OKTA MFA Instructions

Student Instructions
Employee Instructions

Western Iowa Tech is committed to providing cybersecurity protection for everyone. WIT is taking additional steps to combine the MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) for email and Canvas to one provider OKTA.

The next step will be to turn on OKTA (MFA) July 9 at 8am for access to email and Canvas. Not all users will experience the new prompt for OKTA at the same time. We will be doing batches of users and it could take multiple days for all users to be migrated to OKTA.

Instructions

OKTA provides onscreen instructions for users to follow once prompted. There are also instructions with screenshots attached to this email for you to use. PLEASE NOTE: These instructions contain your login and password information for OKTA.

What will users experience?

Users will now be prompted with OKTA MFA for email and Canvas both on and off campus. Previously, employees were prompted for MFA with only email off campus/off network. There will also no longer be the option to receive a SMS (text) with a code. Users must use the OKTA verify app.

How often will I be prompted for OKTA?

OKTA will determine your risk each time you log in. For example, if you travel to a new area, you could be prompted. You will have to reestablish OKTA if you get a new phone or computer. Please be prepared to verify each time you log in.

What are best practices?

OKTA Verify App

All employees and students need to download the OKTA verify app on your phone. There are instructions attached to this email to walk you through the entire process. If you do not have a phone to use, there are instructions to download the app to your computer or laptop. However, this method should only be used if no phone is available. The phone app is the most secure method.

Secondary Emails

If you are prompted to provide a secondary email, you must use a personal one such as Google or Yahoo. You will NOT be allowed to use your WIT email, or a high school issued email. Reminder, we do not manage your personal email accounts and will not be able to do passwords resets.

We appreciate your cooperation in these important cybersecurity protections.