ISC Identity And Access Management Architecture Practice Question
In a SAML 2.0 federation, an Identity Provider (IdP) is failing to authenticate users because the Service Provider (SP) cannot verify the assertion integrity. The SP requires the IdP to sign the assertion. What must be exchanged to solve this?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Exchange the IdP's public signing certificate
For the SP to verify the IdP's signature on an assertion, the SP must possess the IdP's public certificate.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configure the SP to use the NameID format
Why it's wrong here
NameID format defines the identifier structure, not the signing mechanism.
- ✓
Exchange the IdP's public signing certificate
Why this is correct
The SP uses the IdP public key to verify the digital signature on the SAML assertion.
- ✗
Exchange the SP's private key with the IdP
Why it's wrong here
Private keys must never be exchanged.
- ✗
Enable encrypted assertions using the SP's public key
Why it's wrong here
Encryption ensures confidentiality, but signature verification ensures integrity/authenticity.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This ISC practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the ISC exam.