Understanding OAuth: Secure Data Sharing and Authorization Protocols

 OAuth (Open Authorization)

OAuth, or Open Authorization, is a technological standard that allows users to grant access to their data without sharing their password. OAuth is used when an app asks permission to access a user's profile information.

Here are some steps that OAuth goes through:

1. The user indicates their intent
2. The consumer requests permission
3. The user is redirected to the service provider
4. The user grants permission
5. The consumer obtains an access token
6. The consumer accesses the protected resource

OAuth is an industry-standard that addresses security concerns related to sharing user credentials. It provides authorization flows for web, mobile, desktop, and IoT applications.

OAuth differs from Single Sign-On (SSO), an authentication method that allows users to access multiple apps with a single authentication. With OAuth, the user grants permission to an app to access another app on their behalf.

This is covered in CySA+, Network+, and Security+.