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Since Okta’s launch in March 2025, faculty, staff, and students have been getting familiar with the new cloud-based Identity and Access Management (IAM) platform. As JMU Information Technology (IT) continues to improve Okta’s features, users can take a few simple steps to make sign-ins smoother and more efficient — all while keeping accounts secure.
Here’s how to get the most out of Okta in your day-to-day routine.
How Okta Keeps Your Account Secure
Okta is the system behind how JMU IT manages eIDs, passwords, sign-in activity, and multifactor authentication (MFA). Each time you sign in, Okta evaluates your login behavior to help protect your account. For example, if you log in from a new device, different location, or at an unusual time, Okta may prompt you to verify your identity again. These occasional checks help prevent phishing and unauthorized access, so make sure your authentication method is readily available.
Over time, Okta learns your typical login patterns and adapts, balancing convenience and protection.
Explore the Okta Dashboard (Mylogin.jmu.edu)
The Okta Dashboard serves as a convenient launch point for many JMU services, including Outlook, Canvas, Office 365, and Zoom. This allows you to navigate to multiple sites while minimizing the number of times you are prompted to sign in. The site also lets you update your eID password and manage your verification methods, such as adding a new phone.
Add a Backup Sign-In Method
Okta Verify, the default mutifactor authentication (MFA) app for Okta, has been the main MFA method for many JMU faculty, staff, and students. While it is not required, JMU IT encourages everyone to enroll at least two devices into Okta Verify to ensure they have multiple ways to access their account, and to have access to self-help.
You can add another phone, tablet, or a Yubikey — a small USB security key that verifies your identity with a single touch. Yubikeys are simple to use, don’t require batteries or a network connection, and can be requested through the IT Help Desk (faculty/staff) or purchased from the JMU Bookstore (students).
If you use a MacBook, you can also enable Touch ID for an even faster, more convenient sign-in experience.
Keep Your Session Going
If you find yourself frequently signing in after short breaks, you can extend your session by avoiding closing your browser completely or clearing your browsing history. This allows your session to remain active, so you can move between JMU systems without re-entering your credentials.
Keep in mind that Canvas and the Okta Dashboard automatically log users out after four hours of inactivity for security reasons. Once timed out, you’ll simply need to sign in again to continue.
Simplify Your Logins with a Password Manager
If you regularly enter passwords across different JMU sites and services, a password manager can help simplify the process. This tool securely stores your login credentials and can automatically fill them in when needed, making it easier to manage multiple accounts.
JMU IT does not officially recommend a specific password manager for personal use, but a few have been reviewed, including 1Password and Bitwarden. Other commonly used options include LastPass and KeePass. Some password managers are free, while others may require a subscription or one-time fee.
Looking Ahead
Okta represents a major step toward a more secure and connected digital environment at JMU. As JMU IT continues to enhance the platform, features like streamlined sign-ins and centralized access will only continue to improve. By taking advantage of the Okta Dashboard, password managers, and backup authentication methods, you can make logging in faster, easier, and safer — every time.
If you have questions about Okta, please contact the IT Help Desk at (540) 568-3555 or helpdesk@jmu.edu. For updates or details on new features, visit the Okta project website.
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- Tips and tricks for quicker sign-in process
- How does Okta work?
- How can I log into my JMU account faster?
- How can I make my account more secure?