SSO Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for myWSU

Close to 50,000 users per month are now successfully using the new Okta Single-Sign-On (SSO) system for many WSU network applications.

Preparing for MFA in Your Area: MFA Options

Users have five options available when setting up MFA. Users should ideally select two of the following options, one is required, and a second one serves as a backup resource:

• Okta Verify Mobile App – two options include a code that changes every 30 seconds, or a Push method, to approve authentication
• Google Authenticator Mobile App – a new code generates every 30 seconds
• SMS – a texted code will be sent to the user’s configured mobile device
• Voice call – an automated message providing a 5-digit code will be delivered to the user’s configured telephone (home, mobile, or desk)
• USB Security Key – this device, similar to a flash drive, inserts into USB port

Okta Single Sign On (SSO) FAQs

What is Okta, SSO, and MFA?

You may hear different terminology when discussing how to access WSU’s network resources. To clarify the differences:

Okta is the name of the vendor who supplies WSU’s current SSO login process and MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) service.

SSO is an acronym for “single sign on,” which is the name for the authentication or log in process that allows WSU users to access most university software applications with a single set of login credentials.

MFA or Multi-Factor Authentication (sometimes referred to as “two-factor” or “extra verification”) is WSU’s added security authentication step that requires a user to enter their network ID (NID) and password, followed by a code received through one of the following options:

• Authentication app on a mobile device (Okta Verify or Google Authenticator)
• Voice call
• USB Key
• Text message (SMS)

Users who need to access WSU resources will receive an invitation to set up their WSU NID (network ID) or friend ID (FID) and password, as well as MFA preferences, at account.wsu.edu.

• Users will receive reminders to reset their account password every 6 months
• For assistance creating an Okta-compliant password, google ‘password generator’ and find a number of online sites ready to help.
• Already have your WSU password, but need to visit the WSU password management site? Visit account.wsu.edu anytime.
• Sample OKTA SSO Account Activation Email
• WSU SSO – How to Unlock Account

Departments Requesting WSU Single Sign On Functionality

Departments who wish to request WSU SSO for their applications should contact ITS. Please submit a request through the self-help portal at crimsonservicedesk.wsu.edu with your name, phone number, application name, and application description. After submitting your service desk ticket, a member of ITS will reach out to you with more information and instructions on how to begin testing for on-boarding your application(s).

Current List of Applications Now Using MFA

There are approximately ninety applications currently using Okta that require MFA. Please reach out to your department’s system administrators or technical support staff for information on your local applications. The list of top university-wide applications can be found below.

Top Applications Currently Requiring MFA:

1. Office 365
2. myWSU
3. Adobe Creative Cloud
4. Zoom video conferencing
5. Canvas
6. Blackboard
7. WSU Mobile
8. Matlab
9. eXplorance Blue

—and more.