Knowing Open ID connect and its advantages

Open id connect is a simple identity layer on top of OAuth 2.0 protocol, which allows computing clients to verify the identity of an end-user based on the authentication performed by an authorization server, as well as to obtain basic profile information in an interoperable manner. It allows clients including web-based, JavaScript clients to request and receive information about the authenticated sessions and end-users. This is not a standard identity provider but best in term of usability and simplicity.

The formula for the success of OIDC:

• Easy to consume identity tokens: Clients receive the identity encoded in a secure JSON web token (JWT).  It is appreciated for its elegance and portability. It also supports a wide range of signature and algorithms.

• Based on OAuth 2.0: The ID token is obtained via a standard OAuth 2.0 flow, with support for web applications.

• Simplicity: it is simple enough to be integrated with basic and typical applications, but is also have the feature and security options to match higher enterprise requirements.

The ID token resembles the concept of an identity card, in standard JWT format. To obtain one client needs to send the user to their OP with an authentication request.

Features of ID tokens:

1. Asserts the identity to the user.

2. Specifies the issuing authority.

3. May include additional requested detail about the subject such as name, email.

4. Is digitally signed

5. Can be encrypted for confidentiality.

Openid connect is a fast and secure way of signing in the websites. Here are some advantages to it:

• Accelerate the sign-in process: most websites ask for the number of repetitive information to use the application. Open ID accelerates that process by allowing the user to sign in with a single click. Primary data like name, date of birth and location is stored in open id.

• Gain control over online identity: Open id is not controlled by any website or service provider which means it allows the user to control how much data is shared online that accepts Open ids.

• Minimize password risk: Many people deploy the same passwords for different sites and hence if one password is compromised than a hacker can gain control over every website where the password has been kept the same. With OIDC password is never shared with any website and if a compromise does occur people can simply change the codes to minimize the data loss.

There are some servers which are not trustworthy and do not provide any security; however, if you choose open ID to connect internally, one can create his or her own secure server which is pretty safe. With open id, a user can obtain a token to use in an API call. The user is actively involved in the issuing of that token and has the power to impose policies as to when that token can be used and how his or her data is shared.

Importance Of Single Sign On Authentication

Single sign-on (SSO) is an identification system that allows a website to use other trusted sites to verify users. This cuts down login troubleshooting and decreases the damage a hack can cause; it will enable the user to a single name and password to access multiple applications. This technique is helpful for logging user activities as well as monitoring user accounts. It is time-saving and more comfortable option to check all the documents without signing in regularly. As different applications and resources support different and unique authentication mechanism, single sign-on need to store initial credentials used for initial authentication.

Advantages Of Single Sign On (SSO):

• No need to manage large passwords.
• A simpler sign-up and login process, which can also be useful for discussion.
• Reduced exposure to the risks of data loss as the user already trusts the identity provider.

The authentication aspects deal with validating user credentials and establishing the identity of the user. Authorization is related to restrictions which restricts the user to visit specific pages. The attribute exchange aspects deal with data sharing across different data management system. User management is similar to administration (creation, deletion, and update) of user accounts.  SSO provider has been very successful in the past due to the ability to manage and secure access to web applications due to which it is used in many IT companies.

What is SAML?

Security assertion markup language (SAML) is an XML-based framework for authentication between two entities: the service provider and the identity provider. The service provider is the one which agrees to trust the identity provider to authenticate the users. In return identity provider generates an authentication assertion, which indicates a user has been authenticated. SAML is an SSO provider format, and with it, the person doesn’t have to worry about typing in authentication credentials or remembering and resetting the passwords.

Benefits Of Users SSO Identity:

• Convenience: users only need to remember one set of login details; they don’t need to log in again after once it is done.

• Transparency: users know what is being shared from one system to another. It is installing a new application on mobile, and it asks permission to access the photos, and if the user doesn’t want it, they can opt out.

• Security: users also get a peace of mind that comes from knowing that your name and password is well secured and protected with the website owner like in the case of Facebook.

Advantages of business SSO identity:

• More user signups: new users can sign in quickly and easily by relying on a known brand. When trust increases conversation also increases.

• Less work at back end: user won’t have to waste time around and don’t have to reset passwords in every five minutes.

• Once everything is in Place Company can ask for more personal information and build customer profile over time, and if the user responds then, it creates a good rapport with the owner. In short single sign in and delegations make the life easier for company and client.