In today’s digital age, users often find themselves juggling multiple online accounts for various services. This can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when remembering unique passwords for each account. Single Sign-On (SSO) technology offers a solution by allowing users to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials. SAML2, a widely adopted standard, plays a crucial role in enabling SSO implementations.

Understanding SAML2

Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an XML-based standard that facilitates secure, web-based authentication and authorization. SAML2, the latest version, provides a robust framework for exchanging authentication and authorization data between identity providers (IdPs) and service providers (SPs).

• Identity Provider (IdP): The entity that authenticates the user and issues security assertions.
• Service Provider (SP): The application or website that relies on the IdP for authentication.

How SAML2 Works

1. Authentication: The user initiates a login request to the SP.
2. Redirection: The SP redirects the user to the IdP for authentication.
3. Authentication: The IdP authenticates the user’s credentials.
4. Assertion Generation: If the authentication is successful, the IdP generates a security assertion containing information about the user.
5. Assertion Transmission: The IdP sends the assertion to the SP.
6. Assertion Validation: The SP validates the assertion to ensure its authenticity and integrity.
7. Authorization: If the assertion is valid, the SP grants the user access to the requested resources.

Benefits of SAML2-Based SSO

• Enhanced User Experience: SSO simplifies the login process for users, reducing frustration and improving overall satisfaction.
• Improved Security: By eliminating the need for users to remember multiple passwords, SSO reduces the risk of password-related breaches.
• Increased Efficiency: SSO streamlines access to multiple applications, saving time for both users and administrators.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: Organizations can reduce the administrative overhead associated with managing user accounts and passwords.
• Enhanced Compliance: SSO can help organizations comply with various industry regulations and standards that require strong authentication and authorization controls.

To read more- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383943912_Single_sign_ON_with_SAML_and_its_Implementation