[Term of the Day]: SAML

Term of the Day

“Security Assertion Markup Language”

Definition — What is SAML and its purpose?

In computing and networking, the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), is an open standard that allows security credentials to be shared by multiple computers across a network. It also enables "interoperability" that allows different machines to interact with each other, despite their differences with technical specifications.

This makes single sign-on technology possible by providing a way to authenticate a user once and then communicate that authentication to multiple applications. The most current version of SAML is SAML 2.0.

SAML technology is like an identity card. "a short, standardized way to show who someone is. rather than, say, conducting a series of DNA tests to confirm someone's identity, it is possible to just glance at their ID card.

Authentication: Determining that the users are who they claim to be

Authorization: Determining if users have the right to access certain systems or content

Check this article to know more about SAML authentication.