Description: Federated authentication is a system that allows users to authenticate across multiple applications using a single identity. This approach simplifies credential management, as users do not need to remember different usernames and passwords for each service. Instead, federated authentication uses a trust mechanism between different domains or systems, allowing an identity provider (IdP) to validate the user’s identity and share that information with other services or applications. This model is particularly relevant in modern security paradigms, including Zero Trust environments, where security is based on continuous verification of identity and access. Additionally, federated authentication effectively integrates into identity and access management (IAM), facilitating the administration of user permissions and roles. In various types of cloud environments, it allows organizations to maintain strict control over who accesses their resources while enhancing user experience by reducing friction in the login process. In summary, federated authentication not only optimizes security but also improves usability by providing smoother and centralized access to multiple applications and services.
History: Federated authentication began to gain popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, driven by the need to simplify access to multiple applications in a business environment. One significant milestone was the creation of SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) in 2001, which provided a standard framework for federated authentication. As companies began to adopt cloud services, federated authentication became a key solution for securely and efficiently managing identities in distributed environments.
Uses: Federated authentication is primarily used in business environments where users need to access multiple applications and services. It is also common in various online platforms that allow users to log into third-party applications using their existing credentials. Additionally, it is applied in the educational sector, where users can access online resources using a single identity provided by their institution.
Examples: An example of federated authentication is using Google or Facebook to log into applications like Spotify or Airbnb. Another case is access to educational platforms where students use their institutional credentials to access various online resources, such as digital libraries and learning management systems.
