Description: Federated security is a security model that allows the exchange of security information between different domains, facilitating user authentication and authorization across multiple systems without the need to manage separate credentials for each. This approach is based on mutual trust between the involved entities, allowing users to access resources in different organizations or platforms using a single identity. Federated security relies on standards such as SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) and OAuth, which define how security information is exchanged securely. Key features include interoperability, enabling different systems to communicate and share information effectively, and scalability, which facilitates the integration of new domains without significant complications. This model is particularly relevant in environments where organizations collaborate or share resources, such as in business alliances, cloud service platforms, and mobile applications requiring access to multiple services. Federated security enhances user experience by simplifying the login process and strengthens security by reducing the number of credentials a user must manage, thereby minimizing the risk of security breaches.
History: Federated security began to take shape in the late 1990s and early 2000s, driven by the need to manage identities in multi-domain environments. One significant milestone was the creation of SAML in 2001, which provided a framework for exchanging authentication and authorization information between different systems. As organizations began adopting cloud services and mobile applications, federated security became even more relevant, allowing users to access multiple services without having to create and manage multiple accounts.
Uses: Federated security is primarily used in business environments where multiple organizations need to collaborate and share resources. It is common in cloud service applications, where users can access different applications using a single identity. It is also used in social networks and third-party platforms that allow users to log in using credentials from other services, such as Google or Facebook.
Examples: An example of federated security is the use of SSO (Single Sign-On) in companies that use multiple cloud applications, such as Salesforce and Google Workspace, where employees can access all applications with a single account. Another example is social login, where users can register on a website using their Facebook or Google credentials, facilitating access without the need to create a new account.