Enrolling in Okta for the First Time Using a Yubikey (Without a Smartphone)

This article explains the Yubikey setup process for users who do not have, or do not wish to use, a smart device for Okta authentication.

Yubikey, MacOS, Windows

This article assumes you do not have a smartphone and that you have already obtained a Yubikey hardware token and have it with you as well as a Mac or Windows computer/laptop.  

To begin Okta enrollment, first go to a computer and open the inbox of the email you provided on your student application or HR paperwork. Click the Activate Okta Account link in your "Welcome to JMU Okta" invitation email or your "Preparing for JMU Okta" invitation email. This will take you to mylogin.jmu.edu. You will then be asked to enter your eID and then your password after clicking Continue. Alternatively, you may be asked to set your password if it is the first time you have logged in. Once you have progressed past the password stage, you are ready for the steps that are listed below.

On a Windows Device

1. During first-time enrollment, Okta asks you to set up either Okta Verify (the smartphone app) or a security key (Yubikey). Click Set Up under Security Key.
2. Click Set Up again on the screen that follows.
3. You will receive a Windows Security alert. Click OK.
4. On the following pop-up, select Security Key, and click Next
5. Click Ok
6. Insert your Yubikey into any available USB port on your device
7. Tap the y button (gold disc) on the Yubikey with your finger (it should light up briefly, letting you know it's ready to be enrolled). 
8. When you see the notice below, Windows has accepted your Yubikey. Click OK.
9. When you see the following page, you have successfully enrolled in Okta with your Yubikey! You may optionally setup Okta Verify on a mobile device from this page, but you may click Continue if you do not have a device and proceed to the Okta Dashboard

On a MacOS Device

1. When you first enroll in Okta, you have not yet set up any security methods.  Okta will ask you to set up either Okta Verify (the smartphone app) or a security key.
2. Click Set Up under Security Key, and click Set Up again on the screen that follows.
3. On the first pop-up, select Other Options.
4. On the next pop-up, select Security Key
5. Insert your Yubikey into any available USB port on your device
6. Tap the y button (gold disc) on the Yubikey with your finger (it should light up briefly, letting you know it's ready to be enrolled). 
7. When you see the following page, you have successfully enrolled in Okta with your Yubikey! You may optionally setup Okta Verify on a mobile device from this page, but you may click Continue if you do not have a device and proceed to the Okta Dashboard

For additional questions you can contact the JMU IT Help Desk at helpdesk@jmu.edu or 540-568-3555.