Okta Verify and Passkey
Frequently Asked Questions
Western Sydney University is transitioning student login security to help keep your account protected. View the FAQs below for more information about what is changing, how Okta Verify and Passkey work, and what you need to do before 7 October 2026.
Western already uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect student accounts.
As part of this change, student authentication is moving from Microsoft Authenticator to Okta Verify, providing a simpler and more secure way to verify logins.
Western is also introducing Passkey setup as part of the process to help protect student accounts and make sign-in faster and easier.
Yes.
Western will be moving away from Microsoft Authenticator and, from 7 October 2026 you will no longer be able to access University systems via Microsoft Authenticator. Students must have both Okta Verify and a Passkey set up to access University systems.
A Passkey is a secure and easy way to sign in without relying on a password.
Instead of entering a password, you can use something you already use to unlock your device, such as:
- Face ID
- Fingerprint recognition
- Facial recognition
- Your device PIN
Passkeys are more secure than passwords because they stay linked to your device and cannot be easily stolen, reused or phished by someone else.
Yes, students will be guided through setting up a Passkey during registration.
A Passkey provides an additional, secure way to access your account and helps reduce reliance on traditional passwords.
No.
The registration process for both Okta Verify and your Passkey is completed as part of a single setup process and only takes a few minutes.
No.
Students already use Multi-Factor Authentication when accessing University systems.
Western Sydney University is transitioning from Microsoft Authenticator to Okta Verify and Passkey to strengthen student login security. Until 6 October 2026, continue signing in and approving access through Microsoft Authenticator as you normally do. From 7 October 2026, both Okta Verify and a Passkey must be set up on your account to access University systems. Okta Verify and Passkey will replace Microsoft Authenticator as part of Western’s changed student login security.
You will continue to use Microsoft Authenticator as your way to access University systems up until and including 6 October 2026.
From the 7 October 2026 you will no longer be able to access University systems via your Microsoft Authenticator app.
Students should register and set up Okta Verify and their Passkey as soon as possible.
From 7 October 2026, Okta Verify and Passkey setup will become mandatory for student access to University systems.
You will continue using Microsoft Authenticator until 6 October 2026.
Registering for Okta Verify and Passkey early will help ensure uninterrupted access when you need use it on 7 October 2026 to access University systems.
From 7 October 2026, students must have both Okta Verify and a Passkey set up to access University systems.
Students should complete registration before this date to avoid disruption to Western systems, applications and services.
-
Go to login.westernsydney.edu.au
-
Sign in with your student account
-
Follow the prompts to:
- Download the Okta Verify app
- Register your device
- Link the app to your account, then follow the prompts to register your Passkey
- The registration process for both Okta Verify and your Passkey is completed as part of a single setup process and only takes a few minutes.
- For more detailed information, please view the helpful Knowledge Base article.
If Okta Verify and your Passkey have not been set up before enforcement (7 October 2026) begins, access to University systems will be unavailable:
- Student information will be unavailable
- Access to assessments or examinations requiring login will be affected.
Access will be enabled once Okta Verify and Passkey registration has been completed.
Yes.
Students need to download and install Okta Verify on their mobile device to approve sign-in requests.
The app is lightweight, secure and designed to run with minimal impact on device performance.
Yes.
Students currently use Microsoft Authenticator. As part of this transition, all students are required to register and use Okta Verify and set up a Passkey.
To continue accessing University systems after enforcement begins, Okta Verify and your Passkey must be set up on your account.
As part of the transition to Okta Verify, WSU is introducing Passkeys to provide a more secure and streamlined sign-in experience.
Passkeys help protect against password theft and make sign-in faster and easier.
Setting up MFA only takes a few minutes. You’ll need your student login details, a laptop or desktop computer, and your mobile phone.
Step 1: Start the setup
Go to login.westernsydney.edu.au and sign in with your student account.
Step 2: Set up Okta Verify
When prompted, select Okta Verify and follow the instructions on screen. Open the Okta Verify app on your mobile phone and scan the QR code shown on your computer.
Step 3: Set up your Passkey
After Okta Verify is registered, follow the prompts to set up your Passkey. This may use your device PIN, fingerprint, Face ID, Windows Hello or another sign-in method depending on your device.
Once setup is complete, keep the Okta Verify app installed on your phone. You’ll need it to approve sign-in prompts to University systems.
For more detailed instructions, please view the helpful Knowledge Base article.
Before contacting support, try the following:
- Confirm that Okta Verify is installed and up to date.
- Check that your phone has an internet connection.
- Ensure notifications are enabled for Okta Verify.
- Try signing in again via login.westernsydney.edu.au.
- Restart your phone.
If the issue continues:
- Reinstall the Okta Verify app.
- Attempt the setup process again.
- Contact the IT Service Desk by calling (02) 9852 5111 if assistance is still required.