Setting Up Your WSU Account
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 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) service.
SSO is an acronym for Single Sign-On, which is the name for the log in process that allows WSU users to access most university websites and software applications with a single set of login credentials.
MFA or Multi-Factor Authentication (sometimes referred to as two-factor authentication 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 verifying a code 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 Okta account for their NID or Friend ID (FID) and password, as well as MFA preferences, at account.wsu.edu.
- Users will receive reminders to reset their password every six months.
- For assistance creating an Okta-compliant password, search ‘password generator’ in Google and you will find a number of online websites ready to help.
- Already have your WSU password, but need to visit the WSU password management site? Visit account.wsu.edu anytime.