IAM Consultant - SAML & Okta

Position : SAML Consultant

Location : 100% remote

Required :

SAML Expert

Okta

working with custom apps - 80% java / 20% .net (nice to have)

Follow Process :

• Discovery phase
• Mobilize plan phase
• Build and iterate phase
• Support and transition phase

The titles for resources with expertise in SAML who can help with implementing SAML flows for your new SEL (Security Enhanced Login) might include :

• SAML Specialist
• SAML Consultant
• Identity and Access Management (IAM) Specialist
• IAM Consultant
• SAML Integration Engineer
• Identity Management Architect
• Security Engineer with SAML Expertise
• Single Sign-On (SSO) Consultant

These professionals have the skills and experience needed to configure, troubleshoot, and secure SAML-based authentication and authorization flows.

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is a standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, specifically between an identity provider (IdP) and a service provider (SP). An SAML resource refers to any web application, service, or system that relies on SAML for authentication and authorization. Here are the key components involved :

• Identity Provider (IdP) : The entity that authenticates users and provides identity information to service providers. Examples include Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS), Okta, and OneLogin.
• Service Provider (SP) : The entity that receives and accepts the authentication assertions from the IdP. Examples include web applications, cloud services, and other systems that users need access to.
• SAML Assertion : A piece of information that the IdP sends to the SP, containing user authentication and attribute information. It includes :

Authentication statements

• Attribute statements
• Authorization decision statements
• SAML Request : The message sent by the SP to the IdP to request authentication of a user.
• SAML Response : The message sent by the IdP back to the SP containing the SAML assertion.

Use Case

When a user tries to access an SAML resource (e.g., a web application that uses SAML for authentication), the following process typically occurs :

• Access Request : The user tries to access the protected resource at the service provider.
• Authentication Request : The service provider generates a SAML authentication request and redirects the user to the identity provider.
• User Authentication : The identity provider authenticates the user (e.g., through a login form).
• SAML Response : Upon successful authentication, the identity provider generates a SAML response containing the assertion and redirects the user back to the service provider.
• Assertion Validation : The service provider validates the SAML assertion.
• Access Granted : If the assertion is valid, the service provider grants the user access to the requested resource.

Benefits

• Single Sign-On (SSO) : Users can access multiple applications with a single set of login credentials.
• Improved Security : Centralized authentication and reduced password proliferation.
• Reduced Administrative Overhead : Simplified user management and streamlined access controls.

In summary, an SAML resource is any application or service that uses the SAML protocol to manage user authentication and authorization, leveraging the benefits of SSO and enhanced security.

#DICE

nkraft@c4techservices.com