OIDC in Your Network Topology
Published: 2023-11-12 16:14:10

## What is OIDC 

OIDC, which stands for OpenID Connect, is a simple identity protocol built on top of the [OAuth](https://frontegg.com/blog/oauth) 2.0 protocol. It enables clients to verify the identity of end-users based on the authentication performed by an authorization server. In simpler terms, OIDC is a protocol that allows an application to authenticate a user using an identity provider.

[OIDC authentication](https://frontegg.com/guides/oidc-authentication) uses JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) to secure the information transferred between parties. These tokens contain 'claims' about the user, which the client or application can use to identify the user and make decisions about what they're allowed to access. This mechanism makes OIDC a powerful tool for securing network infrastructures. It's a protocol that has both breadth and depth, applicable to a wide range of environments from single websites to complex network topologies.

OIDC abstracts away the intricacies of identity provision, allowing network administrators and developers to focus on their core responsibilities. This simplicity, coupled with its robustness, has made OIDC a popular choice in modern network infrastructure.


## Where Does OIDC Live In Your Network Topology? 

OIDC can be integrated at numerous points within your network, depending on your specific needs and architecture. OIDC is flexible, and it can be implemented in various ways to suit the [unique requirements of your network topology](https://faddom.com/network-topology-mapping/).

One common place where OIDC lives in a network topology is at the entry point of your network, i.e., the login or authentication stage. Here, OIDC can ensure that only authenticated users can access your network resources. When a user attempts to log in, the request is directed to an OIDC server. This server then verifies the user's credentials and returns an OIDC token if the credentials are valid. The user's system stores this token and uses it to authenticate subsequent requests to the network.

OIDC can also be used within your network to secure inter-service communication. In a microservices architecture, for instance, each service might require authentication before it processes a request. OIDC can provide this authentication, ensuring that only legitimate requests are processed. This approach can significantly improve the security of your network, preventing unauthorized access to your services and resources.


## How OIDC and Authentication Impacts Network Management 


### Unified Authentication Mechanism

With OIDC, you can implement a unified authentication mechanism across your network. This means that you can use a single system to authenticate users, regardless of where they're accessing your network from or what resources they're trying to access. This unified approach greatly simplifies network management, as you only need to manage a single authentication system.

Moreover, a unified authentication mechanism can improve the security of your network. By centralizing authentication, you can better monitor and control access to your network resources. You can quickly detect and respond to suspicious activity, thereby reducing the risk of security breaches.


### Reduced Complexity for Users

OIDC can also reduce the complexity of authentication for users. With OIDC, users only need to remember a single set of credentials. They can use these credentials to access all the resources they're permitted to access, without needing to remember multiple usernames and passwords.

This reduction in complexity can lead to improved user satisfaction. Users are more likely to use secure practices when those practices are simple and straightforward. By reducing the complexity of authentication, OIDC can encourage users to adopt better security habits, thereby improving the overall security of your network.


### Secure Token-Based System

Finally, OIDC uses a secure token-based system for authentication. This system is inherently more secure than traditional username/password systems. Tokens are harder to steal or forge, making them a more secure choice for authentication.

Moreover, token-based systems can provide more granular control over access rights. Each token can be associated with specific permissions, allowing you to control exactly what each user can and cannot do. This granularity can make your network more secure and easier to manage.


## Best Practices for Network Administrators Operating OIDC Authentication 

As a network administrator operating OIDC authentication, there are several best practices you should follow. These practices can help you get the most out of OIDC and ensure the security of your network.


### Validate Tokens

First and foremost, always validate tokens. Before you allow a request to access your network resources, verify that the request includes a valid OIDC token. This validation should include checking that the token is signed by a trusted authority and that it has not expired.


### Limit Token Lifespan

Second, limit the lifespan of your tokens. While it might be tempting to issue tokens that never expire, this is a bad practice from a security perspective. The longer a token is valid, the more opportunity there is for it to be stolen or misused. Instead, issue tokens with a short lifespan and require users to refresh their tokens regularly.


### Plan for Token Revocation

Third, have a plan for token revocation. There may be situations where you need to revoke a token before it expires. This could be because the user's permissions have changed, or because you suspect the token has been compromised. Make sure you have a system in place to revoke tokens when necessary and to inform users of this revocation.


### Manage Scopes and Claims

Fourth, manage your scopes and claims effectively. The scopes and claims associated with a token determine what resources the token can access. Be careful not to grant too many permissions to a single token, as this could create a security risk. Instead, assign the minimum necessary permissions to each token.

In conclusion, OIDC plays a crucial role in network topology, offering a secure, unified, and less complex authentication system. Network administrators can maximize its benefits by adhering to best practices such as validating tokens, limiting token lifespan, planning for token revocation, managing scopes and claims, and regularly updating OIDC systems.