What type is included in a SAML assertion?

A SAML assertion includes a statement regarding the subject's authentication, which is a critical component in the SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) framework. The authentication statement confirms that a user has been authenticated at a specific time and with a certain method, providing assurance to the service provider about the user's legitimacy.

This aspect of SAML is essential for enabling Single Sign-On (SSO) and facilitates trust between identity providers and service providers. By including this information in the assertion, it allows the service provider to make informed access control decisions based on the authentication status of the user.

The other options, while related to identity and access management, do not directly describe what is contained within a SAML assertion. Understanding the precise content and purpose of the assertion helps in leveraging SAML effectively in secure federated environments.