Federated Identity

Federated identity occurs when either a user's personal information or a user's authentication process is stored or used in multiple and distinct identity management systems or information technology systems.

If two separate organizations have federated identity management systems, they trust in each other's authentication, a user could be identified at one location and automatically be identified at the other location as well.

When referring to the authentication process, federated identity includes the technologies, standards, and use-cases that enable authentication of a user across multiple security systems.

Federated identity levels can be standardized with a common identity assurance framework.

Pros for using a federated identity system include: increased security, lower risk, cost reduction, improve privacy compliance, and improved end-user experience.