An authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications with one set of login credentials.

An authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications with one set of login credentials.

• A. Federated identity
• B. Password reset
• C. Credential caching
• D. Single sign-on

Answer: (D)

This tests single sign-on. The idea is that you authenticate once with one identity source, and that authentication is accepted by multiple applications without you having to log in again for each one. Practically, after you sign in, an identity provider issues a token or assertion that other apps trust. Those apps use that token to grant access, creating a seamless experience across a suite of services. This approach is common in many environments, like corporate portals or cloud ecosystems, because it reduces password prompts, improves user productivity, and centralizes authentication controls and auditing. It also enhances security by allowing stronger authentication at the initial login and consistent session management across apps. While federated identity deals with trust relationships between different organizations or domains (which can enable SSO across boundaries), the situation described—accessing multiple applications with one set of credentials—directly exemplifies the single sign-on experience. It’s not about resetting a password or caching credentials locally for reuse without re-authentication.

This tests single sign-on. The idea is that you authenticate once with one identity source, and that authentication is accepted by multiple applications without you having to log in again for each one. Practically, after you sign in, an identity provider issues a token or assertion that other apps trust. Those apps use that token to grant access, creating a seamless experience across a suite of services.

This approach is common in many environments, like corporate portals or cloud ecosystems, because it reduces password prompts, improves user productivity, and centralizes authentication controls and auditing. It also enhances security by allowing stronger authentication at the initial login and consistent session management across apps.

While federated identity deals with trust relationships between different organizations or domains (which can enable SSO across boundaries), the situation described—accessing multiple applications with one set of credentials—directly exemplifies the single sign-on experience. It’s not about resetting a password or caching credentials locally for reuse without re-authentication.