Single Sign-On (SSO) is a convenient and secure method for accessing multiple applications and systems with just one set of login credentials. Instead of remembering different usernames and passwords for each platform, SSO allows users to log in once and gain access to all their authorized systems.
This method is managed by your company’s identity provider (IdP), which could be services like Microsoft Azure, Okta, OneLogin, PingIdentity, or VMware Workspace One. Upwork offers Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities by leveraging Security Assertion Markup Language 2.0 (SAML 2.0).
Benefits of using SSO
-
Simplified access management: SSO enables your organization to centrally manage access to various systems, including Upwork. This lets you easily control who gets access to which platforms. For example, a department head might have permission to access Upwork to hire contractors, while other employees who don't need this access can be restricted. This streamlined process ensures that the right people have the right access without hassle
-
Ease of onboarding and offboarding: With SSO, adding or removing employees becomes straightforward. When a new employee joins, setting up their access to necessary platforms, including Upwork, is quick and efficient. Conversely, when an employee leaves, their access to all systems, including Upwork, can be revoked instantly. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and enhances your security
-
Improved security: By using a single set of credentials managed through your IdP, SSO reduces the number of passwords employees need to remember, lowering the risk of password-related security breaches. Additionally, it ensures that password policies and security measures are uniformly applied across all systems
-
Enhanced user experience: SSO provides a smoother and more convenient user experience. Employees can log in once and access all their authorized applications without having to re-enter their credentials multiple times. This saves time and increases productivity by reducing login friction
Enabling SSO
To enable SSO for your organization, you’ll follow these general steps:
- Contact your IT department: Reach out to your IT department or the person responsible for managing your company’s identity provider (IdP).
- Connect with your Upwork team: Inform your Upwork Program team that you wish to add Upwork as a new Service Provider (SP) for SSO integration.
- Provide necessary information: Share the link to Upwork’s Enterprise Single Sign-On setup guide with your IT department. This guide contains detailed steps to configure, test, and activate SSO with Upwork Enterprise in collaboration with the Upwork team.
Learn more about more specific information in enabling SSO here.
