Zendesk SAML integration
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an extra layer of security used when logging into websites or apps. Individuals are authenticated 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.
Arculix by SecureAuth, as a SAML provider, improves the user login experience for Zendesk users through its SSO-MFA solution.
Prerequisites
Configured Arculix instance and user account with administrative privileges for Arculix.
Configured Arculix LDAP Agent.
For more information, see the Arculix LDAP Agent deployment guide.
User account with administrative access for Zendesk.
Arculix SAML configuration as an Identity Provider (IdP)
In this section, you'll add an application for Zendesk and set the SAML configuration settings. This will be the Identity Provider (IdP) side of the configuration.
Log in to Arculix with an administrative account and go to Applications.
Click Create New Application.
In the New Application form, on the General tab, set the following configurations:
Name
Set the name of the application. This is the name to display for push notifications, in the Admin panel, Application portal, and audit logs.
For example, Zendesk.
Type
Set to SAML Service Provider.
Out of Band Methods
Select the allowed methods end users can choose to approve MFA requests.
For example, Arculix Mobile app (push notifications), SMS, or Security Key.
Message for MFA Requests
Optional. Type a message displayed to end users when sending an MFA request via push notification, SMS, or email.
Select the SAML Service Provider Configuration tab, and set the following configurations:
Issuer or Entity ID
Enter the Issuer/EntityID of your Zendesk instance.
For example,
https://example.zendesk.comLog in URL
Enter the link used by your users to access Zendesk.
For example,
https://example.zendesk.comACS URL
Enter the Assertion Consumer Service URL.
For example,
https://example.zendesk.com/access/saml/
Save your changes.
Zendesk configuration
Download the SAML metadata and certificate for your organization from Arculix.
Metadata download:
https://sso.acceptto.com/<myorganization>/saml/download/metadataView metadata:
https://sso.acceptto.com/<myorganization>/saml/metadataCertificate download:
https://sso.acceptto.com/<myorganization>/saml/download/certLogin to your Zendesk portal as an administrator.
In the Settings section, select Security > Global.
On the Global tab, click the Manage security settings in Admin Center link.
Select Single sign-on.
Next to SAML, click Configure.
On the SAML page, set the following configurations:
Enabled
Select the Enabled check box to enable SSO to Zendesk.
SAML SSO URL
Enter the SAML SSO URL.
For example,
https://sso.acceptto.com/<your organization>/saml/authCertificate fingerprint
Enter the SHA256 fingerprint of the Arculix certificate.
NOTE: To find the fingerprint of the Arculix certificate, run the following command:
openssl ($ openssl x509 -in cert.crt -noout -fingerprint -sha256)Remote logout URL
Enter the remote logout URL.
For example,
https://sso.acceptto.com/<your organization>/saml/logout
Save your changes.
From the navigation menu, select End users or Staff members based on the type of user you want to require MFA for.
Set the following configurations:
External authentication
Select the External Authentication check box.
Single sign-on
Choose Single sign-on option. Enter the SAML SSO URL.
For example,
https://sso.acceptto.com/<your organization>/saml/auth
Test your application integration
Go to your Zendesk login portal.
You will be redirected to the Arculix SSO page.
After successful authentication, select your preferred MFA method to approve access to the Zendesk application.
Finally, you will be redirected to your Zendesk landing page.
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.