Integration for Hybrid Identity

In the evolving world of identity and access management (IAM), many businesses are creating hybrid identity systems by integrating Microsoft Entra ID and Okta with their on-premises active directories. Below, you can find a step-by-step guide on how to integrate Entra ID and Okta into your own hybrid identity system!

Understanding Hybrid Identity

What Is Hybrid Identity?

Hybrid identity is an IAM strategy of unifying cloud-based identity protection services with on-premises servers and systems. In a hybrid identity system, on-premises technology such as an Active Directory (AD) is synced and integrated with cloud identity providers like Okta and Microsoft Entra ID. This allows users to use one set of credentials to access both local resources and cloud-based services, reducing costs, simplifying operations, and strengthening security.

Why Integrate Entra ID with Okta?

There are a number of reasons why integrating Entra ID with Okta, or vice versa, is a great idea. Integrating Entra ID and Okta helps businesses create unified identity management across on-premises and cloud resources. With an integrated hybrid identity system, entities can provide streamlined user provisioning and single sign-on (SSO), as well as improved visibility and security compliance. Integration also lays the groundwork for a potential Okta to Entra migration, allowing organizations to gradually shift authentication, policies, and user directories into the Microsoft ecosystem without disrupting access.

Prerequisites for Integration

There are a few prerequisites involved in integrating Entra ID and Okta. Firstly, the business must have admin access to both Microsoft Entra ID and Okta tenants, which requires a subscription plan to both services. Secondly, businesses must match user and group data between directories and execute proper SAML and SCIM attribute mapping.

Prior to integration, businesses must secure a confirmed domain verification in Entra ID. Finally, businesses must have a secure location to store application credentials such as Client IDs and Client Secrets, which are required for OAuth 2.0 authentication.

Step 1 – Copy Your Entra ID Tenant Information

To begin integrating Okta and Entra ID, you must copy all of your Entra ID tenant information. To do so, begin by signing in to the Microsoft Entra admin center. Next, navigate to Microsoft Entra ID, and then to Overview. In Overview, locate and copy your primary domain (also known as your tenant name). If you are managing multiple tenants, make sure that you switch to the correct directory.

Step 2 – Register Okta in Entra ID

After copying your tenant information, you can register Okta in Entra ID. To do so, go to App Registrations and click on “New Registration.” Where prompted, enter a clear name (for example, “Okta Hybrid Identity Integration” and then choose “Single Tenant” as the account type. Next, add your redirect URI, which is typically the Okta integration endpoint. Finally, click “Register” and then copy your Application (client) ID and Directory (tenant) ID.

Step 3 – Create and Store Client Secret

Now, you can create and store your client secret. Go to Certificates & Secrets and click “New Client Secret.” When prompted, add a description and select an appropriate expiration period (for example, 12-24 months). Finally, copy and store the generated Client Secret Value securely.

Step 4 – Configure Integration in Okta

Next, you can configure your integration in Okta. To do so, enter the Okta Admin Console and navigate to “Security,” and then to “Identity Providers.” In Identity Providers, select “Add Microsoft Entra ID.” When prompted, enter your Tenant ID, Client ID, and Client Secret from Entra. Next, set your SCIM and SAML attribute mappings, and finally, test your connection to ensure Okta can read your users from Entra ID.

Step 5 – Test and Validate the Integration

Finally, test and validate whether your integration was successful. To begin, verify user sync and provisioning. Test the effectiveness of single sign-on (SSO) between your on-premises systems and your Entra ID and Okta applications. Review your logs for any connection or attribute sync errors and confirm that your users can sign in using Entra credentials via Okta.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A few common issues may arise during integration for you to troubleshoot. These include token or credential mismatch, missing attribute mappings (i.e., NameID, UPN, email), expired client secrets, directory sync delays or duplication errors, and permission errors with app registration. Follow guidelines in both Okta and Entra ID to resolve these issues.

Best Practices for Maintaining a Secure Hybrid Identity

Once your system is up, there are a few best practices you can follow to ensure your hybrid identity remains secure. Rotate your client secrets regularly to avoid hacking, audit SAML and SCIM mappings quarterly, monitor Entra ID sign-in logs for suspicious activity, and document configuration for disaster recovery. If your organization plans an eventual Okta to Entra migration, maintain accurate attribute mapping documentation and test synchronization paths to ensure a smooth cutover when consolidation begins.

Conclusion

There is great value in integrating Okta with Microsoft Entra ID. Integration provides centralized identity control, enhanced user experience, and reduced administrative overhead. Consider integrating Okta and Entra ID today, and don’t forget to implement ongoing monitoring and policy alignment across both systems!