As issues of cybersecurity continue to deepen in complexity, there is a growing need for secure identity and access management (IAM) at the organizational and business level. As one of the leading cloud-based IAM platforms, Okta is leading the charge towards greater digital security. Okta helps organizations manage authentication across users, devices, and applications with a variety of cloud-based features, which we will expand upon below.
What Is Okta and What Does It Do?
Okta is a cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) platform produced by Okta, Inc. Similar to products like Microsoft Entra ID, Okta’s core mission is to secure and simplify digital access to critical organizational systems for employees, customers, and partners.
There are three major functions Okta performs:
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): Okta provides centralized identity control across cloud and on-premises environments, granting each user a unique identity token, receiving access requests, employing identity verification, dispensing token-based authorization, and granting app access.
- Authentication and Authorization: Okta verifies identity and grants access securely via individual user tokens and can integrate key features like SSO, MFA, and adaptive security policies.
- Application and System Access: Okta simplifies access for users while maintaining compliance and security, and works with SaaS apps, legacy tools, and custom integrations to create a robust security framework.
Key Features of Okta
Single Sign-On (SSO)
With Okta, users are given unique identity tokens that allow them to engage in single sign-on. This means that each user only needs one login to access all applications, as their token is unique and Okta grants them access through the cloud with secure verification.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
In addition to SSO, Okta adds security to their verification process via multi-factor authentication. This allows users to easily verify themselves with multiple factors, such as transmitted single-use codes, making security breaches harder.
Lifecycle Management
Okta allows businesses to easily automate user provisioning and deprovisioning, leading to smoother onboarding, offboarding, and access permissions. Okta can grant, alter, and remove access from users easily, allowing for automatic and seamless onboarding and offboarding.
Directory Integration
Okta has immense integration capabilities that allow it to work with an on-premises active directory (AD) and LDAP application protocols. Okta can supplement and improve an existing AD or IAM system, providing additional security without having to dismantle or eliminate existing systems.
During an Okta migration, organizations can use these same directory integrations to synchronize user attributes and authentication settings from legacy systems, ensuring a smooth transition to cloud-based identity management.
Access Management
Okta employs robust access management protocols to ensure that the right users have access to the right resources. Okta automatically defines who can access what and under what conditions, and admins can easily change or revoke access and alter access policies.
Mobile Identity Management
Okta can easily permit users to access systems via mobile identities. Okta’s user tokens allow for secure login on mobile devices and on-premises systems, ensuring that users can go from place to place without losing access or the ability to log in.
Reporting and Analytics
Okta’s many features include the ability to conduct frequent access reviews, monitor user activity, and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. Okta admins can generate scheduled or impromptu reports on access permissions and data to make key decisions in real time.
Common Use Cases for Okta
Workforce Identity Management
One of Okta’s major use cases is for the purpose of workforce identity management. With Okta, businesses and companies can simplify employee login and access to corporate resources. This allows employees to work more efficiently and effectively without worrying about tedious access issues.
Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM)
Okta can also help businesses manage the identities and access of their customers. Okta enables secure user registration and login for web apps and portals that allow customers to engage in transactions or other business activities. Okta easily separates customer, employee, and partner access to preserve separation of duties (SoD).
Partner and Vendor Access
Okta’s systems allow businesses to integrate and work easily with business partners and vendors Okta manages third-party identities securely and can also integrate effectively with partners or vendors who utilize alternative IAM services or systems, such as Microsoft Entra or an active directory. Okta can easily integrate with other applications or systems to create a secure hybrid IT environment.
Why Organizations Use Okta
Businesses and organizations use Okta for a number of reasons, including:
- Stronger Security and Compliance: Okta employs strong security protocols such as MFA, adaptive access, and zero-trust alignment.
- Improved User Experience: Okta allows seamless login with fewer passwords.
- Increased Productivity: Faster access for employees, partners, and customers allows Okta to increase workflow and efficiency.
- Simplified IT Administration: Okta takes the pressure off of IT admins with centralized user management and automated workflows.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Okta integrates easily with thousands of apps and supports enterprise growth.
Getting Started with Okta
In order to get started with Okta, set up a free Okta trial by going to Okta’s free trial page and filling out their sign-up form. Once you get set up, familiarize yourself with the admin console, which allows you to navigate your systems, grant permissions, integrate apps, monitor security, and manage users and groups. Also familiarize yourself with the user dashboard, which displays application access, personalized layouts, account management, and notifications.
Once you are familiar with Okta, you can integrate it with your existing active directory or SaaS applications, extending your capabilities through the Okta Integration Network (OIN). To learn more about how to use Okta, check out available training and certification paths, as well as resources from Okta University and online learning partners. Finally, once you have Okta set up, engage in best practices for implementation and ongoing management, such as frequent access reviews and security monitoring. It is also recommended to schedule regular Okta backups of configuration data, user directories, and policies to ensure fast recovery in the event of data corruption or system downtime.
Conclusion
As a cloud-based IAM service, Okta offers businesses many advantages, including SSO capabilities, streamlined access management, and frequent access reviews. Because secure identity management is essential to modern enterprises on account of growing cybersecurity threats, Okta has become one of the leading tools of the IAM industry. Get started with Okta today by exploring its documentation or starting a free trial!
