Okta Directory Integration Permissions

  • Published on May 29, 2025
  • 1 minute(s) read
  • corey smith
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Overview

This guide outlines the integration of Opensense, an email signature management platform, with Okta Universal Directory. The integration enables read-only access to user directory information to dynamically personalize email signatures with real-time profile data. No write or admin access is granted.

Integration Components

Component

Description

Service

Opensense (Email Signature Management)

Directory Source

Okta Universal Directory

Integration Type

REST API using Okta API Token (Read-only)

Data Flow

One-way: Okta ➜ Opensense (No data is pushed to Okta)

Parameter

Description

Okta Directory API URL

Example: https://dev-123.oktapreview.com

API Token

A read-only API token generated in Okta Admin Console

💡 The API token must be created from a dedicated API-only service account with minimal directory access.

Purpose of Access

The integration reads user and group data for the following functions:

  • Personalized Email Signatures: Pull user profile data (name, title, department) to generate dynamic email footers.

  • Conditional Signature Rules: Apply logic based on group or department for different signature formats.

  • Profile Syncing: Ensure signature updates reflect changes in Okta user profiles.

API Scopes and Permissions

The API token must be assigned the minimum necessary scopes:

Scope

Purpose

okta.users.read

Fetch user profile attributes (name, email, job title, etc.)

okta.groups.read

Retrieve group memberships (for conditional signature logic)

okta.apps.read

(Optional) If using app assignments for user scoping

📌 Avoid assigning broader scopes. The principle of least privilege should be enforced.

Security Considerations

Access Scope

  • API token is read-only.

  • No capability to create, update, or delete users or groups.

Principle of Least Privilege

  • The service account should be scoped only to necessary user and group data.

  • Avoid granting access to unnecessary Okta directories or applications.

Secure Storage & Transmission

  • Tokens are encrypted at rest by Opensense.

  • All communication between Opensense and Okta occurs over HTTPS (TLS 1.2+).

Token Lifecycle Management

  • Token can be revoked or rotated via:
    Okta Admin Console → Security → API → Tokens

  • Opensense supports seamless re-authentication after token replacement.

Zero Access to Authentication or Mail

  • The integration does not access:

    • User authentication flows

    • Mailboxes or email content

    • Admin or app control interfaces

Next Steps for IT & Security Review

  1. Approve Token Generation
    Authorize the creation of a read-only Okta API token with scoped permissions.

  2. Confirm API Endpoint
    Share your Okta organization’s API URL (e.g., https://yourcompany.okta.com).

  3. Service Account Setup
    Create a dedicated service account for this integration with appropriate group visibility.

  4. Audit Logging (Recommended)
    Enable Okta API logging to track calls for compliance and operational auditing.

  5. Vendor Documentation & Security Overview
    Review security policies here:
    👉 Opensense Security Portal

Troubleshooting & Support

  • Token Expired? Rotate via the Okta Admin Console and update it in the Opensense settings.

  • Data Not Syncing? Confirm user/group visibility for the API token scope.

  • Contact Opensense support for any integration troubleshooting or configuration help.