Description: Federated identity is an identity management system that allows users to access multiple systems with a single set of credentials. This approach simplifies the user experience by eliminating the need to remember different usernames and passwords for each service. Instead of managing multiple identities, users can authenticate once and gain access to various applications and services, including cloud applications and internal systems of an organization. Federated identity relies on standards such as SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) and OpenID Connect, which facilitate interoperability between different domains and platforms. Additionally, this system enhances security by centralizing identity management, allowing organizations to implement more effective security policies, such as multi-factor authentication. Federated identity is particularly relevant in cloud environments and in identity management for companies using multiple SaaS (Software as a Service) applications. By providing secure and simplified access, federated identity not only improves the user experience but also reduces the risk of security breaches related to password management.
History: Federated identity began to take shape in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as organizations started adopting web applications and online services. The development of standards such as SAML in 2001 and OpenID in 2005 was crucial in establishing a framework that allowed interoperability between different authentication systems. These standards facilitated the creation of federated identity solutions that enabled users to access multiple services without needing to manage multiple credentials. As cloud computing became popular in the 2010s, federated identity became an essential component for identity management in cloud environments, allowing organizations to securely integrate their internal systems with external services.
Uses: Federated identity is primarily used in enterprise environments where access to multiple applications and services is required. It allows organizations to efficiently manage user identities, facilitating access to SaaS applications, internal systems, and third-party services. It is also used in the educational sector, where students can access online resources from different institutions with a single identity. Additionally, it is common in social media platforms that allow users to log into third-party applications using their social media credentials.
Examples: An example of federated identity is using Google or Facebook to log into third-party applications, such as cloud storage services or e-commerce platforms. Another case is the use of SAML in companies that allow their employees to access multiple corporate applications with a single sign-on. Additionally, many universities use federated identity systems to enable students to access academic and administrative resources from different institutions with a single account.
