---
title: Okta for Custom Authentication
slug: okta-for-custom-authentication
createdAt: 2025-06-11T20:26:19.223Z
---

## Introduction

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on configuring Activate to use Okta as a custom authentication module. This integration ensures secure and seamless user authentication.

### Prerequisites

- Access to the Activate production server
- Okta account with administrative privileges
- Necessary client credentials from Okta

### Step 1: Install Anywhere on the Perimeter Server

1. Run the Activate Installer and select the Anywhere option
2. Enter the server path in the specified format
3. Press **Connect** to proceed and complete the installation

### Step 2: Configure Anywhere (External Web) within the Activate Production Server

1. Open **Studio** and navigate to `Resources/Configuration/External Web`
2. Configure the `RemoteAccess` parameter by adding the `<authentication>` node with the correct entries

**Example Configuration:**

```text
<authentication>
  <provider>oidc</provider>
  <authority>https://CustomerURL.okta.com</authority>
  <clientID>XXXXXXXXXXXX</clientID>
  <clientSecret>=//Resources/Configuration/External Web/ClientSecret_ex02d</clientSecret>
  <redirectURI>https://ServerName.CustomerURL:443/signin-oidc</redirectURI>
  <nameClaim>preferred_username</nameClaim>
</authentication>
```

### Step 3: Parameterize Client Secrets

For ease of testing, parameterize the `Client_Secret`:

```text
<authentication_v02d>
  <provider>oidc</provider>
  <authority>https://CustomerURL.okta.com</authority>
  <clientID>XXXXXXXXXXXX</clientID>
  <clientSecret>=//Resources/Configuration/External Web/ClientSecret_v02d</clientSecret>
  <redirectURI>https://ServerName.CustomerURL:8443/signin-oidc</redirectURI>
  <nameClaim>preferred_username</nameClaim>
</authentication_v02d>
```

### Step 4: Configure Okta

1. Log in to your Okta account
2. Navigate to **Applications** and create a new application
3. Enter the client credentials and redirect URI as specified in the configuration
4. Ensure the `nameClaim` is mapped to the Okta username

### Step 5: Testing and Validation

1. Test the configuration by attempting to log in through the Activate interface
2. Verify that the authentication flow redirects to Okta and returns the correct user information

### Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully integrate Activate with Okta for custom authentication, ensuring a secure and efficient user authentication process.