OAuth
OAuth is an open standard authorization protocol that allows users to grant third-party access to their web resources without sharing their passwords. It allows access delegation without giving away full credentials.
authentication
authorization
access-control
OAuth: Secure Access Delegation
An open standard authorization protocol allowing users to grant third-party access to web resources without sharing passwords, enabling secure access delegation
What is OAuth?
OAuth (Open Authorization) is an open standard authorization protocol or framework that provides applications or websites the ability to access user accounts on HTTP services like Facebook, GitHub, etc. without exposing their passwords. OAuth essentially allows access delegation without sharing full credentials.
Here's how it works at a high level:
- A user tries to log in to a website or app using an OAuth login option, like "Log in with Google".
- The app then contacts the service (like Google) and asks for an authentication token, specifying required permissions (e.g read contacts).
- The service validates the permissions being requested and prompts the user to authorize or deny the app.
- If authorized, the service issues an access token to the app.
- The app presents the token to the service to gain access to information authorized by the user.
OAuth allows users to share their private resources stored on one site with another site without having to expose their credentials. It avoids having to share actual login information by instead using authorization tokens. This protects user data security and privacy.
OAuth Features
Features
- Allows users to grant limited access to their resources without exposing credentials
- Decouples authentication from authorization
- Enables authorization flows for web, mobile and desktop apps
- Standardized protocol supported by major platforms and providers
- Allows access revocation without changing credentials
Pricing
- Open Source
- Free
Pros
Improved security over sharing credentials
Fine-grained control over access
Easy integration with major platforms
Wide industry adoption and support
Flexibility in implementing customized authorization flows
Cons
Complexity in implementing and managing OAuth flows
Additional integration effort required
Risk of improperly implemented OAuth exposing vulnerabilities
Requires user interaction and consent for authorization
Access token expiration requires refresh flows
Official Links
The Best OAuth Alternatives
Top Security & Privacy and Authentication & Authorization and other similar apps like OAuth
Here are some alternatives to OAuth:
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