Using SSO with Keycloak and HashiCorp Vault, along with Google as the Identity Provider, can provide enhanced security, simplified user management, improved user experience, and compliance benefits. In this post, we’ll highlight some important steps we usually take in setting up SSO with Keycloak and HashiCorp Vault using Google as the IdP.
1. Set up a Google API project: To use Google as the identity provider, you will need to create a Google API project and enable the Google Sign-in API.
2. Configure Keycloak: Once you have set up the Google API project, you can configure Keycloak to use Google as the identity provider. In the "Identity Providers" section, you’ll then select “Google”, and enter the client ID and client secret from your Google API project and save the configuration.
3. Configure Vault: After configuring Keycloak, you can configure Vault to use Keycloak as the authentication backend. To do this, you will need to create a Vault authentication method that uses the Keycloak OIDC provider.
4. Test the SSO flow: Once you have configured Keycloak and Vault, you can test the SSO flow. To do this, you’ll have to "Login with Keycloak", and then you’ll be redirected to the Google sign-in page, where you can enter your Google credentials. After successfully authenticating with Google, you will be redirected back to Vault and logged in automatically.
Lastly, using SSO with Keycloak and HashiCorp Vault, along with Google as the IdP, can provide:
> Enhanced security - leveraging security features;
> Simplified user management - manage user access to multiple applications and resources from a central location;
> Improved user experience - access multiple applications and resources, and reduce the risk of password fatigue and account lockouts;
> Compliance benefits - SSO can help you meet regulatory and compliance requirements (e.g. HIPAA, SOC 2, ISO 27001) by providing centralized control over user access and authentication.
At Devolut we can easily set up SSO for you to start enjoying the benefits of a streamlined authentication mechanism that simplifies the login process for users and provides secure access to applications and sensitive data. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us at hello@devolut.io