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What is Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)?

Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an XML-based open standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, in particular, between an identity provider (IdP) and a service provider (SP). SAML is primarily used for single sign-on (SSO) and web-based authentication in a secure and standardized way.

Here’s how SAML works:

  1. Identity Provider (IdP). The IdP is responsible for authenticating users and providing information about them in the form of SAML assertions. These assertions contain information like the user’s identity and any attributes or permissions related to the user.
  2. Service Provider (SP). The SP is the web application or service that the user wants to access. It relies on the IdP for user authentication and authorization.
  3. User Request. When a user attempts to access a resource on the SP, they are redirected to the IdP for authentication.
  4. Authentication. The IdP authenticates the user using his or her credentials (e.g., username and password) or another method (e.g., multi-factor authentication).
  5. SAML Assertion. After successful authentication, the IdP generates a SAML assertion, which is an XML document containing information about the user, and digitally signs it.
  6. SAML Response. The IdP sends this SAML assertion back to the user’s browser, which in turn sends it to the SP.
  7. SP Verification. The SP receives the SAML assertion, verifies its authenticity by checking the digital signature, and then uses the information in the assertion to make an access control decision. If the user is authorized, they are granted access to the requested resource.

SAML provides a standardized way for different applications and organizations to enable SSO, ensuring that a user only needs to log in once to access multiple services securely. This helps reduce the burden of remembering multiple usernames and passwords, simplifies user management, and enhances security.

It’s important to note that SAML is one of several protocols for achieving SSO, and more recent protocols like OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0 have gained popularity in modern web applications. However, SAML is still widely used, particularly in enterprise environments and legacy systems that rely on XML-based technologies.

 

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