This article explains the differences between Third-Party Admin and Okta Super Admin roles in the admin component. It highlights their permissions, functionalities, and common use cases to help organizations determine which role best suits their needs.
- Third-Party Admin
- Okta Super Admin
- Roles
Overview of Admin Roles
A Super Admin can assign admin permissions to other users, allowing them to perform specific tasks and access designated resources. Admin roles can be standard or customized, with varying permissions and resource access. These roles apply to users, groups, and applications.
Key Differences between an Okta Super Admin role and a Third-Party Admin role:
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Okta Super Admin
The Okta Super Admin role is the most powerful admin role in the system, offering unrestricted access to all features and functionalities within the Admin Console.
Capabilities:
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- Assign admin permissions to other users or groups.
- Manage all admin roles across users, groups, and applications.
- View admin role assignments in various sections, like:
- Security > Administrators > Users or Groups.
- Directory > People > Admin Roles.
- Applications > Admin Roles.
- Receive administrative email notifications, such as alerts and welcome messages.
- Contact Okta support and access the Okta Support Center for assistance.
Use Case:
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Suitable for employees within the organization who need comprehensive control and access to perform administrative tasks across all aspects of the system.
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Third-Party Admin
The Third-Party Admin role is tailored for external administrators who perform specific admin functions without being direct employees of the organization. These admins have limited access to certain functionalities and notifications.
Limitations:
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Cannot receive Okta admin email notifications.
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Cannot contact Okta support.
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Cannot sign in to the Okta Support Center.
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Use Case Scenarios:
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Outsourced Support:
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Organizations that outsource support services to external entities can assign Third-Party Admin roles to ensure these external admins manage user needs without accessing the Okta interface or receiving administrative emails.
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Hub-and-Spoke Model:
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In B2B2C scenarios, end customers or external users can be designated as Third-Party Admins to run their own Okta orgs. Custom portals created with Okta APIs can hide the Okta interface, enhancing the external user experience.
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Benefits:
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- Prevents external users from accessing sensitive notifications and support channels.
- Ideal for external admins who require limited functionality tailored to specific needs.
How to Enable Third-Party Admin Functionality
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Click Edit on Third-Party Admins.
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In the Admin Console, go to Settings > Account.
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Select the checkbox, then click Save.
Grant third-party administrator status to a user
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In the Admin Console, go to Security > Administrators.
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Click Add Administrator.
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Enter the name of the user.
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Select the Exclude admin from receiving all admin-related communications check box.
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Select the admin roles this user should have.
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Click Save Changes.
Grant third-party administrator status to an existing Okta group
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In the Admin Console, go to Security > Administrators.
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Click Add Administrator.
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Enter the name of the group.
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Select the Exclude admin from receiving all admin-related communications checkbox.
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Select the admin roles the group members should have.
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Click Save Changes.
Choosing the Right Role
Conclusion
The choice between an Okta Super Admin and a Third-Party Admin role depends on the organization's specific needs. Super Admins are ideal for internal users who need unrestricted access and full administrative capabilities, while Third-Party Admins are better suited for external users requiring limited access and functionality.
