Does the Highwire application support Single Sign-On (SSO)?

Introduction

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a user authentication process that allows individuals to access multiple applications or systems using a single set of credentials (typically a username and password). This approach streamlines the login experience, enhances security through centralized identity management, and reduces the need for users to remember multiple passwords.

For many clients, SSO not only simplifies access for client users but also helps manage authentication policies, monitor access, and enforce compliance more effectively. SSO solutions are typically integrated with identity providers (IdPs) and rely on established authentication protocols to ensure secure and seamless access.

As part of client onboarding, Highwire engineers work directly with clients to ensure seamless SSO integration.

Supported SSO Solutions

Generally, Highwire works with the client during onboarding to determine the SSO type to implement, but clients can also talk with their Account Manager at any time to add or change their SSO solution.

Numerous Identity Providers (IdPs) offer SSO services that can be integrated with Highwire. Some of the most widely used providers include:

Okta: Known for its broad integration capabilities and strong administrative controls.
Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): A popular choice for Microsoft-centric enterprises, now rebranded under Microsoft Entra.
Google Workspace (formerly G Suite): Often used in organizations relying heavily on Google’s ecosystem.

Identity Protocols Supported by Highwire

The Highwire application is designed with enterprise-grade identity and access management capabilities in mind. It supports a range of modern SSO protocols, enabling organizations to integrate their preferred identity providers and ensure secure user authentication. The Highwire application also allows for customizations, including whether to automatically create users during login, multiple SSO domains, etc.

Supported protocols include:

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language)

SAML is a widely adopted XML-based protocol used for exchanging authentication and authorization data between an identity provider and a service provider. Highwire supports standard SAML 2.0 integrations, enabling compatibility with IdPs like Okta, OneLogin, and Ping Identity.

Azure Active Directory / Entra ID

Highwire integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Azure AD (now part of Microsoft Entra), supporting both SAML-based and OpenID Connect (OIDC) authentication. This allows organizations using Microsoft ecosystems to offer secure and streamlined login experiences for their users.

General OIDC

Beyond Microsoft-specific configurations, Highwire also supports general OIDC integrations. This includes identity providers like Auth0 and Google Workspace, offering developers and IT teams a standardized and secure way to implement authentication using OAuth 2.0 and JWT (JSON Web Tokens).

Conclusion

The Highwire application supports Single Sign-On (SSO), making it a flexible and secure solution for clients seeking centralized user authentication. With support for multiple protocols such as SAML and OIDC, and compatibility with leading providers including Azure AD/Entra, Okta, and Google Workspace, Highwire empowers enterprises to streamline access while upholding robust security standards.

For specific implementation guidance or integration support, clients can contact their Account Manager, who can arrange for Higwire’s expert engineering support.

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