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Okta User FAQ

Okta User FAQs

What is Okta?

The university will be using Okta as its identity management platform. Okta will securely connect all university members to the applications and tools that they need in a single sign-on format. 

What is the Okta Dashboard?

The Okta dashboard is where applications that have been enrolled onto Okta will be shown.  Over time this will include many of the applications we use at the University, and you will only see the ones that you have access to.  You will be able to open your application directly from the Okta dashboard without having to sign in separately to it.

How do I sign into Okta?

You can reach the Okta sign in page by typing https://okta.sussex.ac.uk/ into your device’s browser.

Alternatively, please use the Okta sign in guide. 

What do I do if I've forgotten my password?

Sussex Direct password resets are currently unavailable.

If you're on campus and need a password reset, then please visit the Service Desk in Shawcross with your student or staff ID card. 

If you're not on campus and you need a password reset, then please call ITS on 01273 678090 and we can reset your password over the phone.

The counter service in Shawcross and phone lines are open from 09:00–13:00 and 14:00-17:00 Monday to Friday. 

What do I do if I've forgotten my IT username?

Please read the FAQ above. 

What is my username and password for Okta? 

Your username is the same as your University IT account username. 

E.g. ano123@sussex.ac.uk and your usual IT account password. 

Can I opt out of Okta?

No, you can’t choose to opt out of Okta. That would compromise the University’s security and leave everyone’s data vulnerable to a cyber-attack.

I received a random 'New Sign On Notification' without trying to log in?

Please contact the ITS service desk immediately on (+44)1273 678090.

I received a 'New Sign On Notification' when I first logged into Okta. What is this?

The New Sign On Notification email is sent when Okta identifies that a new device or browser is being used to sign into an Okta account.

It is a security check to make sure that the user is aware of the sign in attempt.

If a secondary email address is recorded in Okta (see Settings/Personal Information), that email will be sent to both email addresses. 

Does Okta work on my mobile device?

It does. You can find Okta by typing https://okta.sussex.ac.uk/ into your mobile device’s browser. Most applications can be launched directly from the mobile dashboard.

Who do I contact in case of issues with my Okta account?

Contact the IT Service Desk - visit https://www.sussex.ac.uk/its/ and click on the 'Contact us for help' tile to open a support ticket. 

How do I unlock my account?

Contact the IT Service Desk - visit https://www.sussex.ac.uk/its/ and click on the ‘Contact us for help’ tile to open a support ticket.  

What are the different ways I can access applications integrated with Okta?

There are two ways you can log in:

You can go to https://okta.sussex.ac.uk/ and log in first, and then you can choose the application you want to access.

You can directly go to the application you want to access using the application URL, and then the application may or may not redirect you to Okta login page depending on whether you are already logged on to Okta.

Why do some of my applications remain open even after I've logged out of Okta?

Okta won’t automatically log you out of applications that you’ve accessed through the Okta dashboard.  Your applications have their own session lifetime which they determine, or you can manually log out of them when you’re finished.

What is Single Sign-On (SSO)? 

SSO is one of the products that Okta provides. SSO lets you sign in to one service, Okta, to access all your applications. You won’t need to remember the different password and username combinations for the applications that are on your Okta dashboard.

How does SSO work?

With SSO, you sign into your Okta Dashboard. From there, you can launch any of your web applications on the dashboard without having to enter any other additional credentials. Okta manages all your application credentials and securely logs you into your applications. For some applications you can navigate directly to the app and the app will sign you in from Okta.

How does Okta keep my username and password secure?

Okta provides rigorous security measures and controls to protect your information. This includes securing and verifying all communications with Okta, encrypting customer data, and ensuring that only the right people in in the University can control the Okta service. These controls are audited regularly.