Learn about the user authentication process in GitHub after enabling SAML Single Sign-On (SSO). Discover how users authenticate through their Identity Provider (IdP) for secure access to GitHub.
Table of Contents
Question
Where does a user authenticate after enabling SAML Single sign-on?
A. With a GitHub login
B. With the organization credentials
C. With the Identity Provider (IdP)
Answer
C. With the Identity Provider (IdP)
Explanation
When a member accesses resources within an organization that uses SAML SSO, GitHub redirects the member to the IdP to authenticate.
When SAML Single Sign-On (SSO) is enabled in GitHub, users authenticate through their designated Identity Provider (IdP) rather than using their GitHub login credentials. This means that after SAML SSO is set up, users will no longer sign in directly through GitHub’s login page.
Here’s a detailed explanation of the authentication process:
- Configuration: The organization administrator configures SAML SSO in GitHub by providing the necessary information about the IdP, such as the SSO URL, issuer URL, and public certificate.
- User Access: When a user attempts to access GitHub, they are redirected to the organization’s IdP login page.
- IdP Authentication: The user enters their IdP credentials (username and password) on the IdP’s login page. The IdP verifies the user’s identity and authenticates them.
- SAML Assertion: Upon successful authentication, the IdP generates a SAML assertion, which contains information about the user’s identity and any additional attributes defined in the SAML configuration.
- Redirect to GitHub: The IdP sends the SAML assertion to GitHub via a POST request, and the user is redirected back to GitHub.
- GitHub Authentication: GitHub validates the SAML assertion received from the IdP. If the assertion is valid and the user is authorized to access the requested resources, GitHub grants access to the user.
- Seamless Access: Once authenticated through the IdP, the user can seamlessly access GitHub without the need to enter their GitHub credentials. The SAML SSO session is maintained, allowing the user to navigate through GitHub securely.
By enabling SAML SSO, organizations can centralize user authentication and management through their chosen IdP. This approach enhances security by leveraging the IdP’s authentication mechanisms and allows for a more streamlined user experience, as users only need to remember their IdP credentials to access GitHub and other connected applications.
It’s important to note that after enabling SAML SSO, users will not be able to authenticate using their GitHub login credentials. The authentication process is fully delegated to the IdP, ensuring a consistent and secure access control mechanism across the organization.
GitHub Administration certification exam assessment practice question and answer (Q&A) dump including multiple choice questions (MCQ) and objective type questions, with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the GitHub Administration exam and earn GitHub Administration certification.