Nadeen Breedlove

Written by Nadeen Breedlove

Published: 27 Jan 2026

25-facts-about-okta
Source: Informationweek.com

What is Okta? Okta is a leading identity and access management service that helps businesses secure user authentication and authorization. Founded in 2009, it has grown rapidly, providing solutions for single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, and lifecycle management. Okta integrates with thousands of applications, making it easier for organizations to manage user access across various platforms. Its cloud-based platform ensures that users can securely log in from anywhere, enhancing both security and convenience. With a focus on security, Okta helps companies protect sensitive data while improving user experience. Whether for small businesses or large enterprises, Okta offers scalable solutions to meet diverse needs.

Table of Contents

What is Okta?

Okta is a leading identity and access management (IAM) service. It helps organizations manage and secure user authentication into applications. Here are some fascinating facts about Okta that you might not know.

  1. Okta was founded in 2009 by Todd McKinnon and Frederic Kerrest. Both had previously worked at Salesforce.

  2. The company went public in April 2017. Its initial public offering (IPO) was a significant milestone.

  3. Okta's headquarters is located in San Francisco, California. This city is known for its tech innovation.

  4. Okta's name is derived from a meteorological term. An "okta" measures cloud cover.

Okta's Core Services

Okta offers a range of services that cater to different aspects of identity and access management. These services are designed to enhance security and streamline user access.

  1. Single Sign-On (SSO) is one of Okta's primary services. It allows users to log in once and access multiple applications.

  2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security. Users must provide two or more verification factors.

  3. Okta's Universal Directory stores and manages user profiles. It integrates with various applications and systems.

  4. Lifecycle Management automates user onboarding and offboarding. This ensures that access is granted and revoked appropriately.

Okta's Integration Capabilities

Okta is known for its ability to integrate with a wide range of applications and services. This makes it a versatile tool for businesses of all sizes.

  1. Okta integrates with over 7,000 applications. This includes popular services like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Slack.

  2. The Okta Integration Network (OIN) is a vast ecosystem. It provides pre-built integrations for various applications.

  3. Okta's API Access Management allows secure API access. This is crucial for modern applications that rely on APIs.

  4. Okta's Adaptive MFA adjusts security measures based on user behavior. It uses machine learning to detect anomalies.

Security and Compliance

Security is a top priority for Okta. The company has implemented various measures to ensure the safety of user data.

  1. Okta is compliant with several industry standards. These include SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA.

  2. The company undergoes regular security audits. This helps maintain high security standards.

  3. Okta's ThreatInsight feature identifies and blocks suspicious login attempts. It uses data from millions of users to detect threats.

  4. Okta's Zero Trust security model ensures that no one is trusted by default. Every user and device must be verified.

Okta's Global Reach

Okta serves customers around the world. Its services are used by organizations in various industries.

  1. Okta has over 10,000 customers globally. These include companies in healthcare, finance, and education.

  2. The company has offices in multiple countries. This includes the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan.

  3. Okta's services are available in multiple languages. This makes it accessible to a diverse user base.

  4. Okta's customer base includes Fortune 500 companies. These large organizations rely on Okta for secure access management.

Innovations and Recognitions

Okta is constantly innovating to stay ahead in the IAM space. The company has received numerous accolades for its contributions.

  1. Okta was named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Access Management. This recognition highlights its industry leadership.

  2. The company invests heavily in research and development. This ensures that its services remain cutting-edge.

  3. Okta's annual conference, Oktane, showcases its latest innovations. It attracts thousands of attendees from around the world.

  4. Okta has a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. The Okta for Good initiative supports various charitable causes.

  5. The company has received numerous awards for its workplace culture. This includes being named one of the best places to work by Glassdoor.

Okta's Impact on Security and Efficiency

Okta has revolutionized how businesses handle security and efficiency. By providing single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and automated user management, Okta simplifies access while boosting security. Companies save time and reduce errors with automated provisioning and deprovisioning of user accounts.

Integration with numerous apps and services makes Okta a versatile tool for any organization. Its adaptive MFA adjusts security measures based on user behavior, adding an extra layer of protection. Okta's API access management ensures secure connections between applications, safeguarding sensitive data.

With Okta, businesses can focus on growth without worrying about security breaches or access issues. Its user-friendly interface and robust features make it a go-to solution for modern enterprises. Embracing Okta means embracing a future where security and efficiency go hand in hand.

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