What does Okta's federated SSO method utilize?

Okta's federated SSO method utilizes WS-Federation, which is an industry-standard protocol for web-based single sign-on (SSO). WS-Federation allows users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple applications without needing to log in again for each one. This protocol works by enabling identity providers to issue security tokens that applications can trust, creating a seamless authentication experience across different platforms.

WS-Federation operates based on the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), but it specifically caters to web services, enabling a smooth integration across diverse web-based applications. By using WS-Federation, organizations can effectively manage user identities and control access across hybrid environments, which contain both on-premises and cloud applications.

While other protocols like OAuth 2.0, SAML, and OpenID Connect are also essential components of identity and access management, they serve different purposes within web applications and are not the primary method used by Okta for federated SSO. OAuth 2.0 is mainly focused on authorization rather than authentication. SAML is a standalone SSO approach that can work independently of WS-Federation. OpenID Connect builds on OAuth 2.0 to handle authentication but is not synonymous with federated identity in the