* The prefix for SAML properties.
     */
    protected static final String SAML_PREFIX = "saml.";

    /**
     * The key for the SAML state in the session.
     */
    protected static final String SAML_STATE = "SAML_STATE";

    private Map<String, Object> defaultSettings;

    /**
     * Initializes the SamlAuthenticator.
     */
    @PostConstruct
    public void init() {
        if (logger.isDebugEnabled()) {