Why Web Access Management is more than just Single Sign-On

Mobile working, bring your own device (BYOD) policies, and web-based applications have made accessing data far more convenient for businesses and employees. However, this convenience has come with a clear drawback: security issues.

With the widespread adoption of wireless networks, multiple access points and greater collaboration, protecting sensitive data is a real challenge for businesses. One of the ways to mitigate this risk is to adopt web access management (WAM) software.

By managing who is able to access company tools and services, businesses can retain control of their data while still enabling their employees and customers to benefit from the level of flexibility required in the modern workplace.

Web access management software can take a variety of approaches, but one of the most common is Single Sign-On (SSO). This enables members of staff to access multiple websites and applications through a single authentication process, using the same password and username. One of the major benefits of SSO is the added efficiency and, therefore, cost savings that it gives businesses.

protecting sensitive data is a real challenge for businesses

Due to the increased number of online applications, employees often suffer from “password fatigue,” resulting in unnecessary calls to the IT help desk as a result of forgotten log-in details. Over the course of a year this can add up to hours upon hours of wasted time and money for your business.

What’s more, switching to a single password approach helps improve security. Having to remember multiple passwords, each with differing levels of complexity, often results in employees simplifying their password choices or writing them down – introducing vulnerabilities into your network. Introducing the Single Sign-On approach to your business is a great way of simplifying security, without cutting corners, enabling a more efficient working environment for your members of staff.

Web access management is an excellent security aide, but it is more than just a way of preventing cyberattacks and third party interference, whilst the use of Single Sign-On enhances user experience, there are inevitably different User Groups that require stronger levels of authentication. These may include Managers, Administrators, Customers, or Suppliers all with differing levels of access to applications and data. Additionally “Higher Risk” device types that are accessing systems may need stronger authentification, these could include BYODs and Web Browsers from different locations, as well as dedicated company devices.  United Security Providers enable you to manage all of these User types appropriately, utilising a comprehensive and flexible rules based management console with existing integration to the standard Multi-factor authentication vendors from typical token devices (RSA, Safenet, etc.) to one time use SMS codes.

Web access management is as much about protecting your customers as your business 

However, web access management isn’t simply about passwords, and at United Security Providers, we recognise that protecting company data is a multi-faceted task.

Our USP Secure Entry Server also utilises a Highly Secure (true reverse proxy) web application firewall to protect companies against present day and future threats. Web access management is as much about protecting your customers as your business, and a built-in firewall helps secure your business’ reputation by helping you achieve data security and PCI DSS compliance.

In order to maintain confidentiality in B2B communications, organisations may also want adopt a web service gateway to protect data in transit. Web service gateways ensure that only authorised partners and clients are able to access your company data, preventing third parties from intercepting communications. Web service security also helps provide the level of confidentiality that a company’s reputation can be built upon.

Businesses may also want to limit what information certain employees can access. Often, this is not a question of trust, but one of relevance. While certain company teams may need access to sales data or banking information, for example, others will not. Web access management lets businesses decide who has access to their data, placing security management firmly in their own hands.

Web access management is about so much more than simply limiting the number of passwords that members of staff have to remember

Web access management is about so much more than simply limiting the number of passwords that members of staff have to remember. Ultimately, it enables businesses to manage and enforce their own security protocols, giving them greater control over their applications, processes and data. For many organisations, large or small, their reputation is of the upmost importance and web access management provides the tools needed to secure this reputation against present and future threats.

For more information on web access management, visit: www.web-access-management.com

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