Which authentication protocol enables the exchange of security authentication information between an IdP and a Cisco ISE?

The Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an XML-based open standard that facilitates the exchange of authentication and authorization data between an Identity Provider (IdP) and a service provider, such as Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). In this context, SAML allows the IdP to authenticate a user and then send assertions to the ISE that indicate the user's authentication status, along with any relevant attributes. This process is crucial for single sign-on (SSO) implementations, where users can access multiple services without needing to log in multiple times.

SAML’s role in federated identity management is especially significant because it enhances security and reduces the need for users to manage multiple credentials, thereby streamlining the authentication process across different platforms and organizations. SAML's ability to encapsulate authentication data and transmit it securely makes it the appropriate choice for interactions with Cisco ISE in this scenario.