OpenID Connect is an authentication protocol built on top of OAuth 2.0 that allows users to securely sign in to applications using an identity provided by a trusted third party. It enables applications to verify a user’s identity and obtain basic profile information without handling passwords directly. This reduces security risk and simplifies login experiences across platforms.
With OpenID Connect, authentication is separated from application logic. The identity provider handles user verification, while the application relies on standardised tokens to confirm identity. This approach supports single sign on experiences and consistent identity management across multiple services.
OpenID Connect is widely adopted because it is interoperable, secure, and flexible. It supports modern authentication needs such as mobile apps, APIs, and cloud based services while aligning with privacy and security best practices.
Advanced
OpenID Connect uses ID tokens, access tokens, and optional refresh tokens to manage authentication state. ID tokens are typically JSON Web Tokens that contain verified user claims such as identifier, issuer, and authentication time. Validation involves checking signatures, token expiry, and audience alignment.
Advanced implementations support features such as PKCE, token refresh flows, and multi factor authentication. Correct configuration is critical to prevent token leakage, replay attacks, or misissued identities. Governance includes strict redirect URI control, scope management, and lifecycle monitoring.
Relevance
- Enables secure and standardised authentication.
- Reduces password handling risk.
- Supports single sign on experiences.
- Improves user trust and convenience.
- Aligns with modern security standards.
Applications
- User authentication for web applications.
- Mobile app login flows.
- SaaS platform identity management.
- API access control.
- Enterprise single sign on solutions.
Metrics
- Authentication success and failure rates.
- Token issuance and refresh frequency.
- Login completion time.
- Security incident occurrence.
- User adoption of single sign on.
Issues
- Misconfiguration exposes security risk.
- Poor token validation enables abuse.
- Incorrect scopes leak user data.
- Redirect errors break login flows.
- Weak governance complicates compliance.
Example
A SaaS platform replaced its custom login system with OpenID Connect using a trusted identity provider. Password handling was removed, login friction decreased, and security incidents related to credential storage were eliminated.