SAML assertions are XML-based statements that provide information about a subject, typically used in identity management and authentication processes.
Description
In the context of Non-Human Identity Management, SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) assertions are critical for establishing the identity and attributes of non-human entities, such as applications, services, or devices. These assertions are generated by a SAML identity provider (IdP) and can include information such as authentication status, authorization data, and attributes about the entity. Non-human identities often require secure, automated access to resources without user intervention, making SAML assertions a suitable mechanism for granting such access based on predefined criteria. By leveraging SAML assertions, organizations can implement Single Sign-On (SSO) across various services and streamline access management for non-human identities. This enhances security by ensuring that only authenticated and authorized entities can interact with sensitive systems, while also simplifying the management of access policies for diverse applications and services within an organization.
Examples
- An IoT device sending SAML assertions to authenticate and access a cloud service.
- A microservice using SAML assertions to communicate securely with other services in a distributed architecture.
Additional Information
- SAML assertions are part of the broader SAML protocol, which facilitates secure web-based authentication and authorization.
- SAML is widely adopted in enterprise environments for federated identity management.