What are the differences between OpenID and SAML?

What are the differences between OpenID and SAML?

OpenID is an authentication protocol that allows users to log in to multiple websites using a single set of credentials. SAML, on the other hand, is a framework for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, particularly between an identity provider and a service provider.

Can you explain how OpenID works?

Sure! OpenID allows users to authenticate with a third-party service, which then provides a token to the website the user wants to access. This way, users don't need to create new accounts for every site.

What about SAML? How does it handle authentication?

SAML works by using XML-based messages to exchange authentication and authorization data. When a user tries to access a service, the service provider redirects them to the identity provider for authentication, and upon successful login, the identity provider sends a SAML assertion back to the service provider.

Which one is more secure?

Both have their security features, but SAML is often considered more secure for enterprise applications due to its robust assertion mechanisms and support for single sign-on.