An identity layer on top of the OAuth 2.0 protocol that enables clients to verify the identity of end-users based on the authentication performed by an authorization server.
Description
OpenID Connect (OIDC) is a simple identity layer built on top of the OAuth 2.0 protocol, which is widely used for authorization. In the context of Non-Human Identity Management, OIDC helps in managing identities of non-human entities such as applications, IoT devices, and services that require authentication for accessing resources. It allows these entities to authenticate themselves securely and obtain user information without needing to manage complex credentials directly. OIDC provides a standard way to obtain user information via ID tokens and UserInfo endpoints, which can be crucial for non-human identity scenarios where devices or services need to interact with user data or APIs. By using OIDC, developers can build applications that can authenticate users and securely communicate with other services, ensuring that non-human entities can operate within the same secure framework as human users, while also allowing for fine-grained access control.
Examples
- A smart thermostat that verifies its identity with an authentication server to access user settings.
- An API service that uses OIDC to authenticate with another service before fetching data.
Additional Information
- OIDC supports both web and mobile applications, making it versatile for various platforms.
- It provides a standardized way to handle authentication across different providers, enhancing interoperability.