Differences Between SAML, SWA, and OIDC in Okta
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Overview
When implementing single sign-on (SSO) and identity management solutions in Okta, administrators have several options, including Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), Secure Web Authentication (SWA), and OpenID Connect (OIDC). Each protocol serves different purposes and suits specific scenarios. SAML provides strong enterprise SSO, SWA offers password vaulting for legacy applications, and OIDC delivers token-based security for modern cloud and mobile applications.
Applies To
- Okta Identity Engine (OIE)
- Okta Classic Engine
- Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)
- Secure Web Authentication (SWA)
- OpenID Connect (OIDC)
Solution
What are the characteristics of SAML, SWA, and OIDC?
SAML is an XML-based open standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between an identity provider (IdP) and a service provider (SP). It primarily serves enterprise-level applications and web-based authentication, allowing SSO across multiple applications. SAML suits B2B environments and older enterprise applications requiring strong, federated authentication. It works through browser-based SSO, allows for attribute-based access control (ABAC), and requires robust metadata management processes to maintain accurate metadata between the IdP and SP.
SWA is a password vaulting mechanism allowing Okta to securely store and replay user credentials for web-based applications lacking modern authentication protocol support. It suits legacy web applications or applications without built-in SSO capabilities. SWA requires no integration from the application. Okta stores the credentials and automatically fills them in during login. SWA is not a true SSO protocol and serves best for non-critical applications or as a temporary solution while transitioning to modern protocols.
OIDC is a modern authentication protocol built on top of OAuth 2.0. It allows applications to verify end-user identity based on authentication performed by an authorization server and obtain basic profile information. OIDC suits modern web applications, mobile applications, and API integrations. It uses JSON Web Tokens (JWT) for security and scalability. OIDC relies on OAuth 2.0, requiring proper scopes and permissions configuration to limit over-permissioning and reduce unauthorized access risks. OIDC serves as the dominant choice for authentication in cloud-native architectures, microservices, and mobile-first strategies.
The login flows for SAML and OIDC have three main differences.
The login flows for SAML and OIDC differ in data format, terminology for user data, and terminology for the target application.
- SAML transmits user data in XML format, while OIDC transmits user data in JSON format.
- SAML refers to the transmitted user data as a SAML Assertion, while OIDC refers to the data as Claims.
- SAML refers to the target application as the SP, while OIDC refers to it as the Relying Party (RP).
This table compares the three authentication protocols.
Review the following table to compare the protocol, use case, complexity, security, and implementation details for each authentication method.
| Feature | SAML | SWA | OIDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protocol | XML-based | Password-based | JSON/OAuth 2.0-based |
| Use Case | Enterprise applications | Legacy applications | Mobile, API, and cloud-based apps |
| Complexity | High | Low | Moderate |
| Security | Federated authentication with SSO | Secure password vaulting | Token-based authentication |
| Implementation | Service provider and identity provider | No app integration required | Lightweight, requires OAuth 2.0 |
How do administrators choose the correct authentication method?
Evaluate the application requirements, security needs, and protocol support to determine the appropriate authentication method.
- Use OIDC for modern, API-friendly, mobile-first solutions, mobile apps, and scalable solutions.
- Use SAML for older enterprise applications, B2B applications, or scenarios requiring federated SSO with strong security and attribute-based control.
- Use SWA for web applications that do not support SAML or OIDC, requiring stored credentials, simplicity, and minimal configuration.
