Dear Okta Verify Test Users,
Thank you to each of you for taking part in our test of the Okta Verify system over the course of the past year and a half. Your participation and feedback have been invaluable.
First, we want to let you know that due to recent changes in data privacy laws, we have been directed to discontinue the use of biometrics for accessing Windows PCs. After this directive from BW’s Group Data Protection Officer, we also learned that using the Windows Hello PIN as an alternative is not viable within Okta, as it requires enabling the Windows Hello biometric options.
But we do have good news! After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with a new Okta feature called Passcode which is an eight-digit code that can be used for MFA purposes (although not for logging onto your laptop or desktop). A primary objective of BW’s use of Okta Verify is to eliminate security questions as an MFA factor, and implementing Okta’s Passcode will help us achieve this goal.
For each of our Okta Verify test users, we will uninstall and reinstall Okta Verify, and then you will enroll in Okta’s Passcode. Here is how this will work:
- Important: Please ensure that your computer is connected to the internet for at least 24 hours on or after Saturday, December 13, for the following changes to take place. You do not need to be connected to the Barry-Wehmiller VPN nor do you need to be logged in.
- On Saturday, December 13, we will use KACE to uninstall Okta Verify for Windows.
- Soon after – exact date and time pending – we will begin the KACE installation of Okta Verify for Windows that includes the Okta Passcode factor.
- Once Okta Verify with Passcode is installed and ready, you will receive an email that will include instructions for enrolling your Okta passcode. (You can find a sneak peek at the instructions here.)
- We ask that you enroll at your earliest convenience but definitely by Friday, December 19, 2025.
NOTES:
- As stated in the instructions, the passcode must be a minimum of eight digits (and no letters or special characters).
- Enrollment will take four to six minutes to complete.
- IT team members, be aware: Since security questions are not available as an Okta MFA option for IT team members, you will need to use Okta Verify, SMS, or a phone call as your MFA factor during the Passcode enrollment process.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Arif Uzzaman at Arif.Uzzaman@barry-wehmiller.com or at 314-309-5354. Thank you all once again for your support and cooperation!
