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GitHub Administration: What Authentication Method Verifies User Identity with Known Identity Provider?

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on  - Last updated:

Categories Exam

Learn about SAML Single Sign-On (SSO), a user authentication method that verifies identity against a known identity provider for secure access. Understand how SAML SSO differs from 2FA, TOTP, and SMS authentication.

Table of Contents

Question

What type of user authentication is used to verify a user identity against a known identity provider?

A. Two-factor authentication (2FA)
B. Time-based One-time Password (TOTP)
C. SAML Single Sign-on (SAML SSO)
D. Short Message Service (SMS)

Answer

C. SAML Single Sign-on (SAML SSO)

Explanation

SAML authentication is a process used to verify user identity and credentials against a known identify provider.

SAML Single Sign-On (SSO) is the correct answer for the type of user authentication that verifies a user’s identity against a known identity provider.

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is an open standard that allows identity providers (IdP) to pass authorization credentials to service providers (SP). In the SAML SSO process:

  • The user attempts to access a service provider application.
  • The service provider sends an authentication request to the identity provider.
  • The user logs in with their credentials on the identity provider’s system.
  • The identity provider verifies the user’s identity and sends a SAML assertion to the service provider confirming successful authentication.
  • The service provider grants the user access to the requested application.

SAML SSO provides a seamless, secure single sign-on experience by leveraging a trusted identity provider to authenticate the user across multiple service provider applications.

The other options serve different purposes:

  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond a password.
  • Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) is an algorithm that generates a unique, time-sensitive passcode for authentication.
  • Short Message Service (SMS) can be used to send verification codes for 2FA but is not itself an authentication method.

Therefore, SAML Single Sign-On (SSO) is the authentication method that specifically verifies a user’s identity against a known identity provider.

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.