Introduction
In today’s digital landscape, seamless authentication experiences are crucial for user satisfaction. Implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) using Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an effective way to achieve this. In this article, we’ll explore how to set up SAML-based SSO for WordPress using Azure Active Directory (Azure AD).
What is SAML?
SAML is an XML-based standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties. It enables users to log in once and access multiple applications without re-entering credentials. By integrating SAML with WordPress, you can enhance security and streamline user access.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the configuration, ensure you have the following:
- WordPress Site: Make sure you have a WordPress site up and running.
- Azure AD Tenant: Set up an Azure AD tenant if you haven’t already.
Steps to Configure SAML SSO
- Install and Activate a SAML Plugin:
- Choose a reliable SAML plugin from the WordPress repository.
- Install and activate the plugin on your WordPress site.
- Configure the SAML Plugin:
- Access the plugin settings.
- Enter your Azure AD details, including the Issuer URL, Entity ID, and Reply URL.
- Map WordPress user attributes to SAML claims (e.g., username, email).
- Register WordPress as a SAML Application in Azure AD:
- In Azure AD, create a new enterprise application.
- Set the Sign-On URL to your WordPress site’s login page.
- Upload the SAML metadata provided by the plugin.
- Test SSO:
- Log in to your WordPress site.
- You should be redirected to Azure AD for authentication.
- After successful authentication, you’ll be logged in to WordPress.
