OAuth

---
title: OAuth
description: OAuth based authentication validates the identity of the client that attempts to establish a trust on the system by using an authentication protocol.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/platform-security/authentication/oauth-inbound-and-outbound.html
release: australia
product: Authentication
classification: authentication
topic_type: concept
last_updated: "2026-09-10"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [API authentication, Authentication, Access Management]
---

# OAuth

OAuth based authentication validates the identity of the client that attempts to establish a trust on the system by using an authentication protocol.

OAuth 2.0 - Open Authorization is the industry-standard protocol for authorization that focuses on client developer simplicity while providing specific authorization flows for web applications, desktop applications, and mobile devices.

## Inbound

Create an endpoint for external clients that access your instance. This creates an OAuth client application record and generates a client ID and client secret that the client requires access to the restricted resources on the instance. For more information, see [OAuth inbound](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/platform-security/authentication/oauth-inbound.md).