What Is OIDC? How SureIdP Simplifies Application Access with OIDC

To solve these challenges, IT teams need secure and modern authentication for applications without managing separate credentials for each application. In short, IT teams need Single Sign-On (SSO) for applications that support the OIDC protocol.

OpenID Connect (OIDC) is an identity authentication protocol built on top of the OAuth 2.0 authorization framework. It enables applications to verify a user's identity and obtain standardized identity information through ID tokens. OIDC can also enable SSO by allowing users to authenticate through a centralized Identity Provider (IdP) instead of signing in separately to each application.

While OAuth 2.0 primarily provides a framework for authorization and delegated access, OIDC adds authentication so an application can verify the identity of the user signing in. In simple terms, OAuth answers "What can this application access?", while OIDC helps answer "Who is this user?"

At the center of an OIDC authentication flow are the Identity Provider (IdP), the application, and the user.

When a user attempts to access an OIDC-enabled application, the application redirects the user to the Identity Provider for authentication. Once authentication is completed, the IdP returns an ID token containing claims about the authenticated user. The application validates the token and establishes the user's authenticated session.

This allows applications to rely on a centralized identity system instead of implementing and managing their own authentication mechanisms.

OIDC relies on a few core components to enable secure, standardized authentication:

• Identity Provider (IdP): Authenticates users and issues identity tokens.
• Relying Party (RP): The application that relies on the Identity Provider (IdP) to authenticate users.
• ID Token: A JSON Web Token (JWT) containing identity information and claims about the authenticated user.
• Claims: User or authentication details included in the ID token and used by applications to establish identity.
• Authorization Endpoint: Where users are directed to begin the authentication process.
• Token Endpoint: Exchanges an authorization code for tokens during the authentication flow.
• Discovery Endpoint: Provides the configuration details applications need to interact with the Identity Provider.

SureIdP integrates with leading identity platforms to strengthen authentication and enforce device-aware access policies.

Use SureIdP as an External Authentication Method (EAM) while Microsoft Entra ID remains the primary Identity Provider. SureIdP performs additional authentication and applies its authentication policies before access is granted.

Integrate SureIdP with Google Workspace using OIDC to enable Single Sign-On (SSO) and apply Conditional Access based on user and device trust.

OIDC support in SureIdP expands the range of applications that can participate in a centralized identity and access framework.

By combining OIDC authentication with SureIdP's identity and device trust capabilities, organizations can move toward a unified approach to application access—where authentication, device trust, and access policies work together.

With OIDC support in SureIdP, IT teams can:

• Extend centralized authentication to OIDC-enabled applications.
• Provide a consistent SSO experience across supported applications.
• Reduce the risk of stolen passwords.
• Combine user authentication with device-aware security controls.
• Support modern Zero Trust access strategies.

OIDC provides a standardized way for applications to authenticate users and work with centralized identity providers, making it easier to deliver secure access and SSO. With SureIdP, organizations can extend OIDC authentication across supported applications while bringing user identity, device trust, and access policies together. This helps IT teams simplify application access, strengthen security, and take a more unified approach to Zero Trust.