Sophos 2FA with Hardware OTP Tokens

Sophos solutions allow for reinforcing Sophos 2FA (two-factor authentication) with Protectimus OTP hardware tokens with one of these two methods:

  • Enabling ‘Auto-create OTP tokens for users’ feature. This automatic method allows for using our programmable Slim NFC token instead of the standard application for multi-factor authentication.
  • Disabling ‘Auto-create OTP tokens for users’ feature. This manual method allows for adding classic TOTP tokens Protectimus Two or Protectimus Crystal to generate the Sophos one time password.

Both methods have their advantages, but the second one is a bit more lucrative.

Today we will provide you with a guide on how to implement each of the two methods for your Sophos 2 factor authentication and answer the most common questions on Protectimus OTP tokens for Sophos client authentication.

Definitions

Let’s give a couple of definitions for a better understanding of what comes next, so you won’t have to google “What is OTP?” or “what is a token?” First things first — OTP stands for One Time Password. Once generated, one OTP is valid only for one single transaction. Now let’s move to the more complicated matters.

  • OTP secret — a completely unique 128bit encryption key, used for password creation. Each user has his or her own secret.
  • OTP code — a time-limited one-time code, usually consists of 6 digits and is attached to the user passwords to allow authentication.
  • OTP token — an object that assembles each of the necessary authentication elements (User, OTP secret, OTP pass).

| Read also: How does 2-factor authentication work?

How to Enable Automatic Creation of OTP tokens in Sophos

Note: To configure programmable hardware token Protectimus Slim NFC you’ll need an Android smartphone with NFC support.

Virtually every Sophos product comes with this option (Sophos UTM, Sophos Central, Sophos XG Firewall and others).

For example, Sophos Central 2FA can be done via SMS or a 2FA application, which allows for switching to our Slim NFC hardware token. And thus upping the Sophos 2FA security level to the highest. Let’s see the steps to enable this option.

  1. Go to the One-Time Password tab

    To do this go to the Settings section at Configure > Authentication > One-Time Password.
    Sophos OTP with hardware tokens Protectimus Slim NFC - Step 1

  2. Enable Auto-create OTP tokens feature

    To permit the OTP and Auto-create tokens features, simply switch both buttons to ‘on’, don’t forget the ‘Apply’ button at the bottom.Sophos OTP with hardware tokens Protectimus Slim NFC - Step 2

  3. Get the QR code with the secret key

    Go to the user login page at Sophos. Since we’ve turned the auto-create option on, the login page now offers a QR code.
    Sophos OTP with hardware tokens Protectimus Slim NFC - Step 3 (QR code)

  4. Configure Slim NFC for Sophos multi-factor authentication

    4.1. Download and launch the Protectimus TOTP Burner application (available for Android only).
    4.2 Turn on NFC.
    4.3. Open the Protectimus TOTP Burner app and click on ‘Burn the seed’.
    4.4. Scan that QR code with the secret key using your Burner app.
    4.5. As soon as the QR is finished scanning, turn on your Slim NFC token. Hold the hardware device within the range of your phone’s NFC antenna, click “Continue” and wait for the confirmation message. Now your 2FA hardware token is ready to become your Sophos 2FA authenticator.Sophos OTP with hardware tokens Protectimus Slim NFC - Step 4 (Configure Slim NFC for Sophos multi factor authentication)

  5. Log in by combining your user password with OTP

    Return to the User Portal and log in by combining your user password with your Sophos OTP generated using the Protectimus Slim NFC token. The password will look something like this — userpass123456, where “userpass” is the password created by the user and “123456” is the OTP generated by the token.

| Read also: The Pros and Cons of Different Two-Factor Authentication Types and Methods

How to Add Classic Hardware Tokens to Sophos XG and UTM

The following guide is done with Sophos XG user authentication but the steps are pretty much the same for Sophos UTM two-factor authentication. The guides for Sophos UTM vs XG look alike, here’s the one for the unified threat management for you to check out.

1. Enable OTP.

To do this go to the Settings section at the One-Time Password tab in Configure > Authentication, switch the ‘Enable OTP’ feature on.

And set up the necessary timestep depending on the model of the classic hardware token you use: 

Sophos two factor authentication with classic TOTP hardware tokens step 1

2. Start adding the OTP token manually.

Press the ‘Add’ button to manually add Sophos XG or Sophos UTM OTP token.

Sophos MFA with classic TOTP hardware tokens step 2

3. Select a user and add the secret key

Select a user and add the secret key to authorize this Sophos XG firewall two-factor authentication token to the chosen user account.

Sophos 2FA with classic TOTP hardware tokens step 3

Now the selected account has Sophos XG OTP switched on.

| Read more: 4 Reasons Two-Factor Authentication Isn’t a Panacea

Sophos 2FA Backup Codes

In Sophos XG 2-factor authentication you can have 10 more emergency passcodes in case a user lost the Sophos two-factor authentication device. To create these additional codes go to the user account you want to enable them for and click the edit button. Find the advanced section and the additional codes field at its bottom:

Sophos OTP with classic TOTP hardware tokens backup codes

By clicking the ‘+’ you will automatically create 10 additional passcodes each consisting of 6 digits.

The user will have to request an additional code from the administrator.

| Read also: How to Backup Google Authenticator or Transfer It to a New Phone

FAQ

Which Protectimus hardware tokens can be used for Sophos two factor login verification and how much will they be?

Protectimus Two — $10.99, Protectimus Crystal — $11.99, re-programmable token Protectimus Slim NFC — $29.99 plus shipping.

What is the minimum quantity of tokens for Sophos Firewall that can be ordered?

Any Protectimus order can be as small as only one token.

Are there any discounts for Sophos Firewall tokens?

Sure, the discounts start from 50 pieces an order.

Does Protectimus Slim NFC support multiple secret keys (seeds)?

Only one seed at a time is allowed. But the best feature of the Slim NFC token is that it can be reused. You just need to program it for another account once the initial one is no longer in use.

Can I order a hardware token with my company logo?

Protectimus Slim NFC device can be branded from as small as one device per order. Protectimus TWO branding can be done from 1000 pieces per order.

Read more:

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Author: Anna

If you have any questions about two-factor authentication and Protectimus products, ask Anna, and you will get an expert answer. She knows everything about one-time passwords, OTP tokens, 2FA applications, OATH algorithms, how two-factor authentication works, and what it protects against. Anna will explain the difference between TOTP, HOTP, and OCRA, help you choose a token for Azure MFA, and tell you how to set up two-factor authentication for Windows or Active Directory. Over the years with Protectimus, Anna has become an expert in cybersecurity and knows all about the Protectimus 2FA solution, so she will advise on any issue. Please, ask your questions in the comments.

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