between a local account and an active directory account?

A local account is an account that is created on a single computer, while an active directory account is created in a centralized database and can be used across a network of computers. Active directory accounts are generally used in business environments where multiple users need to be able to access resources on different computers.

16. How is NTLM related to Windows AD?

NTLM is a challenge-response authentication protocol used by Microsoft. Windows AD uses NTLM to authenticate users on a Windows domain.

17. How would you go about setting up Active Directory on Azure?

You would need to create an Azure Active Directory Domain Services resource, then create a virtual network and configure it to use that resource. After that, you would need to create a domain controller in Azure, and then join your on-premises domain to the Azure Active Directory Domain Services.

18. What is the advantage of using OpenID Connect over SAML or WS-Fed protocols?

The advantage of using OpenID Connect is that it is much simpler than either SAML or WS-Fed. It is also more flexible, allowing for a variety of different authentication methods to be used.

19. What is the difference between federation and single sign-on?

Federation is a process of linking together multiple independent systems, usually for the purpose of sharing data or resources. Single sign-on, on the other hand, is a process of allowing a user to authenticate once and then gain access to all of the resources that they are authorized to use, without having to authenticate again for each individual resource.

20. What’s the best way to detect malicious activity when implementing SSO?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to detect malicious activity when implementing SSO will vary depending on the specific system and environment in which it is being used. However, some general tips that can help include monitoring login activity for unusual patterns, keeping an eye out for suspicious activity on linked accounts, and requiring strong authentication (e.g. two-factor authentication) for high-risk actions.