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Okta FAQ

Who do I contact if I'm unable to log in through Okta Single Sign-On?

Call the IT Service Desk on Ext 8090 (+44 1273 678090) during office hours (9am-5pm).

If you're able to log in through Okta Single Sign-On but have another issue visit the ITS Help page to raise a support ticket instead. 

What is Okta?

The University of Sussex uses Okta, an identity management platform, to allow users to log in to our software and systems securely, safely and quickly. Okta Single Sign-On (SSO) is a user authentication tool provided by Okta that enables users to securely access multiple applications and services using just one set of credentials (e.g. ano123@sussex.ac.uk and Password).

How can I access applications protected by Okta SSO?

There are two ways you can log in:

You can open an application as normal, after which you will be redirected to the Okta login page.

Alternatively, you can log into https://okta.sussex.ac.uk/ to access the Okta dashboard, and then choose the application you want to access by clicking one of the tiles.

If you are having trouble access the Okta dashboard, please check the Okta sign in guide. 

What is my username and password for Okta? 

Your username and password are the same as your University IT account credentials, e.g. ano123@sussex.ac.uk + password.

(BSMS students should use their '@sussex.ac.uk' address, and not '@uni.bsms.ac.uk') 

What if I've forgotten my IT username or password?

Please visit this password and username page for password reset instructions. 

What troubleshooting can I try before calling IT Services?

- Log out and log back into your device.

- See if you're able to sign in to the Okta Dashboard - https://okta.sussex.ac.uk/

Can I opt out of Okta SSO?

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

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. The dashboard can also be used to set up Okta Verify, a multi-factor authentication service.

I received a random 'New Sign-On Notification' email 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 in to 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 in to 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 the Settings section of the Okta dashboard), the email will be sent to both email addresses. 

The location on the sign-in notification is different to my current location?

Okta only uses an approximate location so the location on the sign-in notification might not match. However, you should contact IT Services immediately if you received a notification when you have not attempted to sign in or the location is listed as being abroad. 

Does the Okta dashboard 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.

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 lifetimes which determine how long they remain open.

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.