# Authentication

Authentication is how users prove their identity when accessing ThousandEyes. ThousandEyes supports both direct login and Single Sign-On (SSO), allowing you to tailor access based on your organization’s security policies and user needs.

## Key Concepts

* [Logging In](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/user-management/authentication/logging-in)

  Use a username and password to access ThousandEyes, or sign in through your configured SSO provider.
* [Configure SSO with Cisco Account](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/user-management/authentication/configure-sso-with-cisco-account)

  Configure multiple identity providers using Cisco Account.
* [How to Configure SSO](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/user-management/authentication/how-to-configure-single-sign-on-with-metadata)

  Integrate ThousandEyes with your identity provider to enable Single Sign-On (SSO) to enhance user authentication.