How to Set Up SAML-Based SSO with Asana
Learn what SAML-based SSO is, why it's beneficial, and how to configure it in Asana for secure, centralized user authentication.
Understanding SAML-Based SSO
What is SAML-Based SSO?
SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is an open standard that allows identity providers (IdPs) to securely pass authentication credentials to service providers (SPs) like Asana. With SAML-based Single Sign-On (SSO), users can access multiple applications with one set of login credentials, streamlining the authentication process.
Benefits of Enabling SAML-Based SSO in Asana:
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Centralized Authentication: Manage user access through a single identity provider, simplifying user management. 
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Enhanced Security: Reduce the risk of password-related breaches by minimizing the number of credentials users need to remember. 
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Improved User Experience: Provide seamless access to Asana without requiring separate login credentials. 
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Compliance Support: Meet organizational security and compliance requirements by enforcing consistent authentication policies. 
Prerequisites
Before setting up SAML-based SSO in Asana, ensure the following:
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You have an Enterprise or Enterprise+ Asana subscription. 
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Access to the Admin Console in Asana. 
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An identity provider (IdP) that supports SAML 2.0 (e.g., Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace). 
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Administrative access to your IdP to configure SAML settings. 
Step-by-Step Guide to Configure SAML-Based SSO in Asana
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Access the Admin Console: - 
Log in to Asana. 
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Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select Admin Console. 
 
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Navigate to Security Settings: - 
In the Admin Console, click on the Security tab. 
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Locate the Authentication section. 
 
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Enable SAML-Based SSO: - 
Click on Set up SAML. 
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You will be prompted to enter SAML configuration details provided by your IdP. 
 
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Configure SAML Settings in Your IdP: - 
Log in to your identity provider's admin portal. 
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Create a new SAML application for Asana. 
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Provide the following information (specific fields may vary by IdP): - 
Entity ID / Audience URI: https://app.asana.com/
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Assertion Consumer Service (ACS) URL / Single Sign-On URL: https://app.asana.com/-/sso/saml
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Name ID Format: EmailAddress
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Attribute Statements (Optional): You may map user attributes like firstNameandlastName.
 
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Obtain IdP Metadata: - 
Download the SAML metadata XML file from your IdP or note the necessary URLs and certificate information. 
 
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Complete SAML Configuration in Asana: - 
Return to Asana's Admin Console. 
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Enter the IdP metadata or upload the XML file as required. 
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Save the configuration. 
 
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Test the SSO Configuration: - 
It's recommended to test the SSO setup with a small group of users before rolling it out organization-wide. 
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Ensure that users can log in to Asana via the identity provider without issues. 
 
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Enforce SSO (Optional): - 
Once testing is successful, you can choose to enforce SSO for all users in your organization. 
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This ensures that all users authenticate through the configured SAML SSO. 
 
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Additional Considerations
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User Provisioning: Asana does not support automatic user provisioning via SAML. Users must be manually added to Asana or provisioned through SCIM if supported. 
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Multiple Domains: If your organization uses multiple email domains, ensure all are verified in Asana to allow SSO access. 
- How to configure Microsoft Entra SSO integration with Asana
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Support: If you encounter issues during setup, consult your identity provider's documentation or contact Asana support for assistance. 
