OAuth is a widely-used open authorization standard that allows secure, delegated access to resources on behalf of a user without sharing sensitive credentials, enhancing convenience while maintaining security and privacy. It facilitates seamless data sharing between applications by enabling users to authorize third-party services to access specific resources without revealing their usernames and passwords, thereby minimizing security risks. Although often confused with authentication, OAuth is focused on authorization, determining what permissions a user has, as opposed to confirming their identity. OAuth 2.0, a complete rewrite of the initial version, is easier to implement and supports a broader range of devices, distinguishing between resource delivery and authorization. The process involves various components, such as the client requesting access, the resource owner, the resource server, and the authorization server, which issues tokens to manage access. OAuth can be integrated with tools like Kong Gateway to enhance API security and functionality, enabling seamless information transfer and programmatic resource access while maintaining robust security controls.