What is SAML?
Introduction
SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is an open standard that allows secure web domains to exchange user authentication and authorization data among themselves. It is an XML-based protocol that uses security tokens containing assertions to pass identity and authentication information between a service provider and an identity provider.

What Are the Benefits of SAML?
The use of SAML provides several benefits, including increased security, improved interoperability and a more streamlined user experience. By allowing for single sign-on (SSO), SAML makes it easier to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials, eliminating the need to remember multiple usernames and passwords. Additionally, SAML helps to ensure information is securely shared between different organisations via XML-based messages, eliminating the need for complex configurations.

How Does SAML Work?
The authentication process starts when a user attempts to access a web application. The web application sends an authentication request to the identity provider, which authenticates the user based on their username and password and then sends back an authentication response containing two main elements: the assertion (which confirms the user’s identity) and the subject (which contains the user’s session information). The web application then verifies the assertion, grants or denies access to the application, and adds the user to the appropriate user group. SAML enables the secure exchange of user identity and authentication information between the two parties without needing to store or process user credentials.

SAML is becoming increasingly popular due to its simplicity and ease of integration with existing technologies. It has gradually become the accepted standard for web-based single sign-on (SSO) and is a great way to improve the security of web applications. Overall, SAML is an efficient and secure way to streamline user authentication and access control across different web domains.