Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a necessity for ensuring the security and protection of data in a network. MFA involves the user having to provide multiple verification factors to get access to something.
You can add MFA to Windows Server Essentials by using a sensible process.
The General Idea of MFA
MFA is about ensuring only the right people will get access to whatever data one wishes to access. MFA adds a secondary form of verification when accessing an app, account, or another data source.
MFA can entail a user having to provide a fingerprint scan. It could also involve receiving a code on one’s mobile phone and then entering in that code on a computer.
MFA provides a secure approach to getting online. It is more secure than using passwords, as it is often easy for people to hack password data. But with MFA, it becomes easier for data to stay secure by preventing the wrong parties from trying to enter a platform.
Steps For Planning Your MFA
You will plan your MFA for Windows Server Essentials by looking at a few factors. Your server should be capable of operating well enough to handle your MFA needs:
1. The Number of Users and the RAM Necessary For Your Server
Your MFA plans should be arranged based on how many people will use your platform. You will require 4 GB of RAM if you plan on hosting up to 10,000 users. But you will need to increase the RAM by 4 GB for every 50,000 users after that point.
For example, you will require 12 GB of RAM to support 100,000 users. The memory is necessary for ensuring you can handle the proper balance for work.
2. Your Processor
The processor for your server should support a x32 or x64 setup.
3. Your Operating System
Windows Server Essentials is critical, but it should also work on a proper Windows operating system. MFA can work on Windows Server 2016, 2012 R2, and 2012.
Gathering the Proper Server Components
You will require three separate server components for work:
1. Web Service SDK
Web Service SDK allows interaction with other components on a platform. It will appear on the MFA application server.
2. User Portal
The user portal will allow the user to enroll in an MFA process. The data the user provides will link to that someone’s account.
3. Mobile App Web Service
The service will enable users on a mobile app to use two-step verification.
These three components can be installed on one server if it is an internet-facing model.
The Installation Process
1. Sign into your Windows Server Essentials portal. Be sure you are an administrator, as that is the only party who can access the content.
2. Search for Active Directory.
3. Go to the Manager MFA Server and select the settings option.
4. Select the download option and then download the MFA Server.
You will get an executable file for the download. Be sure the download works on whatever server you will utilize, as there may be different options for use based on the processor or operating system you will use.
Synchronizing the Users
You can link whatever users are on your server to the MFA setup after you install it on your platform. You can use these steps:
1. Go to the Directory Integration system in your server.
2. Go to the Synchronization tab.
3. Add different options based on the domain name, security group, or other settings you will utilize.
4. Click the option to enable synchronization with Active Directory. You can also include a synchronization interval of up to twenty-four hours.
The synchronization system can include a unique ID for each person.
Additional Tips To Follow
You can also use a few tips when running MFA for Windows Server Essentials. These are ideas that can work when you’re looking to find a solution that fits your demands:
- The administrator should be allowed to challenge any login attempt that occurs. The admin should have the right to accept or decline certain MFA attempts, especially if a person tries too many times to get on a platform and is unsuccessful in getting somewhere.
- The MFA should also block users whose credentials are on the dark web. These are people whose credentials have leaked and are out in the open. The admin should be ready to block those whose credentials have leaked, prompting the impacted user to change passwords or to provide another form of verification to return.
- The MFA system can include an option to verify specific devices. A user may be allowed to confirm one’s identity through one device, but that person cannot do the same with a separate item.
- The system can also remember MFA credentials for some people for a few days. You can use this option to allow people to remember what is open.
- Conditional access options may be triggered in the system. These include options where a person can only get access to something based on one’s current location or device state.
You can use these and other options to configure your MFA experience. The system should provide enough choices for helping you control how your content works and what you can expect out of a solution.
A Smart Option
MFA is useful for Windows Server Essentials needs. MFA provides a convenient approach to handling data without being hard to use. Be sure to see how well MFA can work for your needs if you require a solution you can trust when producing a protective system that you can trust.
How does Atera use Multi-factor Authentication?
At Atera, security is never a “nice to have.” We require multi-factor authentication in certain cases.
When you add your account to the authenticator app, choose yours from the drop down, for Duo or MS, just click “other”.
One day after signing up with Atera, 2FA will be enforced on your account to keep security standards at a maximum. You can set up biometric login with your face or fingerprint, use your email address or login details, and then you’ll be prompted to scan the QR code with your app of choice.
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