Question
Is centralized SSO/federation implemented for enterprise applications with consistent MFA and policy?
Why This Matters
SSO centralizes control (MFA, logging), reduces password risk, and improves UX.
Maturity
- 0: App-specific logins.
- 1: SSO for a few SaaS apps.
- 2: Majority of core apps federated.
- 3: Enterprise-wide SSO; conditional access.
- 4: Cross-tenant federation; device posture checks.
- 5: Passwordless for high-value apps; strong-key for admins.
How to Level Up
| From → To | Actions | |—|—| |0 → 2| Prioritize crown-jewel apps into IdP; standardize MFA.| |2 → 3| Expand breadth; enforce conditional access.| |3 → 4| Add device posture; cross-tenant federation.| |4 → 5| Plan passwordless for sensitive workflows.|
Enablers
- IdP/SSO, device posture, gateway integration.
Evidence
- App inventory with federation status; IdP configs; policy docs.
KPIs
- % apps federated; % workforce using SSO; # non-federated high-risk apps.
Low-Cost / Open-Source Options (MSME)
- Keycloak, Authelia.
Common Pitfalls
- Shadow SaaS not federated; inconsistent MFA across apps.
Compliance Mapping
- ISO 27001: A.5.17/19.
- NIST CSF: PR.AC-7.