--- title: "Continuous Authentication — Identity Glossary | IDSync" description: "Continuous authentication re-evaluates a user's session in near real time using signals like device posture, location, and token revocation — so a…" lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://idsync.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Glossary", "item": "https://idsync.com/glossary" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Continuous Authentication", "item": "https://idsync.com/glossary/continuous-authentication" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://idsync.com/glossary/continuous-authentication", "name": "Continuous Authentication", "alternateName": [ "continuous access evaluation", "CAE" ], "description": "Continuous authentication re-evaluates a user's session in near real time using signals like device posture, location, and token revocation — so a compromised or stale session can be terminated mid-flight instead of waiting for token expiry.", "url": "https://idsync.com/glossary/continuous-authentication", "inDefinedTermSet": "https://idsync.com/glossary" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's the difference between CAE and continuous authentication?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "CAE is Microsoft's product name for their implementation. *Continuous authentication* is the broader concept." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which standards should I evaluate against?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "OpenID SSF and CAEP are the emerging interoperable standards. Most enterprise IdPs are aligning to them." } } ] } ] --- [![IDSync — identity software buyer platform](/assets/idsync-logo-BKS89EW4.png)](/) [Directory](/directory) [Compare](/compare) [Resources](/resources) [Browse tools](/directory)[Run Stack Finder](/stack-finder) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Glossary](/glossary) 3. Continuous Authentication Authentication # Continuous Authentication Continuous authentication re-evaluates a user's session in near real time using signals like device posture, location, and token revocation — so a compromised or stale session can be terminated mid-flight instead of waiting for token expiry. Last reviewed 3 months ago Key points - Sessions are evaluated continuously, not only at login - Token revocation propagates in seconds, not hours - Microsoft Entra calls this Continuous Access Evaluation (CAE) - Requires cooperation between IdP and downstream apps - Central to modern Zero Trust architectures ## What it is Continuous authentication (and the closely related Continuous Access Evaluation pattern) extends the security check beyond initial sign-in. The IdP and resource servers exchange signals so that revocation, policy changes, location change, or device-posture loss can immediately invalidate an in-flight session. ## How it works A classic OAuth access token is valid until it expires (often an hour). Continuous evaluation flips that: resource servers subscribe to revocation and risk events from the IdP. When an admin disables an account, a device falls out of compliance, or risk score spikes, the resource server kills the session on the next request — no waiting for token TTL. Standards in play: OpenID Shared Signals Framework (SSF), CAEP (Continuous Access Evaluation Profile), and vendor-specific channels in Entra ID and Okta. ## When buyers care - Defending against session hijacking and OAuth token theft - Enforcing offboarding within seconds rather than hours - Meeting Zero Trust mandates (EO 14028, NIST 800-207) - High-assurance B2B SaaS where stale sessions are unacceptable ## Common misconceptions - **Short token lifetimes are not the same thing.** Short TTLs reduce risk window but still leave a gap; continuous evaluation closes it. - **It is not free.** Apps must implement the consumer side of CAEP / SSF, not just the IdP. ## FAQ ### What's the difference between CAE and continuous authentication? CAE is Microsoft's product name for their implementation. _Continuous authentication_ is the broader concept. ### Which standards should I evaluate against? OpenID SSF and CAEP are the emerging interoperable standards. Most enterprise IdPs are aligning to them. IDSync provides educational buyer guidance based on publicly available information, editorial review, and user-submitted data. Vendor information should be verified before purchase. [Who we are, our methodology & disclosure policy](/about). ### One identity concept, explained per issue Get vendor-neutral identity explainers and market updates in your inbox. Work email\* Name Company Role (optional) Interests (optional) Pick what you want more of. IAMCIAMSSO/MFAIGA/PAMSCIM/provisioningAI agent identityVendor updatesSecurity incidents Subscribe Twice-monthly identity digest. Curated, vendor-neutral. Unsubscribe any time. ### Vendor categories [sso](/directory/category/sso)[mfa](/directory/category/mfa)[passwordless authentication](/directory/category/passwordless-authentication) ### Vendors to evaluate [okta](/directory/okta)[auth0](/directory/auth0)[microsoft entra](/directory/microsoft-entra) ### Not sure which tool you need? Run the IAM Stack Finder for a vendor-neutral shortlist tailored to your stack. [Run the Stack Finder](/stack-finder) ### Explore tools for this topic Browse vetted vendors in the sso category. 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