
SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) has been the standard protocol for Single Sign-On (SSO). It provides reliable authentication for browser-based logins and supports identity federation across trusted domains.

However, SAML was primarily designed to handle authentication in web browser sessions and does not natively support secure API access or delegated authorization models required by modern applications.

OAuth 2.0 was developed to address these gaps. It offers a **token-based authentication framework** with fine-grained, scoped access controls that are essential for secure API interactions, automation processes, and complex identity workflows involving multiple services.

OAuth enables applications to request access on behalf of users without exposing their credentials, supporting seamless integration with third-party tools and services.

Knowing **when to choose OAuth over SAML in Atlassian** environments empowers your team to:

- Secure API-driven workflows by granting limited and revocable access tokens
- Enable real-time access control through dynamic permission updates
- Improve compatibility with a broad range of third-party integrations
- Reduce administrative overhead in large-scale deployments by automating user provisioning and access management

Making an informed decision ensures that your Atlassian tools remain both secure and efficient as your organization grows and your identity management needs evolve.

## When to Choose OAuth Over SAML in Atlassian {#when-to-choose-oauth-over-saml}

Choosing the right authentication protocol depends on your team’s specific needs and environment. Below are key scenarios where OAuth offers distinct advantages over SAML, helping you decide when making the switch makes the most sense.

**1. API-Driven Environments**

(Primary: OAuth for Atlassian, Atlassian API authentication)

Modern Atlassian deployments increasingly rely on automated workflows, such as CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, reporting dashboards, and custom integrations. OAuth 2.0 excels in these API-driven contexts because it uses **token-based authentication** specifically designed for secure, delegated access without exposing user credentials.

Unlike SAML’s XML-based browser SSO, OAuth issues **access tokens scoped to specific permissions**, which client applications can use for granular API calls. This means automation tools like Jenkins, Bamboo, or custom apps can authenticate independently of user sessions. For example, a DevOps team integrating Jenkins with Jira Service Management can configure OAuth scopes so that build servers access only the relevant Jira APIs. Tokens can be revoked centrally if the user leaves or changes roles.

This model supports **fine-grained authorization, token expiration, and refresh**, all critical for secure automation. By decoupling API access from interactive logins, OAuth reduces risks such as leaked credentials and session hijacking that can compromise CI/CD pipelines.

**Why it matters:**

OAuth ensures that API interactions within Atlassian are secure, auditable, and maintain least-privilege access, which is foundational for maintaining trust in automated enterprise workflows.

**2. Dynamic User Access Needs**

(Secondary: OAuth vs SAML security, Atlassian user access control)

Atlassian environments are rarely static. Team compositions evolve, contractors come and go, and project roles shift rapidly. OAuth, especially when paired with SCIM provisioning, supports **dynamic, real-time user and group management** by syncing permissions directly from Identity Providers (IdPs) such as Azure AD, Okta, or Google Workspace.

This real-time synchronization enables **role-based access control (RBAC)** that adjusts immediately as users are added or removed from groups, without requiring users to log out and back in. OAuth tokens reflect current permissions through **scopes and claims**, ensuring that API calls and app sessions are always authorized according to the latest organizational policies.

In contrast, SAML relies on assertions generated during the login event and is **session-bound**, meaning any role or group changes during an active session will not take effect until the next authentication. This can potentially leave security gaps if permissions are not updated promptly.

**Why it matters:**

OAuth’s dynamic provisioning and real-time sync reduce administrative overhead, improve compliance posture, and minimize risks associated with stale permissions and over-privileged users.

**3. Third-Party Integrations**

(Primary: OAuth vs SAML Atlassian integrations)

The Atlassian suite rarely exists in isolation. Modern enterprises connect Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket with myriad third-party platforms such as Slack for notifications, GitHub for code repositories, AWS for cloud services, and Google Workspace for collaboration.

OAuth’s **delegated authorization model** enables these integrations to request **limited, revocable access tokens** scoped to specific actions or resources. This delegation aligns with the OAuth principle of least privilege and enables users to control what external applications can access on their behalf, without exposing passwords or full account access.

SAML, on the other hand, is primarily an authentication protocol designed for **identity federation** between two parties and does not natively support delegated resource access or token refresh. Integrations using SAML often rely on workarounds or additional protocols, increasing complexity and security risks.

**Why it matters:**

OAuth’s native support for delegated access simplifies cross-platform integrations, enhances security by minimizing credential exposure, and facilitates modern, API-first workflows critical for agile teams.

**4. Scalability Requirements**

(Secondary: OAuth vs SAML performance, scalable authentication Atlassian)

Large-scale Atlassian deployments, especially those spanning multiple geographic regions or supporting tens of thousands of users, demand authentication protocols that scale efficiently and reliably.

SAML’s authentication exchanges rely on verbose **XML-based assertions** and synchronous browser redirects, which introduce higher latency and complexity. Additionally, managing SAML configurations for multiple IdPs or handling bulk user attribute mappings often requires significant manual effort and custom tooling.

OAuth addresses these challenges with **lightweight JSON Web Tokens (JWTs)** that are faster to generate, parse, and validate. Its stateless token model supports **high concurrency and distributed authentication** across multiple Atlassian instances or data centers. Features like **token expiration and refresh workflows** further optimize resource use and improve session resilience.

For example, enterprises with large Jira user bases find OAuth enables faster authentication responses and easier support for multiple login flows without sacrificing security or control.

