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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Foundational

Identity Provider (IdP)

System that authenticates users and issues identity assertions or tokens to relying applications.

Definition

The IdP stores or connects to user identities, performs authentication including MFA, and sends signed SAML assertions or OIDC tokens to service providers. Examples include Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, Ping Identity, and Google. Centralizing authentication at the IdP simplifies policy enforcement and offboarding.

Example

Okta acts as the IdP that authenticates users for dozens of SaaS applications.

Exam tip

IdP authenticates; SP (relying party) consumes the assertion and grants access.

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