As part of the "Intro to IAM" series, this article decodes OAuth 2.0, emphasizing its role in authorization, not authentication. Unlike its predecessor, OAuth 1.0, it prioritizes user consent over sharing credentials.

Roles in OAuth 2.0 are vital: The Resource Owner grants access to protected resources. The Client, holding the Access Token, requests access. The Authorization Server authenticates and issues Access Tokens. The Resource Server safeguards resources, validating Access Tokens.

Scopes, defined by the Resource Server, determine the extent of resource access. Tokens may be returned directly or via an Authorization Code for heightened security. Refresh Tokens, securely stored by clients, facilitate token renewal.

Explore more about OAuth 2.0 and identity and access management with this new article!