**Why it matters:**

OAuth reduces authentication overhead, improves user experience through faster logins, and simplifies administration, all of which are key factors for scaling Atlassian in enterprise environments.

**5. Modern Security & Compliance**

(Primary: OAuth vs SAML security Atlassian)

Security in 2025 is no longer just about verifying identity. It demands continuous assurance, adaptive policies, and detailed auditability. OAuth 2.0 and its extension OpenID Connect are designed with these modern requirements in mind:

- **Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)**: OAuth tokens can require MFA enforcement for both interactive and API access, integrating with identity provider policies seamlessly.
- **Conditional Access**: OAuth supports policies based on user device health, location, network context, and risk signals, enabling Zero Trust architectures.
- **Identity Verification**: OpenID Connect adds an ID token that authenticates user identity alongside OAuth’s authorization capabilities.
- **Comprehensive Auditing**: OAuth workflows can be logged in detail, capturing token issuance, usage, and revocation events, which are critical for compliance regimes such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.

While SAML can be extended to support some of these capabilities, it often requires additional middleware or complex customizations, increasing cost and operational risk.

**Why it matters:**

OAuth’s modern security architecture helps organizations maintain compliance, reduce attack surfaces, and enforce strict access controls aligned with evolving enterprise security policies.

## Why miniOrange Is Your Go-To for OAuth SSO in Atlassian {#why-miniorange-is-go-to-for-oauth-sso}

miniOrange offers a **comprehensive OAuth/OIDC SSO solution for Atlassian Data Center and Cloud** that goes beyond native options to meet enterprise requirements:

- **Broad Identity Provider Support**: Seamlessly integrates with over 20 IdPs including Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace, and Ping Identity, providing flexibility to fit your existing infrastructure.
- **Advanced User & Group Management**: Supports Just-in-Time provisioning and SCIM for automated user lifecycle management, along with customizable attribute synchronization and regex-based username generation for tailored login experiences.
- **Robust Session & Security Controls**: Enables Single Logout (SLO) across Jira and the Identity Provider, and enhances session security with OAuth’s OIDC logout endpoints, adaptive authentication, and support for MFA and WebAuthn.
- **Flexible Configuration & Scalability**: Provides export/import of configurations to streamline deployment and maintenance, and leverages lightweight JSON tokens for fast, scalable authentication even in large organizations.
- **Future-Ready Features**: Includes support for risk-based access policies, audit logging, and secure API gateways, ensuring compliance with evolving security standards while maintaining user productivity.

miniOrange empowers Atlassian admins to harness OAuth’s full potential with user-friendly configuration, expert support, and enterprise-grade security—making OAuth adoption straightforward and effective.

**Bonus**: You can run OAuth alongside SAML for hybrid environments, ideal during phased migrations.

## Conclusion {#conclusion}

SAML has served Atlassian teams well for over a decade, delivering reliable browser-based SSO and meeting the needs of traditional identity federation. But the way teams work in 2025 looks very different.

Workflows now span APIs, multiple identity providers, external collaborators, and a growing web of third-party integrations. Security standards have shifted from “log in once” to **continuous, context-aware authentication**.

That’s where OAuth shines.

It’s **purpose-built for API access, flexible enough for dynamic roles, lightweight for global scale**, and **future-ready for modern compliance frameworks**. By adopting OAuth for Atlassian, whether for Jira, Confluence, or Bitbucket—you’re not just replacing a login protocol. You’re enabling:

- Faster, more secure integrations
- Real-time access alignment across tools
- Compatibility with today’s and tomorrow’s security policies
- Reduced admin effort in managing access at scale

If your environment still relies solely on SAML, the decision to move toward OAuth isn’t about abandoning a proven standard, it’s about evolving to meet the needs of a connected, API-driven enterprise. In many cases, the smartest path is a **hybrid approach**—running OAuth where agility, integrations, and APIs matter most, and keeping SAML where it still makes sense for stable, browser-only access.

## FAQs {#faq}

**Q1: Which identity providers support OAuth for Atlassian?**

Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace, Auth0, Ping Identity, and most modern IdPs support OAuth 2.0 for Atlassian.

**Q2: When should I choose OAuth over SAML?**

If you rely heavily on APIs, have dynamic access needs, or require seamless third-party integrations, OAuth is the better fit.

**Q3: Can OAuth replace SAML for all Atlassian authentication?**

Yes, in most Cloud and Data Center setups. For purely browser-based SSO without API requirements, SAML remains viable.


In Atlassian environments, whether you are managing Jira Software, Confluence, or Bitbucket, the choice of authentication protocol plays a critical role in determining your system's security posture, scalability, and overall user experience.

Choosing OAuth Over SAML for Atlassian: When and Why It Makes Sense


Whether it’s syncing issue data with development tools, automating content updates in Confluence, or connecting project management to reporting systems, REST APIs form the backbone of these interactions.

As teams rely increasingly on these automated processes, securing API access through reliable authentication becomes essential to protect sensitive information and maintain system integrity.

This is where the [miniOrange REST API Authentication app](https://www.miniorange.com/atlassian/atlassian-rest-api-authentication) plays a vital role. Whether it involves authenticating requests to Jira’s REST API or ensuring secure access to Confluence’s resources, implementing strong API authentication strategies is key to safeguarding your Atlassian environment.

In this blog, we will explore the top five challenges organizations face with API authentication for Jira and Confluence. We will also discuss how modern solutions can effectively address these issues to keep your integrations secure and compliant.

