Can I Use SAML2P With OpenIddict?

Yes, you can! SAML 2.0 continues to be a key enabler in the enterprise for secure identity and access management. Supporting SAML in modern SSO platforms is still relevant today, and SSO platforms need to support SAML in integrating with applications and federating with other identity providers.

What is SAML

Security Assertion Markup Language 2.0 (SAML 2.0) is a widely used protocol in enterprise environments for enabling secure, cross-domain single sign-on (SSO) authentication. With SAML2P (SAML 2.0 Protocol), organizations can streamline authentication processes, simplify application access, and enhance security—all while improving the user experience by eliminating the need for repeated logins.

How SAML2P Works

SAML2P enables an identity provider (IdP) to authenticate users and grant access to service providers (SPs) through a secure exchange of XML-based authentication information. This method works particularly well for connecting to external services and applications, as SAML is platform-independent and compatible with various cloud, SaaS, and on-premises systems.

Usage in Modern Enterprises

Today, enterprises use SAML2P to manage authentication across numerous internal and third-party applications. Common use cases include:

• Cloud and SaaS Integrations: Enterprises use SAML2P to provide SSO for popular applications like Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365. By centralizing authentication, SAML2P reduces employee password fatigue and the risk of phishing attacks.
• Federated Identity Management: Large organizations often operate across various departments or subsidiaries with separate authentication domains. SAML2P allows these entities to establish trust relationships and securely share user identities without requiring duplicate credentials.
• Enhanced Security and Compliance: SAML2P allows enterprises to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) policies seamlessly across platforms, which is critical in meeting compliance standards like HIPAA, GDPR, and SOX.
• Streamlined IT Operations: IT teams can improve their efficiency by centralizing authentication and reducing the need to manage multiple credentials. A single SSO solution reduces administrative overhead and simplifies onboarding and offboarding processes.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While SAML2P remains a robust option, challenges include complex setups and dependency on legacy protocols, which can be less adaptable than newer options like OpenID Connect (OIDC) or OAuth2. Yet, SAML2P continues to hold a strong presence in established enterprise environments. Many organizations rely on its security model, and it is expected to coexist alongside newer protocols as businesses adopt hybrid authentication strategies.

SAML2P With OpenIddict

In conclusion, SAML2P plays a crucial role in enterprise security and identity management, empowering organizations to centralize authentication, reduce security risks, and improve the user experience across diverse applications. As enterprises continue to innovate their digital ecosystems, SAML2P will remain a key technology in facilitating secure, scalable authentication solutions.

To solve this hybrid requirement, Rock Solid Knowledge's SAML component for .NET Core extends the OpenIddict OIDC/OAuth framework to support SAML2P, allowing enterprises to build an SSO solution that works seamlessly across applications using OIDC/OAuth or SAML2P.

To start adding SAML2P to your OpenIddict SSO solution, check our quick start documentation and videos.