What is OpenID?
OpenID is a free and decentralized open standard that let internet user logon to multiple websites using single digital identity and therefore eliminates need for multiple ids and passwords.
Key Terms
User – Internet User
Identifier – The URL chosen by Internet user as OpenID identifier
OpenID Identity Provider - Service provider where user can register for OpenID URL. These providers manage identities and provide authentication.
Relying Parties – Growing number of sites accepting OpenID as authentication methods.
Where do I get OpenID URL?
You can get it from any Open ID Identity Provider. In fact, you probably already have it. If you use Blogger.com, you can use your blog url as open id URL. You will be sharing your information with the provider. So, choose a provider, you trust. Just like emails, you can have multiple OpenIDs for different purposes.
How does OpenID work?
Once signed up, You can use OpenID URL on any OpenID enabled site for signing in. Simply, enter your OpenID URL and you will be taken to your OpenID provider’s sign in page. Sign in to your account and grant access to the relying party.
Are there any Security Concerns?
Primary concern is phishing attack. A fake website can duplicate the feel and look of your provider and capture id and password. This can be a major issue because then the phisher can access all the sites that rely on Open id URL.
