LSU is making significant updates to its identity access management system, shifting from a legacy mainframe-based system to a modern, cloud-based one. The transition is part of the university’s broader modernization efforts aimed at enhancing security, streamlining user access and improving system efficiency.
IAM is a crucial component of digital security, responsible for managing user identities and controlling access to various university resources. It ensures that students, faculty and staff have appropriate permissions based on their roles. For instance, a student’s credentials grant access to myLSU, Moodle and email, while faculty members may have different access privileges.
“Basically, it is the cornerstone for granting individual access into a digital environment by creating identities for them,” said the LSU Director of IT Security and Policy Sumit Jain.
The new IAM system, called Okta, is expected to be fully implemented by the end of March according to Jain. This upgrade aligns with LSU’s transition to Workday Student, another cloud-based platform replacing legacy systems. Current students will experience a new interface for password management, but no action is required on their part. Incoming students will be onboarded directly into the new Okta system.
One of the key changes includes retiring the eight-character password requirement in favor of the more secure 15-character minimum. The system will also introduce a streamlined, self-service password reset process, reducing reliance on IT support. Additionally, account deactivation for graduates will be more efficient, enhancing security and optimizing resource management.
“We will still have our IT service desk providing assistance for any problems encountered with the new system just like they do today, but we are moving to a more self-service model. This will make it easier on all of our users,” Jain said.
Importantly, this transition will not affect third-party applications such as Moodle or Outlook. LSU IT will provide continuous updates and guidance via email over the next several weeks to ensure a smooth transition for all users.
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