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Zendesk SAML integration

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an extra layer of security used when logging into websites or apps to authenticate users through more than one required security and validation procedure that only they know or have access to. Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is a protocol for authenticating to web applications. SAML allows federated apps and organizations to communicate and trust one another’s users.

Acceptto™, as a SAML provider, improves the user login experience for Zendesk users through its SSO-MFA solution.

Prerequisites

  • An Acceptto account with a configured Identity Provider and LDAP Agent.

    For more information, see the LDAP Agent deployment guide.

  • A Zendesk user account with administrative access.

  • A user with administrative privileges for the Acceptto Cloud dashboard.

Acceptto SAML Configuration as Identity Provider (IdP)

  1. Log into the Acceptto Dashboard with an administrative account and go to Applications.

  2. Create a new application by selecting the Create New Application.

    Create new application

  3. In the New Application form, enter the following values under the General tab.

    • Name - The application name displayed in the admin panel and application portal and used for push notifications and audit logs. (e.g. Zendesk)

    • Type - Select "SAML Service Provider" from the options.

    • Out of Band Methods - Select the allowed methods for approving MFA requests

    • Message for MFA Requests - Enter the user-facing message for Push, SMS, and email MFA requests (optional)

    zendesk_add_app.png

  4. Under the SAML Service Provider Configuration tab, enter the following values:

    • Issuer or Entity ID – The Issuer/EntityID of your Zendesk instance (e.g. https://example.zendesk.com).

    • Sign in URL - The link used by your users to access Zendesk (e.g. https://example.zendesk.com).

    • ACS URL - The Assertion Consumer Service (e.g. https://example.zendesk.com/access/saml/)

  5. Click Save.

Configure Zendesk as a Service Provider

  1. Download the SAML metadata and certificate for your organization from Acceptto.

    Metadata Download at https://sso.acceptto.com/<myorganization>/saml/download/metadata or view at https://sso.acceptto.com/<myorganization>/saml/metadata

    Certificate Download at https://sso.acceptto.com/<myorganization>/saml/download/cert

  2. Login to your Zendesk portal as an administrator.

    zendesk_admin_portal.png

  3. In the Settings section, select Security > Global.

    zendesk_security_global.png

  4. On the Global tab, click on Manage security settings in Admin Center.

  5. Select Single sign-on. Next to SAML, click Configure.

    zendesk_sso_saml.png

  6. Select the Enable check box.

  7. Fill SAML SSO URL and Remote logout URL with the values from the Acceptto metadata file.

    • SAML SSO URL - https://sso.acceptto.com/”your organization”/saml/auth

    • Remote logout URL - https://sso.acceptto.com/”your organization”/saml/logout

  8. Fill Certificate fingerprint with the SHA256 fingerprint of the Acceptto certificate.

    Note: You can find the fingerprint of the Acceptto certificate with the following command, run in openssl ($ openssl x509 -in cert.crt -noout -fingerprint -sha256)

    zendesk_saml_config.png

  9. Click Save.

  10. From the navigation menu, select End users or Staff members based on the type of user you wish to require MFA for.

  11. Click on the External authentication check box.

  12. Select the Single sign-on. Click Save.

    zendesk_select_sso.png

Test your application integration

  1. Go to your Zendesk login portal. You will be redirected to the Acceptto SAML page.

    SSO login

  2. After successful authentication, you’ll see the Acceptto MFA options. Select your desired authentication method.

    Select MFA method

  3. Finally, you will be redirected to your Zendesk landing page.

    zendesk_landing.png

Support

If you have questions or need assistance, contact SecureAuth Support.

Sales

Want to learn more about our MFA solutions? Contact our Professional Services for a demo today.

Disclaimer

All product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

All company, product, and service names used in this document are for identification purposes only. The use of these names, trademarks, and brands do not constitute an endorsement by the SecureAuth Corporation.

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