Recently we introduced SSO (Single sign-on) authentication scheme for users who utilize Inbox.eu Business email service. This feature allows larger companies to use the organization’s authentication mechanism for easier, safer and more centralized user management.
We believe that SSO is essential for users of email services and in general, any cloud software products because it enhances usability, security, and productivity. Therefore, we don’t upcharge our users for the Single-sign-on feature in our service.
Here’s why SSO is important:
1. Convenience and User Experience
● Fewer passwords to remember: Users don’t need to create and remember separate passwords for each SaaS service. This reduces frustration and makes onboarding easier.
● One login for multiple services: With a single set of credentials, users can access multiple services seamlessly, saving time and effort.
● Faster access: No repeated logins mean quicker access to tools, which is especially valuable for work environments using multiple SaaS tools.
2. Enhanced Security
● Reduced password fatigue: When users have fewer passwords to manage, they’re less likely to reuse weak passwords or store them insecurely.
● Centralized authentication: SSO integrates with identity providers (like Google Workspace, and Microsoft Azure AD), enabling IT teams to enforce stronger security policies (e.g., multi-factor authentication).
● Reduced attack surface: By consolidating authentication, SSO minimizes vulnerabilities like phishing or credential stuffing.
● Automatic deactivation: When an employee leaves a company, deactivating their SSO credentials instantly cuts off access to all linked SaaS services, preventing unauthorized use and data leakage.
3. Improved Productivity
● Time savings: Eliminates the need for repeated logins, allowing users to focus on tasks instead of troubleshooting login issues.
● Streamlined onboarding: IT teams can quickly provision and grant access to new users without managing credentials for each application individually.
4. Scalability for Businesses
● Easy integration: SSO integrates well with a growing number of SaaS products, ensuring a scalable solution as businesses adopt more tools.
● Compliance and monitoring: Centralized logging and auditing of user activity help meet regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR) and track unauthorized access attempts.
5. Cross-Platform Accessibility
● Many SaaS users work across devices (desktop, mobile, tablets). SSO ensures consistent access to services without repeated logins across platforms.
Use Case Example
For instance, a business using Inbox.eu, Slack, JIRA and Zoom can integrate SSO. Employees log in once using their company credentials and instantly access all these tools without needing separate passwords.
In summary, SSO simplifies user workflows, strengthens security, and helps IT administrators efficiently manage access to many SaaS products across the company.
What SSO technologies are available in Inbox.eu?
Business email users at Inbox.eu can choose between two widely used Single Sign-On (SSO) technologies:
● SAML 2.0 (Security Assertion Markup Language 2.0)
● LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, protocol versions 2 and 3)
These technologies are designed for different use cases and operate differently. Below is a comparison table to help you understand their distinctions:
| Feature | SAML 2.0 | LDAP |
| Purpose | Federated authentication for web-based SSO | Internal directory-based authentication |
| Protocol Type | Token-based using XML | Query/response protocol for directory access |
| Scope | Web and cloud applications | Internal network and on-premises applications |
| Security Model | Based on assertions (tokens) | Username/password validation |
| Use Case | Access to SaaS and third-party apps | Access to internal systems like intranets |
| Common Tools | Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace | Microsoft AD, OpenLDAP |
Note: Setting up SSO requires technical expertise, so we recommend involving your company’s internal IT team to obtain the necessary information about SAML or LDAP configuration.
To simplify the setup of SSO in Inbox.eu, regardless of the protocol you choose, our support team is ready to assist with the configuration! For this, you can use the help window available in the administration panel or contact us by sending a message to: support@inbox.eu.
