OAuth 2.0 for microservices - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is OAuth 2.0 in the context of microservices?

OAuth 2.0 is a protocol that allows secure authorization between microservices by letting services access resources on behalf of a user without sharing passwords.

intermediate

What role does the Authorization Server play in OAuth 2.0 for microservices?

The Authorization Server issues access tokens after verifying user or service credentials. These tokens are used by microservices to authorize requests securely.

beginner

Why are access tokens important in OAuth 2.0 for microservices?

Access tokens prove that a request is authorized. Microservices check these tokens to decide if the requester can access a resource, avoiding the need to share passwords.

intermediate

What is the difference between access tokens and refresh tokens in OAuth 2.0?

Access tokens allow access to resources for a short time. Refresh tokens let a client get new access tokens without asking the user again, improving security and user experience.

advanced

How do microservices validate OAuth 2.0 tokens?

Microservices validate tokens by checking their signature, expiration, and scopes, often using a shared secret or public key from the Authorization Server.

Which component issues access tokens in OAuth 2.0 for microservices?

A Resource Server

B Authorization Server

C Client Application

D User Agent

The Authorization Server is responsible for issuing access tokens after authenticating the client or user.

What does an access token represent in OAuth 2.0?

A Authorization to access resources

B Service configuration

C Encryption key

D User's password

Access tokens represent authorization granted to access protected resources.

Why should microservices validate tokens on each request?

A To log request time

B To check user preferences

C To ensure the request is authorized

D To encrypt data

Validating tokens ensures that only authorized requests can access protected resources.

What is the main benefit of using refresh tokens?

A They encrypt data

B They speed up network requests

C They store user profile

D They allow getting new access tokens without user login

Refresh tokens let clients obtain new access tokens without requiring the user to log in again.

In OAuth 2.0, which microservice typically acts as the Resource Server?

A The service hosting protected data

B The service issuing tokens

C The client application

D The user interface

The Resource Server hosts the protected resources and validates access tokens.

Explain how OAuth 2.0 helps secure communication between microservices.

Think about how tokens replace passwords for secure access.

Describe the flow of a request from a client to a microservice using OAuth 2.0.

Focus on token issuance, usage, and validation steps.