How to Build Your Own Okta
Replace Okta with a custom build. Identity for the Internet
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 43 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 43 features
Authentication(6 features)
Secure account verification and recovery through one-time email codes.
Enable users to authenticate without passwords using biometrics or hardware keys.
Native support for SAML 2.0 protocol to authenticate users across enterprise applications.
Unified authentication across multiple applications and services with one credential set.
SMS-based one-time passcodes for multi-factor authentication and account verification.
+1 more in this category
Security(4 features)
Risk-based authentication that adjusts security requirements based on user behavior and context.
Enhanced security through multiple verification methods including hardware keys, biometrics, and push notifications.
AI-powered risk assessment that evaluates user behavior and context to determine authentication risk.
Monitor and respond to suspicious activity and threats in real-time across your identity infrastructure.
Access Control(3 features)
Fine-grained access control based on user attributes, application requirements, and context.
Manage user access and permissions through dynamic group membership and policy-based provisioning.
Secure and audit access to privileged accounts and sensitive systems.
API Security(3 features)
Secure and manage API authentication and authorization with OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect.
Control API usage with configurable rate limits to prevent abuse and ensure service stability.
Manage OAuth tokens, refresh tokens, and token expiration policies for API security.
Provisioning(3 features)
SCIM protocol support for standardized user and group provisioning across applications.
Automatically create and provision user accounts on first login to applications.
Automate user onboarding, provisioning, deprovisioning, and offboarding workflows.
Compliance(2 features)
Detailed immutable logs of all identity and access events for compliance and forensics.
Industry-standard certifications including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance.
Directory(2 features)
Define custom user attributes and profile fields to meet specific organizational needs.
Cloud-based user directory that serves as the central source of truth for identity data.
Governance(2 features)
Automate access requests, approvals, and certifications to maintain proper identity compliance.
Create and enforce granular policies for authentication, authorization, and access control.
Cost Calculator
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Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 43 features at very easy complexity.