## Why Secure REST API Authentication Matters {#why-secure-rest-api-authentication-matters}

APIs are essential for modern software ecosystems, enabling powerful integrations and automation across platforms. However, their very openness can also make them a prime target for security threats if not protected properly.

Typically, many organizations relied on basic authentication, which sends a username and password with each API request, to control access. While straightforward, this approach has significant security shortcomings that have led Atlassian and the broader industry to phase it out.

**Key security risks associated with basic authentication include:**

- **Credential Exposure**: Basic authentication sends credentials with every API call, often encoded in base64 but not encrypted. If communication channels are compromised, attackers can intercept these credentials easily.
- **No Granular Permission Controls**: Basic authentication typically grants broad access tied to the user account, lacking fine-grained scopes or permissions. This can result in over-permissioned API access, where integrations have more privileges than necessary, increasing the attack surface.
- **Credential Management Challenges**: Storing passwords in scripts, configuration files, or CI/CD pipelines poses a major risk. These secrets can be accidentally exposed through version control, logs, or insider threats.

In response to these vulnerabilities, Atlassian has shifted toward modern, token-based authentication protocols such as **OAuth 2.0** and **Personal Access tokens**. These methods provide:

- **Improved Security**: Tokens do not expose user credentials and can be rotated or revoked independently.
- **Better User Experience**: OAuth supports delegated authorization, allowing users to grant limited access without sharing passwords.

Beyond security concerns, regulatory compliance adds another critical dimension. Frameworks such as **ISO 27001**, **SOC 2**, and **GDPR** require organizations to implement strict access controls, detailed audit logging, and traceability for all system interactions including API calls. Failure to meet these standards can result in legal penalties, data breaches, and reputational damage.

For organizations using Atlassian products, this means **secure API access for Jira** and **secure API access for Confluence** is no longer optional. Robust authentication mechanisms combined with comprehensive monitoring ensure that API activity can be audited and that only authorized entities access sensitive data and operations.

## Challenge 1 – Basic Authentication Deprecation {#challenge-1}

**Problem Statement**: Atlassian is retiring basic authentication for Jira and Confluence REST APIs, ending support for username-password pairs in integrations. Many legacy workflows and tools still depend on this outdated method.

**Risk Impact**: Without updating, integrations will fail when basic auth is disabled, causing service disruptions. Continuing to use basic auth exposes your environment to credential leaks and attacks.

**Best Practice**: Migrate to modern authentication methods such as OAuth 2.0, API tokens, or personal access tokens. These methods provide encrypted credential exchange, granular permissions, and token lifecycle management. Transitioning early helps ensure uninterrupted integration and compliance with evolving security standards.

## Challenge 2 – Third-Party App Integration Security {#challenge-2}

**Problem Statement**: Jira and Confluence integrations with third-party tools like CI/CD systems or chatbots often use static credentials or broadly scoped tokens, increasing exposure.

**Risk Impact**: Poorly secured integrations risk unauthorized access, data leaks, and can serve as entry points for attackers into your Atlassian environment.

**Best Practice**: Use OAuth 2.0 or bearer tokens with tightly scoped permissions based on the principle of least privilege. Employ token expiration and rotation policies to reduce risk if credentials are compromised.

## Challenge 3 – Role-Based API Access {#challenge-3}

**Problem Statement**: Over-permissioned API keys or service accounts are frequently used for simplicity but increase the risk of misuse and extensive damage if compromised.

**Risk Impact**: Excessive privileges can allow unintended data changes or leaks, and shared credentials amplify the potential impact of breaches.

**Best Practice**: Implement role-based access controls with granular scopes tailored to each integration’s needs. Limiting API permissions to necessary endpoints or actions supports zero trust security principles and reduces the blast radius of potential breaches.

## Challenge 4 – Automation and Scheduled Jobs {#challenge-4}

**Problem Statement**: Automation scripts and scheduled jobs often store credentials insecurely, such as in code or configuration files, risking accidental exposure.

**Risk Impact**: Exposed credentials can be exploited for unauthorized API calls, which may appear as legitimate system activity and complicate detection.

**Best Practice**: Use OAuth 2.0 Client Credentials Grant flow for secure machine-to-machine authentication. Secure token management, regular rotation, and integration with credential vaults further protect automated workflows.

## Challenge 5 – Compliance and Audit Requirements {#challenge-5}

**Problem Statement**: Regulations like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR require detailed, traceable audit trails for all API access and actions.

**Risk Impact**: Lack of comprehensive logging and traceability risks non-compliance, regulatory penalties, and incomplete incident investigations.

**Best Practice**: Assign unique API tokens or personal access tokens per user or integration. Log all API activity in a detailed, searchable, and exportable format. Combine these logs with authentication mechanisms to ensure audit readiness and facilitate real-time monitoring or forensic analysis.

## How miniOrange REST API Authentication App Solves These Challenges {#how-rest-api-auth-solves-challenges}

**Seamless Transition from Basic Authentication**

To address the deprecation of basic authentication, the miniOrange REST API Authentication app fully supports OAuth 2.0 for Data Center deployments. Additionally, the app allows administrators to disable basic authentication on older versions, effectively closing potential security gaps and enforcing modern authentication standards.

**Enhanced Security for Third-Party Integrations**

The app enforces scoped API access, allowing admins to restrict permissions—such as enforcing read-only access—to minimize risk exposure. It also supports encrypted tokens with customizable expiry times, which ensures that bearer tokens used for third-party app integrations remain secure and short-lived, reducing the risk of token misuse.

