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.

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).

  • (tick) MFA uses data network (no phone network required)
  • (tick) Supports offline use using TOTP codes
  • (tick) Can be installed on multiple mobile devices
  • (tick) Does not rely on a specific browser or capabilities to work
  • (tick) Good resistance to phishing attacks
  • (error) Requires a mobile device.
  • (error) Each device must be registered separately

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

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: