> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr/insights-and-tips-cortex-xdr/data-and-platform-administration/access-control-and-authentication.md).

# Access control and authentication

Learn how Cortex XDR manages role-based and scope-based access, SAML single sign-on, session controls, and tenant isolation.

### Roles (RBAC)

Cortex XDR includes predefined roles for administration, investigation and response, and specialized functions (for example, Account Admin, Instance Administrator, Investigator, Responder, Security Admin, and Viewer). Copy a predefined role to create a custom role with least-privilege permissions. Some roles depend on licensed modules. See [Set up users, groups, and roles](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/onboard-cortex-xdr/deployment-steps/set-up-users-and-roles).

### Scope-based access (SBAC)

Limit what each user, group, or API key can see, such as endpoints, assets, cases, and dataset rows, by tags, for example by region or business unit. SBAC is disabled by default. Assign scopes before you enable it. See [Manage user scope](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/onboard-cortex-xdr/post-deployment-steps/manage-user-roles-and-access-management/manage-user-scope).

### Authentication

* **SSO with SAML 2.0:** Use your identity provider, such as Microsoft Entra ID or Okta, and map IdP groups to Cortex XDR user groups and roles. Enforce MFA and conditional access in the IdP. See [Authenticate users using SSO](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/onboard-cortex-xdr/deployment-steps/set-up-authentication/authenticate-users-using-sso).
* **Directory groups:** Synchronize Active Directory groups to assign roles.

### Session and network restrictions

* Restrict console logins and API access to approved IP ranges.
* Set session expiration (1–24 hours) and inactivity logout.

See [Configure security settings](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/onboard-cortex-xdr/post-deployment-steps/set-up-your-environment/configure-security-settings).

### Tenant isolation

Each tenant's data is logically isolated. To segregate business units completely, use separate child tenants managed from a main tenant.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr/insights-and-tips-cortex-xdr/data-and-platform-administration/access-control-and-authentication.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.