**Granular Role-Based API Access Control**

miniOrange enables fine-grained enforcement of API endpoint protection by restricting access based on user groups. This prevents over-permissioned API keys or service accounts from making unauthorized changes.

**Secure Automation and Scheduled Job Authentication**

To protect automation workflows, the miniOrange app supports OAuth 2.0’s Client Credentials Grant flow, enabling secure machine-to-machine authentication without the need to embed passwords in scripts. It also provides secure token management features tailored for scheduled jobs in Jira and Confluence, ensuring tokens are safely generated and easy to use.

**Comprehensive Compliance and Audit Logging**

miniOrange delivers detailed logging of all REST API access activities across Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket. These logs capture critical information such as requesting users, accessed endpoints, and timestamps. The app also offers options to export logs for audit reporting, helping organizations meet stringent regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO 27001.

## Getting Started {#getting-started}

Setting up secure API authentication for Jira and Confluence is straightforward with the miniOrange REST API Authentication app. Here is a simple process to get you started:

1. **Install the app** from the Atlassian Marketplace to begin securing your API endpoints.
2. **Select your preferred authentication methods**, such as OAuth 2.0, API tokens, or JWT, depending on your organization’s requirements.
3. **Configure group-based and IP-based restrictions** to maintain granular control over API access.

By following these steps, you can quickly enhance the security of your Jira and Confluence APIs without disrupting existing workflows.

To make the transition seamless, miniOrange offers a free trial along with the option to book a guided setup with our experts. This ensures your configuration aligns perfectly with your security policies and business needs.

[Start your free trial](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1221054/enhanced-api-authentication-for-jira-with-api-key-oauth-jwt) or [book a live demo](https://miniorange.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/group/6/create/66) today and take the first step towards stronger API security.

## Conclusion {#conclusion}

As Atlassian continues to strengthen authentication standards, upgrading your API security has become a priority. The deprecation of basic authentication, increasing automation needs, enforcement of role-based access controls, and strict compliance requirements all highlight that secure REST API authentication is more than just a best practice, it is essential for protecting your organization’s data and maintaining operational continuity.

By adopting robust authentication methods, you not only reduce security risks but also enable seamless, scalable integrations and automation across Jira and Confluence. The miniOrange REST API Authentication app offers a reliable, feature-rich solution to help you safeguard your API endpoints from day one.

Take the next step to protect your Atlassian environment by exploring how miniOrange can simplify and strengthen your REST API authentication strategy.

## Frequently Asked Questions {#faqs}

**Q: What is the best way to authenticate Jira REST API for automation?**

OAuth 2.0 with Client Credential Grant is recommended for secure machine-to-machine authentication without storing passwords.

**Q: How do I replace basic authentication in Jira REST API?**

Migrate to API tokens or OAuth 2.0 and disable legacy basic auth using miniOrange’s app features.

**Q: Can miniOrange support both Cloud and Data Center environments?**

miniOrange offers API tokens, OAuth 2.0 tokens, JWT, and group-based restrictions in Data Center, while supporting Client Credentials in Cloud.


In the Atlassian ecosystem, REST APIs offered by Jira, Confluence, and other tools quietly power automation, integrations, and data exchange across the ecosystem. These APIs enable seamless communication between Atlassian products and external applications, making workflows smoother and more efficient.

Top 5 Problems You Can Solve with REST API Authentication for Jira and Confluence



##  Quick Intro {#introduction}

You’ve just downloaded a new fitness app. Instead of creating a new account, you tap **“Sign in with Google/Facebook”**. In a few seconds, you’re in. No new username, no extra password. 

Easy, right? 

But here’s the question: **how is the app accessing your Google account without asking for your username or password?**

The answer is **OAuth 2.0 (Open Authorization)**, a behind-the-scenes security standard that makes modern online life easier and safer. 
Let’s break it down.



## What is OAuth (Open Authorization)?  {#what-is-oauth}

OAuth stands for **Open Authorization**. It’s a security protocol that lets apps request access to your data without ever seeing your password. Instead of handing over full control, you grant limited permissions like: 

- View my contacts
- Read my calendar
- Access my profile picture

**This means:**

- Your credentials stay private
- You can control access to your apps.

## What is OAuth 2.0? {#what-is-oauth-2.0}

OAuth 2.0 is the latest version of the OAuth protocol and is widely used today. It’s what powers most modern “Sign in with…” buttons you see today. It defines how apps can securely access resources (like your email, calendar, or photos) on your behalf.

Instead of sharing your password, OAuth 2.0 uses access tokens. These are short-lived digital keys that say, “this app is allowed to access this part of your account.” Token further help as they:

- Grant access to specific data (like your profile picture, not your emails).
- Expire after a short time for safety.
- Can be revoked anytime by you.

This way, you stay in control of your data.

## Why is OAuth Important? {#why-is-oauth-important}

OAuth protocol uses something called **secure**, **token-based access**.

Here’s why it matters:

- **Better Security:** Apps never have access to the password you use with your OAuth provider. Instead, they receive a token with limited permissions.
- **Convenience:** OAuth makes sign-ins seamless. You don’t need to create and remember yet another password for every new app. For instance, using “Sign in with Google” or “Login with Facebook” saves you from creating multiple credentials for different applications.
- **Granular Permissions:** OAuth lets you decide exactly what data is shared. For example, it lets an app to only read your contacts but not your emails or allow access to your calendar but not your entire account.

