Windows vs oAuth2 authentication to Sql Server

Hi Braxx99 

Here is the difference:

Basic Windows connection and OAuth 2.0 connection are two different methods of authenticating with a data source. Basic Windows connection uses the user's credentials (username and password) to access the data, while OAuth 2.0 connection uses a token-based system that grants limited access to the data for a specified period of time.

Some of the key differences between basic Windows connection and OAuth 2.0 connection are:

- Basic Windows connection is simpler and easier to implement, but it has lower security and scalability. OAuth 2.0 connection is more complex and requires more steps, but it has higher security and scalability.

- Basic Windows connection sends the user's credentials in plain text over the network, which can be intercepted or stolen by attackers. OAuth 2.0 connection encrypts the user's credentials using SSL/TLS and sends them only once in a secure way.

- Basic Windows connection gives full access to all resources associated with the user's account, which can be problematic if the user shares their credentials with others or if they forget their password. OAuth 2.0 connection gives limited access to specific resources based on the scope of the token, which can be revoked or refreshed at any time.

- Basic Windows connection does not support multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of protection for the user's account. OAuth 2.0 connection supports MFA by requiring additional verification steps from the user.

Microsoft is moving away from basic Windows connection in some of its services, such as Exchange Online, and recommends using OAuth 2.0 instead¹. Microsoft provides various tools and guides to help developers migrate from basic Windows connection to OAuth 2.0¹³.