SSO vs. Email Validation: Which Login Method Is Right for Your Platform?

The Login Dilemma: Security vs. Simplicity

Imagine this: You’ve built an amazing platform event portal. Users love your product, but there’s one friction point, i.e., logging in.

Some users forget passwords, and others get frustrated with repeated email verifications. For your team, managing multiple authentication methods can be a security headache.

The solution? Choosing the right login method: single sign-on (SSO) or email validation OTP. Both have pros and cons, and picking the right one depends on your needs.

Let’s break them down.

What is SSO Login?

SSO allows users to log in once and access multiple applications without re-entering credentials. Instead of remembering yet another password, they authenticate via a trusted Identity Provider (IdP) like Google, Microsoft, or Okta.

How Does Single Sign-On Work?

1. A user clicks “Sign in with SSO.”
2. They’re redirected to their company’s IdP (e.g., Microsoft Entra ID).
3. After successful authentication, they’re logged into your platform.

How to Set Up SSO for Your vFairs Event Account

vFairs supports three enterprise-grade SSO protocols to match your organization’s infrastructure:

1. SAML 2.0

• Best for: Organizations using Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, or other traditional identity providers.
• Key benefit: Industry-standard security with attribute-based access control.

2. OpenID Connect (OIDC)

• Best for: Cloud-first organizations using Google Workspace, AWS Cognito, or custom-built identity platforms.
• Key benefit: Simpler implementation with an OAuth 2.0 foundation.

3. JWT (JSON Web Tokens)

• Best for: Custom integrations with proprietary systems.
• Key benefit: Lightweight solution for API-based authentication.

Method 1: SAML Setup

What is SAML Authentication?

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is a secure, behind-the-scenes protocol that powers enterprise SSO like a backstage pass for logging into work apps. It lets you sign in once and automatically access all your company tools without typing passwords again.

• What it does: Lets attendees log in with their existing company credentials (via providers like Microsoft Entra ID or Okta) instead of creating new event passwords.
• Why it’s trusted: According to Gartner, SAML is used by 85% of enterprises for secure access management.

The current standard for single sign-on authentication is SAML 2.0. Here’s how to integrate it:

1. Get vFairs Metadata File

• Log in to your event backend as admin.
• Go to Event Setup > General Settings > Advanced Settings > SAML Config.
• Download the metadata file.

2. Configure vFairs in Your Identity Provider (IdP)

• Set up vFairs as an application in your IdP (e.g., Azure AD).

3. Add IdP Metadata to vFairs

• Upload the IdP’s metadata file in the same SAML Config section.

Method 2: OpenID Connect Setup

What is OpenID Connect?

OpenID Connect is the modern standard internet protocol for cloud-based authentication. 

• What it does: Enables login through familiar platforms like Google Workspace or Azure AD using OAuth 2.0 technology.
• Why it’s unique: It’s the only protocol that combines SSO convenience with mobile-friendly API access.

For modern identity platforms:

1. Contact Your Project Manager
   • Our engineering team will coordinate:
     • OIDC endpoint configuration
     • Client ID/secret generation
     • Scope definitions

2. Test Integration

• • We’ll provide test credentials for your dev team

Method 3: JWT Setup

What is JWT Authentication?

JWT (JSON Web Token) is another secure internet protocol that powers app logins. It is commonly used for authentication and authorization in web applications.

• What it does: It uses digitally signed tokens to verify users without complex identity provider setups.
• Why it’s unique: Ideal when you need to keep authentication entirely within your systems.

For custom authentication systems:

1. Implement JWT Generation

• • Configure your system to issue JWTs containing:

2. Share Public Key

• • Provide your RSA public key to your vFairs project manager.

Benefits of SSO

Enhanced Security
Since users log in through your organization’s identity provider, there’s no need for separate passwords. This reduces the chances of phishing attacks and password-related data breaches, specifically useful when you’re managing high-stakes internal events or sensitive attendee data.

Better User Experience
Your team can access the vFairs platform using the same credentials they use across other tools. That means no need to remember another password or log in multiple times. It’s a smoother, faster way to get everyone into the event platform with minimal friction.

Easier User Management
With centralized control, your IT or HR teams can manage who has access to events. If someone leaves the organization or changes roles, access can be revoked or adjusted from your existing systems. No need to update access manually within vFairs.

Limitations of SSO

Complex Setup
Setting up SSO isn’t something you want to do at the last minute. It often requires coordination with your IT team or developers to configure the connection between your identity provider and the vFairs platform.

Dependency on Your Identity Provider (IdP)
If your IdP (like Okta or Microsoft Entra ID) experiences downtime, your users may not be able to log in to the event. While rare, it is something to consider if your event has strict timing or accessibility needs.

Not Ideal for External Users
SSO is perfect for internal teams or enterprise-wide access, but not every participant will have an identity within your system. For example, guest speakers, vendors, or public attendees won’t benefit from SSO and might need alternate access.

What is Email Validation?

Email validation (OTP login) verifies users by sending a one-time code to their email or mobile number. 

How Does Email Validation Work?

1. The user enters their email.
2. They receive a unique, one-time password (OTP) in their inbox or via text message.
3. Entering the OTP grants access to the event.

How to Set Up Email Validation

Most platforms (like vFairs) handle this automatically:

1. Enable Email OTP Login
   Go to your event’s backend settings and choose Email OTP as the login method.
2. OTP Sent on Login Attempt
   When a user enters their email, the system instantly sends a one-time password (OTP) to their inbox.
3. User Enters OTP to Log In
   They input the code on the platform to verify their identity and get access; no need to remember a password.

Benefits of Email Validation

No Passwords
Users don’t need to remember or reset passwords anymore. Instead, they receive a unique OTP code via text or email to log them in instantly. This makes the whole login process quicker and reduces support tickets.

Easy for End Users
The process of email validation is simple. You just need to enter the OTP code to log in. There’s no need to create accounts or go through multi-step logins. It’s useful for attendees who aren’t tech-savvy.

Works for Everyone
There’s no need for external identity providers or complex SSO setups. As long as someone has an email address, they can log in. This makes it a good fit for guests, partners, or one-time attendees.

Limitations of Email Validation

Email Dependency
Access is entirely dependent on successful email delivery. If the message lands in the spam folder or is delayed, users may miss time-sensitive event access. This could impact the event experience, particularly for live sessions.

Security Risks
If someone gains access to a user’s inbox, they can enter the platform without needing credentials. Since there are no passwords involved, the system relies heavily on email security. This might not be ideal for high-risk environments.

No Centralized Control
Admins can’t centrally manage user access like they can with SSO. Revoking login permissions or tracking account activity becomes harder. This limits its usefulness for internal teams or highly regulated events.

SSO vs Email Validation: Which Should You Choose?

Choose SSO When:

• Your attendees are employees or members (using company credentials).
• You need to manage access through your existing IT systems.
• Security and centralized control are top priorities.
• You’re running internal corporate events, training sessions, or partner programs.

Choose Email Validation When:

• Your attendees are external (customers, public registrants, or one-time guests).
• You want the simplest setup with minimal IT involvement.
• Quick access matters more than centralized credential management.
• You’re hosting customer conferences, public webinars, or open registration events.

Putting It All Together

Both SSO and email validation solve login problems in different ways. SSO is powerful for organizations, while email validation is frictionless for end users.

Need help deciding? Ask yourself:

• Who are my users? (Employees vs. customers)
• How important is security vs. convenience?
• Do I have IT support for SSO setup?

Once you answer these, you’ll know which method fits best!