And for businesses, this goes beyond convenience. With solutions like **WordPress OAuth SSO**, you can give users one-click secure access to your WordPress site, protect accounts from password risks, and simplify authentication across platforms.

[![WP OAuth SSO](/blog/assets/2025/wp-oauth-sso-explore-plugin.webp)](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-sso)

## OAuth 2.0 Explained: Roles {#oauth-2.0-explained}

OAuth 2.0 defines four key roles:

**1. Resource Owner:**  That’s you, the user who owns the data. For example, if you connect a fitness app to your Google account, you decide whether that app can access your calendar events.

**2. Client:** The app or website requesting access. Example: A fitness app asking to read your Google Calendar so it can suggest workout times.

**3. Resource Server:** Where your data lives (e.g., Google, Facebook). If the client wants your Google Calendar, Google Calendar will be the resource server providing that data (but only if allowed).

**4. Authorization Server:** Issues tokens after verifying your identity. Example: Google’s authorization server checks your credentials, confirms you’re okay with sharing calendar access, and then hands a token to the fitness app.

All these roles work together to keep your data secure.

## OAuth 2.0 Scopes {#oauth-2.0-scopes}

Scopes define **how much access** an app is given. Instead of handing over your entire account, you get to decide what parts an app can see or change.

Examples:

- A calendar app might only get “read” access to events.
- A payment app might only get permission to see your email address.
- A fitness tracker might request permission to write step data into your account.

Every time you see a consent screen (“This app wants to view your contacts”), that’s OAuth scopes in action.

## How Does OAuth Work? {#how-does-oauth-work}

OAuth 2.0 might sound technical, but the actual **auth flow** is surprisingly simple once you break it down. Understanding this flow is essential for developers who are **implementing OAuth** in their apps or businesses.

**OAuth Workflow**

**1.** A user tries to access a protected resource or application.

**2.** The application redirects the user to the OAuth Provider with an authorization request.

**3.** The user is asked to log in and approve the application through the OAuth Server.

**4.** After login, the OAuth Provider validates the user and issues an **authorization code** back to the application.

**5.** The application then sends this code, along with its **Client ID** and **Client Secret**, to the OAuth Server.

**6.** The OAuth Server verifies the request and responds with an **access token**.

**7.** The application uses this access token to securely fetch the user’s data or resources from the Resource Server.

**8.** With **OAuth Single Sign On (SSO)**, this process also includes the use of **ID tokens** and **user details**, enabling seamless authentication.

**9.** Finally, the user is successfully logged in, and the application grants access to the requested resources.

[![WordPress SSO](/blog/assets/2025/wordpress-oauth-sso-get-started.webp)](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-sso)

## Different Types of OAuth Grant Types {#oauth-grant-types}

**OAuth 2.0** offers different **grant types** (ways an application can get an access token securely). 

**Common OAuth Grant Types**

- **Authorization Code Flow:** The most secure **OAuth flow**, commonly used for web and mobile apps. It ensures tokens are exchanged safely through a server.
- **Client Credentials Flow:** This **OAuth grant type** is used when two servers need to communicate directly, without a user involved (e.g., backend services).
- **Password Grant Flow:** An outdated **OAuth flow** where the app asks directly for your username and password.

Each flow balances **security** and **convenience** depending on the use case.

## Difference Between OAuth 1.0 vs OAuth 2.0 {#difference-between-oauth-1.0-and-oauth-2.0}

- **OAuth 1.0 –** Complex, required cryptographic signatures.
- **OAuth 2.0 –** Simpler, relies on access tokens, easier for developers.

That’s why OAuth 2.0 is the global standard today.

## Real-World Examples of OAuth {#real-world-examples}

You’ve probably used **OAuth without even realizing it**. Anytime you skip creating a new username and password and instead click “Sign in with Google” or “Continue with Apple,” that’s OAuth in action. 

Here are a few real-life ways it shows up:

**Single Sign-On (SSO) for Web Apps**

OAuth allows the web apps and services to request permission from platforms like Dropbox to access only what’s needed, like reading your files, while keeping your Dropbox password safe.

**SSO in Mobile Applications**

OAuth powers mobile logins, too. Instead of managing multiple accounts across different apps, you use a **single set of credentials**. In the background, OAuth utilizes existing sessions, so you don’t have to log in repeatedly.

**Integration with CRM Systems**

A university uses a CRM to manage student records and WordPress to deliver online programs. With OAuth SSO, students can simply use their **CRM credentials** to log in to WordPress, making access seamless across platforms.

**Learning Management Systems (LMS)**

Companies often rely on different tools to manage employee logins. With OAuth SSO, an employee can sign in once and instantly access multiple business tools, like the company’s LMS, without managing different usernames and passwords.

## Final Thoughts {#conclusion}

OAuth 2.0 is the **invisible security hero** of our digital lives. It allows apps to work together without risking your passwords, keeping your data safer while making logins smoother.

Whether you’re a user enjoying one-click sign-ins or a business looking to secure integrations, OAuth is essential.

