Integrating GitHub with Okta allows you to centralize user authentication and management, enabling single sign-on (SSO) for your GitHub organization members through your Okta instance. This streamlines access, enhances security, and simplifies user provisioning.
Understanding GitHub as an Identity Provider
When you add GitHub to Okta, you configure GitHub as an Identity Provider (IdP). This means that when users attempt to access GitHub resources, Okta can authenticate them using their existing Okta credentials, eliminating the need for separate GitHub passwords. This process typically leverages the OAuth 2.0 protocol.
Prerequisites for Integration
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- Administrator access to your Okta organization.
- Administrator access to your GitHub organization or user account where you can create OAuth applications.
- A clear understanding of your desired authentication flow (e.g., users initiate login from Okta, or GitHub redirects to Okta for login).
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding GitHub to Okta
The process involves configuring settings in both your Okta Admin Console and your GitHub account.
1. Initiate GitHub IdP Configuration in Okta
The first set of steps takes place within your Okta Admin Console to prepare for the GitHub connection.
- Navigate to Identity Providers: In the Okta Admin Console, go to Security > Identity Providers.
- Add GitHub IdP: Click Add Identity Provider, and then select GitHub IdP.
- Proceed to General Settings: Click Next.
- Define General Settings: In the General Settings section, you'll need to define basic information for this integration:
- Name: Enter a descriptive name for the Identity Provider in Okta (e.g., "GitHub Organization SSO"). This name will be visible in your Okta tenant.
- Complete Initial Setup: Click Finish.
At this point, Okta will provide you with important URLs, specifically the Authorization callback URL (also known as the Redirect URI), which you will need for configuring GitHub. Keep this Okta browser tab open.
2. Configure a New OAuth Application in GitHub
Next, you'll set up an OAuth application within your GitHub account. This application acts as the bridge that allows Okta to authenticate with GitHub.
- Access Developer Settings: Log in to GitHub, then go to your Settings (usually by clicking your profile picture) > Developer settings > OAuth Apps.
- Register a New OAuth Application: Click New OAuth App or Register an application.
- Provide Application Details: Fill in the following fields for your new OAuth application:
- Application name: Choose a name that clearly identifies this integration (e.g., "Okta SSO for GitHub").
- Homepage URL: Enter your Okta organization's URL (e.g.,
https://your-org.okta.com). - Authorization callback URL: This is the critical URL you obtained from Okta in the previous step (e.g.,
https://your-org.okta.com/oauth2/v1/callback). Make sure this URL is an exact match. - Application description (Optional): Provide a brief description for internal reference.
- Register Application: Click Register application.
- Generate Client Secret: GitHub will then provide you with a Client ID and give you the option to Generate a new client secret. Generate this secret and make sure to copy both the Client ID and the Client Secret immediately, as the secret will only be shown once.
3. Complete Okta Configuration
Return to your Okta Admin Console where you left off. You will now input the details from your GitHub OAuth application.
- Enter GitHub Credentials: In the Okta GitHub IdP configuration page, locate the fields for:
- Client ID: Paste the Client ID you copied from GitHub.
- Client Secret: Paste the Client Secret you copied from GitHub.
- Define Scopes: Scopes dictate the permissions Okta requests from GitHub during the authentication process. Common scopes include:
read:user: To read basic user profile information.user:email: To access the user's email address.- You might add more specific scopes depending on your integration needs.
- Configure JIT Provisioning (Optional): Decide whether to enable Just-In-Time (JIT) provisioning. If enabled, Okta will automatically create a new Okta user profile the first time a user authenticates via GitHub if that user doesn't already exist in Okta.
- Attribute Mappings: Review and adjust attribute mappings to ensure that user profile data (like email, first name, last name) is correctly transferred from GitHub to Okta during authentication.
- Routing Rules: Configure routing rules to specify when users should be directed to authenticate via GitHub. For example, you can set a rule that all users attempting to access a specific application are routed through the GitHub IdP.
- Activate Identity Provider: Once all settings are configured, Activate the GitHub Identity Provider.
Testing and Validation
After activating the IdP, it's crucial to test the integration:
- Test with a User: Log out of Okta and GitHub. Try to access an application configured to use the GitHub IdP, or attempt to log in to Okta using the "Sign in with GitHub" option (if enabled).
- Verify User Provisioning: If you enabled JIT provisioning, confirm that new users are created in Okta upon their first login through GitHub.
- Check Logs: Review Okta System Logs for any errors or successful authentication events related to the GitHub IdP.
Benefits of GitHub and Okta Integration
- Enhanced Security: Leverage Okta's security features, such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), for GitHub access.
- Centralized User Management: Manage GitHub access alongside all other enterprise applications from a single Okta console.
- Streamlined Access: Users enjoy a seamless single sign-on experience, reducing password fatigue and increasing productivity.
- Automated Provisioning: Optionally automate the creation of Okta user accounts based on GitHub logins.
For more detailed information on specific configurations or troubleshooting, refer to the official Okta documentation on Identity Providers and GitHub's documentation on creating OAuth apps.
