20 SSO Authentication Interview Questions and Answers

Single sign-on (SSO) authentication is a process that allows users to access multiple applications with one set of credentials. This type of authentication can be used to streamline the login process for users and improve security by reducing the number of places where sensitive information is stored. If you’re interviewing for a position that involves SSO authentication, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience and knowledge of the process. In this article, we discuss some common SSO authentication interview questions and how you should answer them.

SSO Authentication Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked SSO Authentication interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is SSO?

SSO is a Single Sign On authentication system. This means that a user can log in once and be automatically logged in to any other system that uses the same SSO system. This can be a great time saver for users, as they don’t have to remember multiple sets of login credentials. It can also increase security, as it reduces the chances of a user’s credentials being compromised.

2. How does the authentication process work with SSO?

When a user logs into an SSO-enabled site, they are typically redirected to a central login page. From there, they enter their credentials, which are then authenticated against a central directory. If the authentication is successful, the user is then redirected back to the original site and is granted access.

3. Can you explain what an Identity Provider (IDP) is and how it works in the context of Single Sign-On?

An Identity Provider is a service that is responsible for authenticating users and providing them with the appropriate credentials. In the context of Single Sign-On, the IDP is responsible for verifying the user’s identity and then providing them with the necessary credentials to access the desired resources. The IDP typically uses some form of authentication, such as a username and password, to verify the user’s identity. Once the user’s identity has been verified, the IDP will issue the user a set of credentials, such as a SAML token, that can be used to access the desired resources.

4. What are some common SSO security issues?

There are a few common security issues that can arise when using SSO authentication. One is that if the SSO system is breached, then all of the linked accounts could be compromised. Another issue is that SSO can make it difficult to track down the source of a security breach, since multiple accounts are involved. Finally, SSO can make it difficult to revoke access to a single account, since all of the linked accounts would need to be updated.

5. Can you explain what a Kerberos ticket is?

A Kerberos ticket is a form of authentication that uses a secret key to prove the identity of a user. This secret key is shared between the user and the Kerberos server, and is used to encrypt and decrypt messages between the two. This ticket is then used to authenticate the user to other services on the network that they are trying to access.

6. What’s the difference between Basic, Windows Integrated, and Forms Authentication?

Basic authentication is the most basic form of authentication, and simply involves sending a username and password with each request. Windows integrated authentication uses the Windows credentials of the user to authenticate them, while Forms authentication involves the user filling out a form with their credentials which is then submitted to the server.

7. What is the difference between SAML 2.0 and Open ID Connect?

SAML 2.0 is an XML-based standard for single sign-on (SSO) authentication, while OpenID Connect is a newer standard that uses JSON and REST instead of XML. OpenID Connect is also more focused on mobile and web applications, while SAML 2.0 is more geared towards enterprise applications.

8. If a user tries to access a resource that they don’t have permissions for, what happens?

The user will be redirected to the login page.

9. Are there any downsides to using SSO?

While Single Sign-On can be very convenient for users, as they only have to remember one set of credentials, it can also be a security risk. If a hacker is able to gain access to a user’s SSO credentials, they would then have access to all of the applications and data that the user has access to. Additionally, SSO can be difficult to implement and manage, as it requires coordination between multiple applications and systems.

10. When should we use SSO as opposed to basic username/password based authentication schemes?

Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication scheme that allows users to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials. This is in contrast to traditional authentication schemes, which require users to remember multiple sets of credentials (one for each application).

There are several benefits of using SSO, including improved security and increased convenience for users. In terms of security, SSO reduces the risk of credential theft and phishing attacks. This is because users only need to remember and protect a single set of credentials, rather than multiple sets. In terms of convenience, SSO allows users to access multiple applications without having to remember multiple sets of credentials.

There are some trade-offs to using SSO, however. First, it can be more complex to set up and manage than traditional authentication schemes. Second, it can be less secure if not implemented properly. For example, if a single set of credentials is compromised, all of the applications that use those credentials will be compromised as well.

Overall, SSO can be a great option for organizations that need to provide access to multiple applications. It is important to weigh the benefits and trade-offs of using SSO before deciding if it is the right authentication scheme for your organization.

11. What do you understand about OAuth 1.0a and OAuth 2.0? Which one would you prefer? Why?

OAuth 1.0a and OAuth 2.0 are both open standards for authorization that allow third-party applications to access resources on behalf of a user without needing to share the user’s credentials. OAuth 1.0a is the older of the two standards, and OAuth 2.0 is the more recent standard. I would prefer to use OAuth 2.0 because it is the more up-to-date standard, and it is more flexible than OAuth 1.0a.

12. What is your understanding of the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)?

SAML is an XML-based standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between security domains, i.e. between an identity provider and a service provider. SAML is used in Single Sign-On (SSO) scenarios, where a user authenticates with an identity provider and then is able to access multiple service providers without having to re-enter their credentials.

13. What is a JWT token?

A JWT token is a JSON Web Token, which is used to provide authentication for a user. A JWT token is typically composed of three parts: a header, a payload, and a signature. The header contains information about the token, the payload contains the actual data being authenticated, and the signature is used to verify that the token has not been tampered with.

14. Where are credentials stored when using SSO?

When using SSO, credentials are typically stored in a central location, such as a server. This allows for easy access and management of credentials, as well as providing a single point of authentication for multiple applications.

15. What are the main differences between NTLM and Kerberos?

The main difference between NTLM and Kerberos is that NTLM uses a challenge/response protocol while Kerberos uses a ticket-based protocol. NTLM is more compatible with older versions of Windows, while Kerberos is the more modern standard. Kerberos is generally considered to be more secure than NTLM.

16. How can you implement single sign-on on multiple platforms?

Single sign-on can be implemented on multiple platforms by using a central authentication server. This server can then be used to authenticate users on all of the different platforms that are using the single sign-on system. This allows users to only have to remember one set of credentials, and makes it easier for administrators to manage authentication for multiple platforms.

17. What is a realm in context with a single sign-on system?

A realm is a defined area within a single sign-on system where a user has access. This could be a specific website, application, or group of resources. Once a user has authenticated with a single sign-on system, they will be able to access any resources within the realm that they have been given permission to.

18. Can you explain what cross-site request forgery is?

Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) is an attack that tricks a user into submitting a malicious request to a website that they trust. This can happen if the user is logged into the website and the attacker is able to get the user to click on a link that submits a malicious request to the website. The website will then process the request as if it came from the user, which can allow the attacker to perform actions on the website that the user is authorized to do.

19. What are some common ways that hackers try to steal session IDs?

Some common ways that hackers try to steal session IDs are by using session ID prediction attacks, session ID hijacking attacks, and session ID fixation attacks.

20. Is it possible to configure multiple identity providers at the same time? If yes, then how?

Yes, it is possible to configure multiple identity providers at the same time. This can be done by configuring the identity providers in the application’s configuration file.