**Ready to Simplify and Secure Logins?**

 OAuth 2.0 is the future of safe, seamless access. With **miniOrange OAuth SSO**, you can deliver passwordless convenience, reduce IT costs, and protect your users.
[Book a Demo Today](https://sandbox.miniorange.com/?mo_plugin=mo_oauth_client&referer=https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-sso&_gl=1*1sy867d*_gcl_au*NDI0MDY4MzExLjE3NTQ0NjQyODUuMTI0NDExNjg0My4xNzU0OTczNDAwLjE3NTQ5NzM0MDA.*_ga*NDg2MjU3MjguMTc0NjY4NDM3OQ..*_ga_CR5T2LG2WB*czE3NTYxOTU1MzQkbzI0NCRnMSR0MTc1NjE5Njg3MSRqNjAkbDAkaDE0MjczOTU2Nzk.*_ga_EZQF54NCSZ*czE3NTYxOTU1MzQkbzY2OCRnMSR0MTc1NjE5Njg3MSRqNjAkbDAkaDExNTI4MzI2Mjc.)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) {#faqs}

### 1. How can I enable OAuth on my WordPress site?

You can enable OAuth on WordPress by using a miniOrange OAuth SSO plugin. Simply install the plugin, configure it with your Identity Provider (Google, Azure AD, Okta, etc.), and set redirect URLs. Once enabled, users can log in securely using their existing accounts.

### 2. Can miniOrange OAuth SSO be utilized to authenticate across multiple CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Shopify)?

Yes, miniOrange OAuth solutions can be utilized to connect different CMS platforms. By setting up a central Identity Provider (IdP), users can authenticate once and gain access to platforms like WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, or Shopify. miniOrange offers dedicated OAuth SSO plugins for each CMS, ensuring seamless and secure integration.

#### 3. What is the difference between OAuth and SAML for authentication?

OAuth is an authorization protocol that allows apps to access resources on behalf of a user without sharing credentials. SAML, on the other hand, is primarily an authentication protocol used to verify users in enterprise environments. 

#### 4. Is OAuth secure for handling customer logins and Single Sign-On (SSO)?

Yes, OAuth is secure when implemented when paired with best practices like HTTPS, token expiry, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It provides a strong security layer for customer logins and Single Sign-On across different apps and platforms.

## Additional Resources {#additional-resources}

- [What is Single Sign-On (SSO)?](https://www.miniorange.com/products/single-sign-on-sso).
- [WordPress Single Sign-On (SSO) – OAuth & OpenID Connect](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-sso)
- [Why is OAuth Important?](https://www.cisecurity.org/insights/blog/why-oauth-is-so-important-an-interview-with-justin-richer)

 Discover what OAuth 2.0 is and how it keeps your accounts secure while making logins easy and quick. We’ll see what makes OAuth 2.0 the go-to standard for modern businesses.

What is OAuth (Open Authorization) ?



### What is changing from OAuth 2.0 to OAuth 2.1? {#oauth2.0-oauth2.1}

 The OAuth (Open Authorization) standard facilitates secure communication between services without having to reveal passwords.

 OAuth Single Sign-On (SSO) protocol allows applications to securely access and share information with enterprise systems, and its functionality is currently being enhanced.

 OAuth 2.0 was introduced in October 2012, marking a significant milestone in its evolution. Now, OAuth 2.1 is being developed to streamline and simplify the most commonly used features of OAuth 2.0 while also addressing security concerns.

 In OAuth 2.1, certain elements of OAuth 2.0 will be deprecated, and security best practices will be enforced. This update consolidates the advancements and refinements made to OAuth 2.0 over the past eight years, primarily focusing on enhancing security measures. 

 In OAuth 2.1, minor adjustments are made to ensure a stronger security framework than OAuth 2.0.

 Feel free to explore our [WordPress plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/miniorange-login-with-eve-online-google-facebook/), which seamlessly implements [Single Sign-On](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-sso) functionality using the OAuth 2.0 protocol.


### Key Differences between OAuth 2.0 & OAuth 2.1 Protocol  {#key-difference}

1.)The RFC 6749 OAuth core spec defines four grant types: Open Authorization Code, Implicit, Password, and Client Credentials. The main differences between OAuth 2.0 and OAuth 2.1 are described below.

2.)A Proof Key for Code Exchange (PKCE) is required for all OAuth clients using the authorization code flow.

3.)Redirect URIs must be compared using exact string matching.

4.)The Implicit grant (response_type=token) is omitted from this specification

5.)The Resource Owner Password Credentials grant is omitted from this specification.

6.)Bearer token usage omits the use of bearer tokens in the query string of URIs.

7.)Refresh tokens for public clients must either be sender-constrained or one-time use.

### Its Time for OAuth 2.1 {#oauth2.1}

[OAuth protocol](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-single-sign-on-sso-with-oauth-openid-connect) has been patched and extended a lot in the last decade of experience deploying systems using it. To address this changing landscape, the OAuth community has patched and added to the OAuth spec over the years. The [OAuth core](https://fusionauth.io/blog/whats-new-in-oauth-2-1) spec (RFC 6749) defines four grant types: Authorization Code, Implicit, Password, and Client Credentials.

PKCE is short for **Proof Key for Code Exchange**. It is a mechanism that came into being to make the use of OAuth 2.0 Authorization Code grants more secure in certain cases.

The authorization code is a one-time code that the client will use to obtain an access token. The code is retrieved from the authorization server, where the user may see what information the client is asking for and accept or refuse it.

The **authorization code** flow has a few advantages over other grant kinds. When the user authorizes the application, they are sent back to the application via a URL containing a temporary code. The code is exchanged for the access token by the programme. When the application requests the access token, it can be authenticated with the client secret, lowering the danger of an attacker intercepting the **authorization code** and using it themselves.

### The authorization code grant: {#auth-code-grant}

It has been expanded with **PKCE (RFC7636)** capability so that the default manner of using the authorization code grant according to this specification necessitates the addition of the PKCE parameters. Depending on the API, the **redirect URI** may be unnecessary, but it is strongly suggested. This is the URL to which the user should be forwarded once the authorization is complete. This must correspond to the redirect URL that you already registered with the service.

