First Time Login - Account Setup Using Okta Verify on Macs

Overview: 

Okta is SLU's security solution that handles single sign-on (SSO) password management and multi-factor authentication (MFA). The instructions below step you through the first time login experience setting up Okta Verify on a Mac to authenticate your university account.

NOTE: This is not recommended for your only form of authentication because it can only be used with the computer on which it's installed. If possible, we recommend installing Okta Verify on an Android or iPhone so you can use it with classroom and lab machines in addition to your own computer.

CLICK HERE to see other authentication options for setting up your account.
 

Challenges for University-Managed Macs:

You can install Okta Verify on a University-Managed Mac, but not as part of your account setup process. Unlike logging into a University-managed Windows machine, Okta Verify is required to log into the Mac itself. With this in mind, one's account must be created to log into the machine before Okta Verify can be installed on the Mac. Furthermore, Okta Verify installed on the Mac still cannot be used to log into the machine because the application needs to be running to work. It's a real "chicken and the egg" situation. The only use for Okta Verify installed on a University-managed machine is to help logging into your accounts in your web browsers once logged into the machine.

Use THIS KB ARTICLE if you wish to install Okta Verify as a secondary option on your University-managed Mac for assistance logging into your SLU resources through your web browser. To be clear, this will only be useful after you have logged into the machine once you have already set up your account. Otherwise, you can set up your account by installing Okta Verify on one of the mobile options below:

As always, if you have an questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the service desk via phone (314-977-4000) or via email (ask@slu.edu)
 

Directions:

CLICK HERE if you would prefer to use a document that includes these instructions accompanied with screen captures that show you what you should see on your computer during this process. Otherwise, follow the instructions below.

First, you'll need to install the Okta Verify Mac Client on your computer.

  1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen and select App Store.
  2. In the App Store, search for Okta Verify.
  3. When you find Okta Verify, click the Get button.
  4. Launch Okta Verify and click the blue Get started button.
  5. When you finish reading How it works, click the blue Next button.
  6. Under the New account heading, type auth.slu.edu and click the blue Next button.
  7. Okta Verify will then open your web browser and prompt you to enter your username and password. These were provided in the email you got from the university.
  8. You will then be prompted to create a new password based on the rules below.
    Enter your new password and re-type it to confirm.
    NOTE: If your passwords don't match, you can click the eye icon on the right side of these fields to see what you typed.
    • At least 12 characters
    • A lowercase letter
    • An uppercase letter
    • A symbol
    • A number is not required
    • Spaces are allowed
    • No parts of your username
    • Does not include your first name
    • Does not include your last name
    • Your password cannot be any of your last 24 passwords
    • At least 1 hour(s) must have elapsed since you last changed your password
    •  Consider using a proper sentence with at least four words as a
      password (such as a lyric, quote, or aspirational statement). Not only
      will it be easy to remember, but it will also be nearly impossible to
      crack.
    • Using a proper sentence (beginning with a capital letter and ending
      with a punctuation mark) will meet all criteria.
      NOTE: A space counts as a standard character, not a special character.
  9. The browser window will confirm that Your identity is verified.
  10. If prompted to Enable Touch ID or password confirmation? click the blue Enable button (but only if you have Touch ID).
  11. At this point you should see your account added to the main Okta Verify screen.
  12. Click the red Close button in the top left of the Okta Verify window, and you won’t be prompted again for MFA during your session.

Next, you'll finish setting up your SLU account.

  1. Use your web browser and point it to auth.slu.edu.
  2. Enter your username and newly created password.
  3. The web browser will state that it’s Verifying your identity while the Okta Verify app will open and confirm Are you trying to sign in? Click the Yes, it’s me button below.
  4. On the browser, you will be prompted to set up your Security Question.
  5. Click on the Set up button below Security Question.
  6. Choose a security question from the first field.
  7. Enter your answer in the second field.
    NOTE: Be sure to remember capitalization, spaces, and spelling. Like a password, the answer must be typed exactly as you enter it here.
  8. Click the Verify button.
  9. You will then see other MFA security methods. Click the Continue button below.
  10. You have completed the account setup process, and you will then see the main SLU Okta Dashboard.
     
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