OAuth is an open standard for access delegation commonly used for token-based authentication and authorization.
Description
OAuth, which stands for Open Authorization, is a protocol that allows applications to securely access user data from third-party services without sharing user credentials. In the context of Non-Human Identity Management, OAuth is crucial for enabling applications, services, or devices (often referred to as non-human entities) to authenticate themselves and gain access to resources on behalf of users or other systems. This is particularly relevant in scenarios where applications need to access APIs or cloud services while maintaining security and user privacy. Using OAuth, a non-human identity can obtain access tokens that grant limited permissions to perform specific actions on behalf of a user or system. This allows organizations to enforce least privilege access, where non-human entities can only perform tasks necessary for their function, minimizing security risks. OAuth is widely adopted across various platforms, including social media, cloud services, and enterprise applications, facilitating seamless interactions between services while securing user data.
Examples
- A web application using OAuth to allow users to log in with their Google account.
- An IoT device using OAuth to access cloud storage for data synchronization.
Additional Information
- OAuth 2.0 is the most widely used version, providing improved flexibility and security features.
- It is often used in conjunction with OpenID Connect for user authentication.