Welcome to Part 2 of my cybersecurity series, where I’m breaking down the online risks small businesses and
individuals face every day.

Latest Cyberattack: Understanding SSO Risks and How to Protect Yourself

In today’s fast-paced digital world, convenience often takes center stage. Single Sign-On (SSO) options offered by tech giants like Google, Apple, and Facebook make logging into apps and websites seamless. With just one account, you can access multiple platforms in seconds. But while this convenience is tempting, the risks of SSO are substantial, especially in the wake of growing cyberattacks. Whether you’re an individual or a business, understanding these risks and how to safeguard your data is critical. This blog explores the dangers of SSO, the vulnerabilities of OAuth tokens, and actionable steps you can take to protect your accounts from cyber threats.

The Convenience Factor of Using Google, Apple, and Facebook Logins

Logging into apps and websites is much easier when you don’t have to remember dozens of passwords. That’s where Google, Apple, and Facebook logins come in. These SSO options allow you to use one account to access multiple platforms, saving time and improving user experience. However, putting all your eggs in one basket comes at a cost. If your primary SSO account is hacked, everything connected to it becomes vulnerable. For example, if a hacker gains access to your Google account, they could also breach your email, cloud storage, and third-party applications linked to it. This could lead to serious data breaches that affect not only you but also your business.

The Risks Behind SSO: What You Need to Know

The magic of Single Sign-On lies in OAuth tokens, which act like digital "keys" that allow apps to access specific parts of your account without sharing your password. While this technology simplifies logins, it’s not without vulnerabilities.

Two Major Risks of SSO:

1. Token Theft: Hackers can steal OAuth tokens through phishing scams or by exploiting weak storage methods. Once a hacker has your token, it acts like a "master key," granting them access to all linked accounts without needing your password.
2. Session Hijacking: If hackers hijack an active session (such as when you’re logged in), they can impersonate you without requiring your credentials. Since Google accounts are used in 66% of all SSO logins, they are a prime target for attackers.

And it’s not just hackers you need to worry about. Companies like Facebook often continue to track your online behavior after you log out, building detailed profiles for targeted advertising. This extensive data collection not only threatens your privacy but amplifies the risks if your account is ever compromised.

How to Protect Yourself from SSO Vulnerabilities

While SSO offers convenience, it’s essential to prioritize cybersecurity to avoid becoming a victim of the next cyberattack. Here are some actionable steps to protect your online accounts:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or a biometric scan like your fingerprint. Even if hackers obtain your password or token, they won’t be able to access your account without this secondary confirmation.

2. Use Passkeys Instead of Passwords

Passkeys are a more secure login method that replaces traditional passwords with cryptographic keys stored on your device. Think of a passkey as a built-in digital key that only works for your account. They are tied to your device and often require biometric verification (like your fingerprint or face), making them harder to steal. When paired with 2FA, passkeys provide a robust defense against token theft, session hijacking, and other cyber threats.

3. Be Mindful of SSO Risks:

• Use SSO Sparingly: Only use SSO for trusted and frequently-used platforms. Avoid using it for sensitive accounts, such as banking and medical records.
• Audit Connected Accounts: Regularly check which apps and services are linked to your SSO accounts. Revoke access to those you no longer use.
• Monitor Your Activity: Keep an eye on suspicious or unauthorized activity in your SSO accounts.
• Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Hackers often use fake login pages to steal SSO credentials. Double-check URLs and email addresses before entering your login information.

Why “Sign in with Apple” Might Be a Safer Option

If privacy is a priority, Apple’s "Sign in with Apple" feature is a more secure alternative to Google or Facebook logins. Here’s why:

• Minimal Data Sharing: Apple lets you hide your email address by generating unique, anonymous relay emails for each app. If a breach occurs, your actual email stays protected.
• Privacy-First Design: Apple limits tracking and gives you control with features like App Tracking Transparency, which lets you decide what apps can track your activity.

By choosing tools that prioritize privacy, you can reduce your risk and take control of your online data..

How to Check Which Accounts Are Connected to Your SSO

By proactively managing your SSO connections and using them intentionally,
you can significantly reduce the risk of a data breach involving your
main account. If you’re ever unsure about a connected app or service,
it’s better to remove it and reconnect it later if needed. Taking these
steps ensures you’re in control of your digital footprint and better
protected from cyberattacks.
​
Here’s how you can check what apps and websites are linked to your main SSO accounts and take control of your connected services:

For Google:

1. Go to https://myaccount.google.com/.
2. Click on "Security" in the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll to "Third-party apps with account access" and click "Manage third-party access."
4. Review the list of connected apps and remove any you no longer use.

For Facebook:

1. Log in to Facebook and go to "Settings & Privacy" > "Settings."
2. Click on "Apps and Websites" in the left-hand menu.
3. Review active connections and remove access for unused apps.

For Apple:

1. Visit https://appleid.apple.com/ and sign in.
2. Scroll to "Sign-In and Security" and click "Apps & Websites Using Apple ID."
3. Review connected apps and stop using your Apple ID for any you don’t recognize.

For Microsoft:

1. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/.
2. Click "Privacy" and navigate to "Apps and Services."
3. Review connected apps and revoke unnecessary permissions.ns.

Take Action

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2. Use SSO sparingly, and make sure you’re tracking how many accounts are connected to your main login.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: For accounts where SSO isn’t used, make sure
   your passwords are strong and unique and stored in an encrypted Password
   Manager.

Before you rely on social media or tech giant logins, focus on improving your online security.

Final Thoughts: Balance Convenience with Security

While SSO is convenient, cybersecurity should always come first. By enabling 2FA, using passkeys, and auditing your connected accounts, you can significantly reduce the risks of token theft, session hijacking, and other cyber threats. As cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier once said:

At Simplify Digital AI, I’m here to help you navigate these challenges with clear, actionable advice. Let’s simplify the complex and keep your data.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of this series, where I’ll continue to break down simple ways to protect your business from cyber risks.

Remember: convenience doesn’t have to come at the cost of security.