1. What Is SSO

Single sign-on (SSO) is a session and user authentication service that permits a user to use one set of login credentials (e.g., name and password) to access multiple applications. On the back end, SSO is helpful for logging user activities as well as monitoring user accounts.

2. SSO Upgrade

HUD has been directed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to upgrade the existing SSO standards.

It is critical to upgrade, if HUD were to continue with the current SSO version, it will put HUD and our external business partners at risk, including financial transactions as there are unaddressed security vulnerabilities. 

3.  HUD SSO Upgrade Implementation Date 

This Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) initiative/upgrade was implemented on Friday, April 26, 2019.

4.   HUD SSO Upgrade Issue/Problem

Multifamily Housing Programs (MFH) has implemented a protocol that requires our stakeholders to test ALL HUD infrastructure upgrades; thus, on Saturday, April 27, 2019, five (5) stakeholders reported that they were experiencing access issues with the TRACS application.  These five (5) stakeholders reported receiving an invalid credential error when attempting to log in with their  M-ID. 

5.    Stakeholder Issue/Problem With SSO Upgrade

That issue was resolved on Sunday, April 28, 2019, and we have confirmed that the stakeholders/users are able to access P104 – WASS and all application links.

The cause of the issue was the users have “bookmarked” URL for the login page that was pointing to the old SiteMinder server. 

Deleting users’ existing bookmark and creating a new one will prevent stakeholders from experiencing the issue/problem again.

Accessing the following URL confirmed users are able to access P104 – WASS:

https://hudapps.hud.gov/HUD_Systems is the URL for external users. 

https://hudapps.hud.gov/ssmaster is the URL for internal users

6. MFH Communication of Issue and Resolution 

All TRACS/iMAX users should direct any requests for technical assistance and/or questions to the TRACSTempsd@hud.gov email box.