NIH needed a single, secure mechanism for accessing multiple applications. The NIH Office of the Chief IT Architect (OCITA) leveraged existing mechanisms as a baseline for establishing a single, enterprise-wide solution for single sign-on (i.e., NIH Login).
Benefits
- Simplified Credential Tracking – It is easier for users to remember only one set of credentials.
- More Robust Security – Increased security, because users do not have “sticky notes” all over their desks displaying multiple passwords.
- Ensure Person Deactivation – It offers a more secure deactivation approach of people who leave NIH.
- Reduced Application Development Time – A shared authentication service eliminates the need for application developers to design, develop, test, and implement the service in their applications.
- Single Source of Access Control – It protects 28 applications enterprise-wide, allowing one change (e.g., implement needed patches or improvement) that impacts all systems. These systems include, but are not limited to, NBS, ITAS, NED, HRIBS, NIH Portal, and NIDB.
- Streamlined Physical Move Support – NIH Login facilitated the consolidation and move of Division of Extramural Activities Support (DEAS) staff from 27 locations to 3 by not requiring changes for access to the protected systems.