What is Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)?
Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an open standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between identity providers (IdPs) and service providers (SPs). It enables Single Sign-On (SSO) by allowing users to authenticate once and securely access multiple applications or systems without re-entering credentials. SAML uses XML-based assertions to communicate user identity, role, and access rights, making it a widely adopted protocol for federated identity management across cloud and enterprise environments.
Why is Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) Important?
SAML is a foundational technology in identity and access management (IAM), particularly for enabling seamless, secure access across distributed systems. It centralizes authentication through a trusted identity provider, which reduces password sprawl, enhances user experience, and strengthens enterprise security posture.
In critical infrastructure environments, where operational and IT systems are increasingly converged, SAML allows organizations to enforce consistent identity verification without managing multiple sets of credentials. This is especially important when supporting access by internal employees, OEM vendors, and third-party contractors across segmented networks or hybrid architectures.
SAML also supports regulatory compliance by enabling centralized access control, logging authentication events, and aligning with policies such as NERC CIP, IEC 62443, and TSA SD02E that require strong identity verification, minimal privilege, and auditability across all users and systems.
How Does Xona Help with Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)?
Xona natively integrates with SAML 2.0 identity providers to extend secure, federated authentication into OT and ICS environments without requiring users to manage or know system-level credentials. By acting as a bridge between your enterprise IdP and critical infrastructure systems, Xona ensures that SAML-authenticated users can gain access only to approved assets, at approved times, and under approved conditions.
With SAML integration, Xona supports Single Sign-On (SSO) into secure remote sessions, while layering on its own access controls, including time-based access, role-based restrictions, and credential injection. This allows organizations to leverage existing identity infrastructure while insulating OT systems from direct exposure.
Because all SAML-authenticated sessions are proxied, logged, and recorded, organizations gain end-to-end visibility and control, aligning SAML use with Zero Trust principles and critical infrastructure compliance mandates. Whether connecting remote engineers or OEM vendors, Xona ensures that SAML-based authentication extends securely into the most sensitive parts of your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of SAML in enterprise environments?
SAML enables Single Sign-On (SSO) by allowing identity providers to authenticate users and pass secure identity assertions to service providers, reducing the need for multiple logins.
How does SAML improve security compared to traditional login methods?
SAML centralizes authentication, reducing password reuse and attack surfaces while ensuring consistent enforcement of identity policies across multiple systems and applications.