The **implicit grant (response type “token”)** and other response types causing the authorization server to issue access tokens in the authorization response are vulnerable to access token leakage and access the token replay. The Oauth 2.1 Implicit grant is inherently insecure when used in a single-page application (SPA). If you use this grant, your access token is exposed.

In order to avoid these issues, clients SHOULD NOT use the implicit grant (response type “token”) … unless the unless access token injection in the authorization response is prevented and the aforementioned token leakage vectors are [mitigated].

### The Resource Owner Password Credentials grant is removed:{#password-creds-grant}

This grant was added to the OAuth 2.0 specification with an eye toward making migration to OAuth compliant servers easier. In this grant, the application server receives the username and password (or other credentials) and passes it on to the Open Authorization server. Here’s an article breaking down each step of the Resource Owner Password Credentials grant. This grant is often used for mobile applications. While this grant made it easier to migrate OAuth with minimal application changes, it breaks the core delegation pattern and makes the OAuth 2.1 flow less secure.

**Bearer authentication** (also known as token authentication) is an HTTP authentication system that uses bearer tokens as security tokens. “Bearer authentication” can be translated as “allow access to the bearer of this token.” The bearer token is a cryptic string that the server generates in response to a login request. When sending requests to protected resources, the client must include this token in the Authorization header. These days, most tokens are JWTs. Clients store them securely and then use them to make API calls to the application server. JWT, or JSON Web Token, is an open standard used to share security information between two parties — a client and a server. Each JWT contains encoded JSON objects, including a set of claims. 

![OAuth resource server](/blog/assets/2023/oauth-resource-server.webp)

### Restricting refresh tokens: {#restrict-refresh-token}

Refresh tokens enable a client to obtain new access tokens without having to re-authenticate with the resource owner. If you require access to a resource for a longer period of time than an access token allows, or if you require infrequent access, refresh tokens can be useful. When a user has been logged into their email for weeks or months, a refresh token may be used. When an access token expires, the client can present a refresh token to obtain a new one. The **OAuth 2.1** draft specifies two types of refresh tokens: one-time usage or cryptographically bound to the sender. When using refresh tokens for the first time, after a refresh token (let’s call it refresh token A) is used to retrieve a new access token, it becomes invalid. Along with the requested access token, the OAuth server may issue a new refresh token (designated as refresh token B).

OAuth 2.1 represents the next step for the OAuth framework by combining Security Best Common Practices (BCPs) with the removal of irrelevant and deprecated specifications. **[miniOrange](https://www.miniorange.com/)** provides the most affordable **Secure Identity Solutions** for all types of use cases and offers different packages based on the customer’s requirements. You can enable **[WordPress Single Sign-On (SSO)](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-sso)** on your site using our WordPress SSO plugin and connect it to any Identity Provider.

Contact us at **[oauthsupport@xecurify.com](mailto:oauthsupport@xecurify.com)** and we’ll help you set up SSO with any required providers in no time.


### Additional Resources {#additional-resources}

- [Free IDP Trial – Free Single Sign-On (SSO) Trial | 2FA Trial](https://www.miniorange.com/businessfreetrial).
- [WordPress Single Sign-On (SSO) – OAuth & OpenID Connect](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-sso)
- [OAuth Single Sign-On – SSO (OAuth Client) – WordPress plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/miniorange-login-with-eve-online-google-facebook/)
- [WordPress OAuth Setup guides](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-single-sign-on-sso-with-oauth-openid-connect)
- [What’s new in OAuth 2.1? – FusionAuth](https://fusionauth.io/blog/whats-new-in-oauth-2-1)

OAuth 2.0 will be deprecated in OAuth 2.1, and additional security best practices will be mandated, capturing and consolidating updates and improvements made to OAuth 2.0 over the previous eight years.  OAuth 2.1 is an update to OAuth 2.0 with minor changes basically towards improving its security

What’s new in OAuth 2.1?


The digitalization of Healthcare industries has been revolutionary in the field of technology. And in this time and age, **“moving to the cloud”** is a more viable option for doctors and hospital staff, regardless if they are working in a small clinic or a large chain hospital.

But there does exist the threat of data privacy in healthcare and data leaks of sensitive information of patients and their medical data. Data security in healthcare for individual users becomes a challenge at each step of advancement for healthcare data protection. In this blog, we will talk about,

What is SSO? [Single Sign-On (SSO)](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-sso) for Healthcare data protection for all users, advantages of healthcare SSO, and implementing SSO for healthcare systems to learn about its working with an example. Check out our [WordPress plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/miniorange-login-with-eve-online-google-facebook/) where we have implemented SSO using the OAuth/OpenID protocol.


### What is Single Sign-On(SSO)? {#what-is-sso}

[Single Sign-On (or SSO)](https://www.miniorange.com/products/single-sign-on-sso) is an authentication and authorization process that allows a user to access multiple enterprise applications with just a single set of login credentials (such as username and password). SSO provides easy login to multiple applications at once, so you won’t have to individually log in to each application saving time and effort to remember credentials for each application. SSO provides better access control policies, improved productivity, and reduces the risk of security due to lost, weak, or forgotten passwords which also makes password management easier.


