What is OpenID Connect?

OpenID Connect (OIDC) is a protocol that helps applications verify a user's identity by building on OAuth 2.0, a widely-used authorization standard. It allows organizations to securely confirm who a user is and retrieve basic details like their name and email from a trusted identity provider, such as Azure AD or Google, without the need for sharing passwords.

OIDC adds an ID token, a secure JSON Web Token (JWT), to the OAuth 2.0 framework. This token carries key information about the user and their login session, making it easier for systems to authenticate users across multiple platforms. OIDC simplifies authentication processes while supporting compatibility across a wide range of systems.
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How Does OpenID Connect Work?

The OIDC process involves the following steps:

1. User Login: The user signs into an identity provider, such as a corporate directory or cloud-based authentication service.
2. Token Issuance: After the user logs in successfully, the identity provider sends the application an ID token (and optionally an access token).
3. Identity Verification: The application checks the ID token to confirm the user's identity and grant access to the requested resources.

This flow allows applications to validate users without handling sensitive credentials directly. For example, when logging into an application using “Sign in with Google,” OIDC is the protocol at work.

In PAM, OpenID Connect is used to securely authenticate privileged users before granting access to sensitive systems or accounts. By integrating with identity providers like Azure AD, PAM solutions can streamline the authentication process while maintaining strict access controls. Use cases include Single Sign-On (SSO), Federated Authentication, and Temporary Token-Based Access.

For example, an enterprise using a PAM platform integrated with OIDC can authenticate administrators through an identity provider. The ID token confirms the administrator's identity, enabling access to critical systems while supporting detailed logging for audit purposes.
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Why Organizations Use OpenID Connect

OpenID Connect provides a simple and reliable way to manage authentication across diverse systems. It reduces reliance on passwords by allowing secure token-based logins and integrates easily with existing identity solutions. OIDC is particularly valuable for businesses with hybrid environments that combine on-premises systems, cloud applications, and remote workforces.

By enabling centralized authentication, OpenID Connect helps businesses protect sensitive resources, reduce complexity, and support consistent identity management across platforms.