Okta MFA FAQ

General Questions

What is MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a simple but powerful way to protect your online accounts. It works by requiring two or more forms of verification — like your password plus a code sent to your phone — to make sure it’s really you logging in. Even if someone steals your password, they won’t be able to access your account without that second step.

For students, faculty, and staff, MFA is especially important for keeping your school email, classwork, and personal info safe. It’s quick to set up, easy to use, and one of the best ways to stop hackers in their tracks.

Why is Clark College requiring MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a state-mandated requirement. Systems like ctcLink have required MFA for over five years. Clark College is now aligning with this standard to strengthen security and protect accounts.

What MFA does Clark College Support?

  1. Okta Verify
  2. Microsoft Authenticator
  3. Google Authenticator
  4. Apple Passkeys
  5. YubiKey 5 or equivalent security key

Why does IT recommend the phone app instead of a YubiKey?

The Okta Verify app is the most reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly method.

  • No waiting – If you lose a YubiKey, you cannot log in until your department purchases and issues a replacement. With the app, you can reinstall it or re-enroll quickly.
  • Proven success – Staff and students have used the app successfully for years with ctcLink.
  • Lower cost – YubiKeys cost money and require IT management. The app is free and always available.

What is Okta Verify?

  • Okta Is a Mobile app that adds an extra layer of security when you log into your account. It's part of the MFA process. When you sign in with your username and password, Okta Verify asks you to confirm it's really you, either by sending a push notification to your phone or by letting you enter a code from the app

Can I use Multiple MFA at once?

  • Yes! You can use Okta Verify, Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator. Only one will be required to sign in.

Can I use MFA without a smartphone?

  • If you don’t own a smartphone or face accessibility challenges, YubiKeys are available as an alternative. Please contact TechHub at 360-992-2010 or techhub@clark.edu to discuss options.

What if I lose access to my MFA Device

  • If you lose access to your MFA device, contact the IT support team right away. They can help you verify your identity and reset your multi-factor authentication (MFA) settings. After verification, you’ll be able to set up a device and regain access to your account. It's important to act quickly to prevent any disruptions to your access

Can I still use SMS (Texting) and phone calls to login?

  • Support for SMS and Voice call authentication was discontinued on Sept. 15th, 2025.  This method is no longer supported at Clark College

Do I have to use a YubiKey if I want extra security?

No. YubiKeys are not required. They are reserved for those with accessibility needs or no access to a smartphone. The Okta Verify app already meets the state’s MFA requirements and provides strong security plus additional protections a YubiKey cannot offer.



Okta Questions

Does Okta use my phone data and will I be charged?

  • The Okta Verify app is free to download. However, receiving push notifications may consume data depending on your mobile plan. Connecting to our student Wi-Fi when on campus or a home or public Wi-Fi network can help you avoid this.
  • If you’re concerned about data usage, you can also use verification codes, instead of push notifications, from the app, which works offline and doesn’t use any data at all.

I took too long to sign in, and it timed out what do I do?

  • If your login session is timed out, don’t worry. It’s a common security feature. Just go back to the sign-in page and start the login process again.

Can these applications track my device?  

  • No. The app only generates authentication codes. It does not collect or share your personal data.

Does installing or using Okta Verify or one of the other authenticators give Clark access to my personal data or other information on my phone?  

  • No, none of the authenticators give Clark access to your personal information on your phone. The app works independently of your photos, contacts, or other personal information.

Could the State require me to hand over my personal phone because I’ve installed OKTA app?

No. That is a misunderstanding. All official college and state information such as emails, Canvas, O365, Active Directory, ctcLink and other databases already reside on secure cloud platforms. State can access those without touching your personal phone.

  • IT does not track your personal phone activity.
  • IT is prohibited from monitoring personal devices by union contracts and policy.
  • The Okta Verify app does not give the State or Clark IT any additional access to your device.

How does the app help protect me personally?

One big advantage of the app is real-time security alerts. If someone tries to log in with your credentials trying to access your data such as Social Security number, date of birth, or banking details the app immediately notifies you on your phone. You must approve or deny the request.

  • This gives you the power to stop a hacker instantly.
  • YubiKeys cannot provide this extra layer of visibility and control.