### WordPress Healthcare CRM SSO integration: {#how-does-oauth-work}

WordPress SSO for healthcare will provide easy login access for patients, their families, and the hospital staff (doctors, nurses, medical interns) into the hospital database. Any of the authorized users can log in to the hospital portal, and with a secure and stable SSO, the users won’t have to remember the passwords either. This is an example of Healthcare and cybersecurity.

If the institution has a chain of hospitals, the user just needs to remember a single set of login credentials to successfully log in and access patient data securely. This way, any doctor traveling from one hospital location to another can access a patient’s records of medical history by simply logging in to the portal of that hospital branch to get the data.

Healthcare SSO and Cybersecurity need to be implemented to set data privacy and manage identities and their access permissions across platforms so that the admin can perform actions on the PHI flow (Protected Health Information). Alongside, they have to also implement a **[Zero-Trust](https://blog.miniorange.com/zero-trust-security-model/)** Solution so that the security settings can securely connect the data with the medical staff and outside users, such as patients, their families, etc.

### Advantages of WordPress Healthcare SSO data protection: {#adv-healthcare-sso}

WordPress Healthcare CRM SSO for data protection has several advantages, such as:

- **A single set of login credentials:** With Healthcare CRM SSO, using a single set of login credentials the users can access different medical application portals (such as prescription data, medical history, medical insurance claims, doctor’s notes, and recommendations) which is secured under Healthcare SSO Data Protection. Users can also change their passwords without having to manually change them for every application portal.

- **Restrict access based on user roles:** WordPress OAuth SSO for healthcare provides doctors, interns, nurses, and patients a different login credential requirement under healthcare data protection. This way users can use healthcare SSO depending on the user roles assigned to them and accordingly interact with the application login portal. It also provides trustworthy data privacy in healthcare.

- **Additional security integrations:** SSO solutions in healthcare can be implemented for different domains and application login portals where the users can use their single login credentials to access healthcare data securely.

- **Advanced and stable security:** WordPress OAuth SSO solution in healthcare has an easy installation process, but is **unbreachable**. Healthcare SSO provides an advanced encryption method to secure passwords for all users and can be used for a very long time showing its stability. This way, users can depend on healthcare SSO to login to multiple domains and application portals.

- **Easy user provisioning:** The access to all medical data can be blocked for a staff member if they leave the hospital (or patient who has switched to another hospital, after migrating their data). So the admin of the healthcare system can edit individual user actions accordingly.

- **High Trust between users and healthcare providers:** WordPress Healthcare CRM SSO solution in healthcare is seamlessly easy. There is no exchange of passwords between users and hospital systems, hence there is complete trust that the integrity of any user data is safe and secure.

- **Better User Experience:** Since users have to just log in with existing credentials, they can avoid the process of creating a new account from scratch, and directly interact with the WordPress OAuth SSO solution in healthcare applications.

- **Cost-effective:** SSO solution in healthcare is easy to implement and the pricing available is cost-effective, as every time a user leaves or joins they won’t have to sign up and create a new account which saves time.


### Implementing WordPress Healthcare CRM SSO for Data Protection: {#implement-healthcare-sso}

Suppose we have a large chain healthcare provider, say “MyHospital”. “Dr. Maria” is a doctor working at MyHospital and “Derrick” is a past patient of MyHospital but at a different location. Dr. Maria can access Derrick’s information by using the SSO solution in healthcare to log into the patient history portal to check Derrick’s past diagnosis at the other branches of MyHospital. Accordingly, she can diagnose him correctly and write practices for him to follow, and add to his prescription.

As for Derrick, he can access the Healthcare system with SSO and check all his medical details, like diagnosis, information of the ailment, and the medicines and instructions prescribed by Dr. Maria. He can also access the insurance portal with SSO and directly check if his medical insurance plan covers his diagnosed health status, and let the hospital know about it then and there. All the new information is updated concurrently on the healthcare provider’s system.

![OAuth SSO Healthcare](/blog/assets/2023/oauth-sso-healthcare.webp)

Contact us at **[oauthsupport@xecurify.com](mailto:oauthsupport@xecurify.com)** and we’ll help you set up SSO with any required providers in no time.


### Additional Resources {#additional-resources}

- [What is Single Sign-On (SSO)?](https://www.miniorange.com/products/single-sign-on-sso).
- [WordPress Single Sign-On (SSO) – OAuth & OpenID Connect](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-sso)
- [WordPress OAuth Setup Guides](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-single-sign-on-sso-with-oauth-openid-connect)
- [OAuth Single Sign-On – SSO (OAuth Client) – WordPress plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/miniorange-login-with-eve-online-google-facebook/)
- [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](https://faq.miniorange.com/kb/oauth-openid-connect/)
- [Know more about Healthcare Data Protection](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/08/26/securing-healthcares-digital-front-door/?sh=6b10c13f7238)
- [Securing Digitalization Within Healthcare](https://www.chiefhealthcareexecutive.com/view/securing-digitalization-within-healthcare)

What is SSO? SSO for Healthcare data protection for all users, advantages of healthcare SSO, and implementing SSO for healthcare systems to learn about its working with an example. The advancement of Healthcare data protection and healthcare integration with technology is moving at a rapid pace and will soon be scalable throughout for all users.

OAuth 2.0

Choosing OAuth Over SAML for Atlassian: When and Why It Makes Sense

Top 5 Problems You Can Solve with REST API Authentication for Jira and Confluence

What is OAuth (Open Authorization) ?

What’s new in OAuth 2.1?

WordPress Healthcare CRM Single Sign-On (SSO) Integration