What does SAML stand for in the context of security and authentication?

SAML stands for Security Assertion Markup Language. It is an open standard that enables single sign-on (SSO) and facilitates the exchange of authentication and authorization data between parties, particularly between an identity provider and a service provider. By using SAML, organizations can enhance security by reducing the number of passwords users need to remember, simplifying the login process, and enabling centralized user management.

This standard uses XML-based assertions to convey the identity of a user and the associated attributes, which are securely transmitted between the identity provider and the service provider. SAML plays a crucial role in federated identity management, allowing users to access multiple applications and services without needing to log in multiple times.

In contrast, options referring to Secure Authentication Markup Language, System Assertion Markup Language, and Security and Authentication Markup Language do not represent recognized standards or protocols in the context of security and authentication. Only the correct answer accurately describes the established terminology and functionality associated with SAML in modern security implementations.