> 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-xsoar-8-on-prem/8.13/configure-cortex-xsoar/users-and-roles-management/set-up-authentication.md).

# Set up authentication

You can create users locally or by using SSO or LDAP in the tenant. Users authenticate by doing one of the following:

* Authenticate locally

  After you create users, they authenticate using their username and password. For more information, see [Create users in Cortex XSOAR](/cortex-xsoar-8-on-prem/8.13/configure-cortex-xsoar/users-and-roles-management/set-up-authentication/create-users-in-cortex-xsoar.md).
* SAML single sign-on

  Users can be authenticated using your IdP provider such as Okta, Ping, or Microsoft Entra ID. You can use any IdP that supports SAML 2.0.
* LDAP authentication

  Users can be authenticated using their Active Directory or OpenLDAP directory credentials.

Using an external identity provider or directory service (SSO or LDAP) provides the following advantages:

* **Centralized access control:** Automatically removes access to Cortex XSOAR when a user is removed or disabled in the IdP or LDAP directory
* **Dynamic role-based access:** Maps SAML or LDAP group memberships directly to Cortex XSOAR user groups and roles, allowing you to manage role-based access control without manually assigning permissions in the platform.
* **Enforced security policies (SSO only):** Enforces multi-factor authentication (MFA) and any conditional access policies on the user login at the IdP before granting a user access to Cortex XSOAR.


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