Integrated password security with Bitwarden SSO

Bitwarden Login with SSO combines identity-based single sign-on (SSO) authentication with Bitwarden Password Manager. This integration enhances user access and security for organizations, allowing employees to authenticate through their existing SSO identity provider and gain access to all Bitwarden password management capabilities.

Key benefits of using Bitwarden Login with SSO include:

• Simplified access for employees

• Secure user onboarding

• Leverage existing multi-factor authentication and security settings through the Identity Provider

• Extending SSO security to applications and sites that are not compatible with SSO

Bitwarden Login with SSO offers flexibility by integrating with any existing SSO solution that uses SAML 2.0 or OpenID Connect (OIDC), which makes it an ideal choice for organizations looking to enhance their password management security.

By configuring and setting up SSO with Bitwarden, organizations can enhance the convenience and security of their password management experience.

Bitwarden Login with SSO gives organizations the ultimate flexibility for identity management by integrating with any existing SSO solution that uses SAML 2.0 or OpenID Connect. This SSO password management feature is included in our Enterprise Plan. For more information about different Plan features and pricing, read here.

Identity-based Single Sign-On (SSO) is a secure authentication method, managed by an identity provider service that allows users to access multiple applications and services with a single set of login credentials. In the context of Bitwarden, identity-based SSO enables users to log in to their Bitwarden account using their existing identity provider (IdP) credentials, such as those from Google, Microsoft, Okta, and others. This approach decouples authentication and decryption, which become two separate processes while accessing user vault data.

Bitwarden is a zero knowledge, end-to-end encrypted application. Logging into Bitwarden is a little different from other applications that administrators may be used to. When a user is not utilizing SSO, the Bitwarden master password acts as both the password for authenticating and the key for decrypting the vault. When a user enables SSO, these processes can happen in parallel in several ways. The administrator can choose which version of SSO works for their organization, including an option that still requires the master password, and two options that don’t. Learn more about each type of SSO and the methods available for decrypting vaults in this resource: Choose the right SSO login strategy.

Single sign-on (SSO) is a user authentication service that allows users to access SaaS applications. With SSO, employees can use one set of credentials, like a username and password, to access multiple applications securely. To work with SSO systems, applications must support an SSO integration protocol.

While SSO support is common for enterprise SaaS applications, many online services do not support SSO. To access these online services securely, employees should use a password manager to generate and store strong passwords.

With Bitwarden Login with SSO, enterprises apply their existing single sign-on security controls to access password-based applications in the Bitwarden vault, and as a result, employees gain end-to-end password protection for all of their online experiences, and administrators can extend SSO management capabilities to every website that a user logs into. Additionally, with zero-knowledge encryption, the identity provider never has access to the encryption key, keeping security posture strong.

Bitwarden Login with SSO delivers the secure foundation enterprises need for employees to operate efficiently and safely online.

Unlike other password managers that have no SSO integration, or that force businesses to use proprietary SSO services and identity solutions, Bitwarden allows companies to unite password management with existing, standards-based identity access solutions, and choose one of three options for how encryption keys are handled.

While login with SSO is a key reason to use Bitwarden, there are many other notable advantages.

• Open-source: Bitwarden takes an open source approach to enhance user trust, offering transparency and easy scrutiny to validate code quality. Open source software also sets the foundation for a vibrant and engaged Bitwarden community.

• Self-host option: Select industries and companies need self-hosted solutions for security or compliance. Bitwarden offers self-hosting on-premises or in a private cloud.

• Cross-platform functionality: Bitwarden supports all major browsers, operating systems, and mobile devices, along with a command line interface and robust API for developers.

• Complete Cloud offering: Enterprise users can implement Bitwarden as a cloud service, including the Login with SSO feature, with the assurance that all data is secured with end-to-end encryption.

To maintain the security of your Bitwarden account, it’s essential to follow best practices for password management. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.

• Use a password manager, like Bitwarden, to generate and store unique, complex passwords for all your online accounts.

• Keep your device and browser up to date with the latest security patches.

To configure and set up SSO with Bitwarden, follow these steps:

• Admin console login: Log in to your Bitwarden Admin Console and navigate to the Single Sign-On section under Settings.

• Identity provider setup: Configure your identity provider (IdP) to work with Bitwarden. This may involve setting up a SAML 2.0 connection or using an existing IdP configuration.

• Choose which form of SSO decryption you prefer: This includes Master Password, Trusted devices, or Key Connector (if applicable).

• Test SSO: Test your SSO configuration to ensure that users can log in successfully using their IdP credentials.

• Configure SSO policies: Configure SSO policies to control access to your Bitwarden organization, such as requiring SSO for all users or enabling JIT provisioning.

By following these steps, you can successfully configure and set up SSO with Bitwarden, enhancing the security and convenience of your password management experience.

Ready to try out Bitwarden? Sign up for a free individual account or begin a free business trial to keep your team safe online.

Q: What is single sign-on (SSO) authentication?

A: SSO is an authentication method that allows users to access multiple applications and services with a single set of login credentials, eliminating the need to log in separately for each application.

Q: How does the Bitwarden SSO feature work?

A: The Bitwarden SSO feature integrates with existing identity providers such as Google, Microsoft, Okta, or others. When you enable SSO in your Bitwarden account, it uses the identity provider credentials to authenticate and authorize access to your account.

Q: What are the benefits of using SSO login?

A: The benefits of using SSO login include simplified platform access for employees, standardized logging in with work credentials, secure user onboarding and succession, and leveraging any existing multi-factor authentication.

Q: Do I need an identity provider (IdP) to use the Bitwarden SSO feature?

A: Yes, you need an IdP that supports SAML 2.0 or OpenID Connect to enable SSO with your Bitwarden account.

Q: How do I configure and set up my IdP for SSO with Bitwarden?

A: To configure and set up your IdP for SSO with Bitwarden, follow the steps outlined in the help documentation or contact our support team. You will need to:

• Log in to your Bitwarden Admin Console

• Navigate to the Single Sign-On section

• Configure your identity provider (IdP) settings