An Identity Provider (IdP) is a system that creates, maintains, and manages digital identities for users. It serves as a trusted source of user authentication and authorization information, enabling Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities across multiple applications and services. When a user attempts to access a resource, the service provider redirects the user to the IdP for authentication. Upon successful verification, the IdP sends an authentication token back to the service provider, granting access. Common examples of Identity Providers include Microsoft Azure AD, Okta, and Google Identity. By centralizing identity management, IdPs enhance security, improve user experience, and simplify access control across diverse IT environments.
