OAuth is a guardian of security; a protocol that’s as ingenious as it is essential. If you’re serious about keeping data safe – and you most certainly should be! – then understanding OAuth is crucial. Let us explain what it is and why you should be using it.
What is OAuth?
OAuth is an open-standard authorization protocol that provides the ability for “secure designated access” to applications. It allows third-party services to exchange your information without you having to give away your password.
OAuth 1.0 was revolutionary but just the beginning. It was OAuth 2.0 that really got people excited, by bringing flexibility and extensibility to the table.
What is OAuth 2.0?
OAuth 2.0 is the version you’ll see in the wild today. It’s a complete overhaul of OAuth that simplifies client development. With OAuth 2.0, you have “flows” tailored to different scenarios, whether it’s a web app, a server, a mobile app, or an IoT device.
What is an OAuth client?
An OAuth client is any application or service that uses the OAuth protocol to request access to protected resources on behalf of a user (or on its own behalf).
The flows of OAuth 2.0 and their benefits
OAuth 2.0 provides a range of flows with different use cases and benefits. These include:
- Authorization code flow: Ideal for server-side apps where the source code isn’t exposed.
- Implicit flow: Designed for browser-based or mobile apps where the client secret can’t be securely stored.
- Resource owner password credentials flow: Best for highly trusted applications.
- Client credentials flow: Perfect for server-to-server communication, where the application acts on its own behalf.
How does OAuth work?
OAuth works through a delegation process where users grant third-party applications limited access to their resources without sharing their passwords. It essentially creates a secure handshake between you, the app you want to use, and the service that holds your data.
A real-world example of this is when you sign up for Spotify using your Google account:
- You click “Sign up with Google” on Spotify.
- Google asks for your login and shows what Spotify wants to access.
- You approve the request, giving Spotify access to your basic profile.
- Google gives Spotify an access token (not your password).
- Spotify uses the token to get your name and email from Google.
- You’re logged into Spotify without Spotify ever seeing your Google password.
This approach delivers a range of security benefits, including:
- No password sharing: Third-party apps never see your credentials.
- Limited scope: Apps only get permissions you explicitly grant.
- Revocable access: You can remove app permissions anytime.
- Time-limited tokens: Access tokens expire and need renewal. As well as short-lived tokens for accessing resources, other token types include refresh tokens (long-lived for getting new access tokens) and ID tokens (which contain user identity information for OpenID Connect).
Why OAuth?
OAuth delivers solid data protection while also empowering innovation. In the era of the API economy, it is not just nice to have; it’s a must-have. With OAuth, you grant permission without surrendering your credentials, making it ideal for organizations that want to deliver top-tier API security alongside a first-rate user experience.
The takeaway
OAuth is ideal for keeping digital experiences safe. It’s a testament to the power of open standards and the spirit of innovation that drives the API community forward. By embracing the protocol and the range of available flows, as reviewed above, you can empower your applications and innovate securely.
With security in mind, why not check out these five best practices for API security, to ensure your APIs are protected against the latest threats and vulnerabilities?
