Okta Verify is a MFA app developed by Okta. It allows users to use their phones or tablets with push notifications to verify their identity.

Learn more about Okta Verify for Windows and Mac devices.

WSU Recommendation

WSU recommends all users who can use Okta Verify as their primary method of MFA.

Okta verify is an app installed to a smartphone, which Okta uses in combination with push notifications to generate MFA requests. In addition to push notifications, Okta Verify supports offline notification using TOTP (in the same way as Google Auth).

The following resources can be used to view the pro's and con's of each MFA option:

How to Get Okta Verify

Okta Verify is available from both Google Play for Android devices, and the Apple App Store for iOS. 

Start by installing the app on your mobile device, then follow the instructions below to set it up with your WSU account.

How to Set Up

Okta Verify Set Up (Youtube)

Okta Verify

  1. On account.wsu.edu, select the Manage Security Methods option, find the Okta Verify security method, and select Setup.
    Okta Verify setup option

  2. Verify with your current WSU password. If you already have an alternative security method enabled, you may also be prompted to complete MFA.
    WSU authentication password prompt

  3. Select Set up → for Okta Verify.
    Okta Verify setup prompt

  4. Additional setup instructions for Okta Verify will appear. Please be sure to download the Okta Verify app from the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices to continue through the setup process.
    Okta Verify setup instructions

  5. Launch the Okta Verify app on your mobile device and continue through the prompts until you receive the option to Add Account.
  6. For the Account Type, select Organization.
    Account type prompt in Okta Verify app

  7. When prompted to add an account from another device, select Skip if you do not have Okta Verify configured on another device.
    Add account from another device prompt in Okta Verify app

  8. When prompted to scan your QR code, select Yes, Ready to Scan since the required QR code appeared in step five.
    QR code prompt in Okta Verify app

  9. When your camera opens, hold your mobile device up and scan the QR code. Continue through the prompts until you receive an Account Added confirmation and select Done.
    Account added successfully in Okta Verify app

  10. Once successfully enabled, you will receive a You have successfully setup Okta Verify pop-up message.
    Successful set up pop-message for Okta Verify on account.wsu.edu

Follow these steps to setup Okta Verify MFA. 

  1. Login to your account at login.wsu.edu.
  2. Click your name in the upper right, then settings.
  3. In the Security Methods box, look for Okta Verify and click Set Up. If you already have one configured, click Set up Another.
  4. You will be prompted to reauthenticate along with using an existing MFA option you configured.
  5. Click "Set up."
  6. Scan the QR code with the app, or click the text / e-mail like if your camera isn't an option.
  7. Follow the prompts to complete setup in the app.
    Note: In depth instructions from Okta are below under Further Reading.

How to Use

  1. Enter your username to login in to login.wsu.edu
  2. Enter your password when prompted
  3. When prompted to verify your account, if Okta Verify isn't presented, choose "Select another Auth..."
  4. Choose either:
    1. Get a push notification. 
      1. This is the better option and sends a notification to your phone or tablet to approve the request.
    2. Enter a code
      1. This option works as well, but will require you to type in the code from your phone or tablet on your computer.
  5. Follow the prompts to complete the login.

Further Reading

See the articles below for more detail on using Okta Verify: