What type of authentication method does the Outbound SSO feature NOT utilize?

The Outbound Single Sign-On (SSO) feature does not utilize API key authentication. Outbound SSO generally relies on established protocols such as Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) or OpenID Connect, which facilitate authentication through token-based mechanisms rather than APIs using static keys.

In contrast, the other options represent methods that may be applicable in different contexts. Token-based authentication is commonly used in SSO implementations to allow users to securely access resources with a token instead of continually entering their passwords. Encrypted password storage is a best practice for safeguarding user credentials, ensuring that authentication data is secure and not easily compromised. Third-party login also aligns well with SSO as it enables users to authenticate using their credentials from external providers like Google or Facebook, simplifying the login process for end-users.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial, as it highlights how Outbound SSO differs in its approach, emphasizing the reliance on federated identity standards and tokens rather than the more traditional methods associated with API keys.