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services:2fa [2021/03/16 10:01] – deul | services:2fa [2022/01/12 10:35] (current) – [Introduction] deul | ||
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- | ======Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)====== | + | ======Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) @ STRW====== |
{{ services: | {{ services: | ||
- | =====Introduction===== | ||
- | * Please read this document carefully or start from [[: | ||
- | ====Why==== | ||
- | After the recent increase in hacker activity and floods of phishing emails, it is clear that the Observatory Compute environment is under constant attack. One of the major deficiencies in our current setup is that it is enough to know a username and password to get access to a wide variety of resources and data. With the improper handling of phishing emails, but also when using public wifi services, it seems easy for people with not so good intentions to get account credential information. After that, there is no easy way to prevent misuse of accounts and computer resources. | ||
- | We need to put a stop to that, and the only way to do that is to introduce a second step in identifying that you are the rightful owner of the account credentials. This second step is provided throught the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) mechanism. For this second verification, | + | Please read this document carefully or jump to |
+ | * [[: | ||
+ | * [[: | ||
+ | =====Introduction====== | ||
+ | * [[: | ||
- | ====Where==== | + | [[:services: |
- | In principle for every service where you need to identify yourself, 2FA is needed. In the beginning we will restrict 2FA to two major services: Web pages and ssh remote login. At a later stage 2FA will be implemented for other services as well. You will be informed well in advance. | + | |
- | ===WEB Pages & 2FA === | + | |
- | For all Web pages where you need to login, we will enforce 2FA. This also, and in particular, includes webmail. The Observatory WEBsite has many pages shielded by authentication and each page will be individually added to the 2FA facility. | + | |
- | ===ssh remote login & 2FA=== | + | |
- | One other major way to gain access to our resources and data is through the ssh protocol. So this means that using '' | + | |
- | ====How==== | + | |
- | The 2FA protocol that we have implemented is based on the Time-based One Time Password (TOTP) mechanism and we are using RedHat developed tools to implement this. TOTP means that for a limited amount of time you get a passcode, which you have to provide to the authentication program as a second ' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ======Timeline===== | + | |
- | We will not implement 2FA at the same time for all services, but will gradually enable 2FA according to [[services: | + | |
======Working with 2FA ===== | ======Working with 2FA ===== | ||
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* [[services: | * [[services: | ||
- | + | =====Browser Extension===== | |
+ | For several popular internet browsers (Edge, Firefox, Chrome, ...) there is a very convenient add-on/ | ||
+ | * [[services: | ||
=====Regular use of 2FA===== | =====Regular use of 2FA===== | ||
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In case of problems, look at the [[services: | In case of problems, look at the [[services: | ||
====Making ssh operations easier==== | ====Making ssh operations easier==== | ||
- | Of course it is not very handy to have to authenticate each time you login between computers at the Observatory using the 2FA mechanism. Therefor, we have disabled 2FA for the case where you have implemented personal ssh keys. So if you setup ssh keys at the Observatory, | + | Of course it is not very handy to have to authenticate each time you login between computers at the Observatory using the 2FA mechanism. Therefor, we have disabled 2FA for the case where you have implemented personal ssh keys. So if you setup ssh keys at the Observatory, |
- | Please | + | ===Setup ssh keys==== |
+ | Go to the [[: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Also read the generic | ||
=====2FA Problems====== | =====2FA Problems====== | ||
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* Reset your password | * Reset your password | ||
* Re-initiate the 2FA process as described above in the 'First Time Access' | * Re-initiate the 2FA process as described above in the 'First Time Access' | ||
+ | ====Error Message==== | ||
+ | If you see **Two-factor authentication has not been setup for your account < | ||
+ | the computer documentation on the institute webpage for the description and setup of 2FA**, this means your secret code has not trickled down to this system yet. It may take up to 30 minutes after setting up 2FA before all Observatory systems know about your secret key. Thus be patient ant try again in 30 minutes. | ||
+ | |||
====Code not accepted==== | ====Code not accepted==== | ||
- | Note that the passcodes have a lifespan of 30 seconds and that both the Observatory computers and your Smart Phone or personal computer need to be in time sync. You must enter the 2FA app settings and select "Time synchronisation" | + | Note that the passcodes have a lifespan of 30 seconds and that both the Observatory computers and your Smart Phone or personal computer need to be in time sync. You must enter the 2FA app settings and select "**Time synchronisation**". After this the codes should work again. You might also have been just a bit too late confirming your passcode. In that case repeat the process of creating the passcode en entering it into the prompt/web form. |
In principle the system also allows passcodes that are from the previous or next timeslot. So you should have a total of 90 seconds to deliver a trusted passcode. This period is shortened if the Observatory time keeping differs slightly from your smart phone or personal computer time keeping. | In principle the system also allows passcodes that are from the previous or next timeslot. So you should have a total of 90 seconds to deliver a trusted passcode. This period is shortened if the Observatory time keeping differs slightly from your smart phone or personal computer time keeping. |