Understanding OAuth Applications

OAuth applications are integral to modern authentication, allowing access to various services without requiring the user to send passwords. These applications utilize an open standard protocol to authenticate users through identity providers, enabling single sign-on capabilities for internal and external applications. However, the flexibility that OAuth offers comes with risks, particularly because users previously had the ability to consent to app access without oversight. Unauthorized apps could impersonate legitimate services, gaining inappropriate access to sensitive data, which underscores the need for enhanced monitoring and management.