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DW Cloud - Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for DW Spectrum

Updated

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for DW Spectrum IPVMS

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Affected Roles:  All Users

Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps:  DW Spectrum IPVMS

Software Version:  DW Spectrum IPVMS v6.0

Last Edit:  December 3, 2024

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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

The Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) security feature can be implemented as an additional layer of cyber security for DW Spectrum users. When someone tries to gain access to a DW Spectrum System using 2FA, they will be required to enter a password when initially connecting (1st factor) and will additionally be required to enter a pin code (2nd factor) that has been generated from an authentication application.

This article will outline how to enable the Two-Factor Authentication feature for DW Cloud connections and require 2FA when connecting to your DW Spectrum System.

 

**NOTE:  Two-Factor Authentication requires the use of an authentication application (e.g. Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) to verify connections from mobile devices.

 

Activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for DW Cloud Connections

2FA can be enabled for you DW Cloud account in the DW Spectrum Web Portal. Users must enable this feature for their individual DW Cloud accounts.

To enable Two-Factor Authentication:

  1. Open a web browser and connect to the DW Spectrum Web Portal.

Click the Log In button then enter the Email and Password for your DW Cloud account.

 

  1. Click on your profile at the top of the screen and select “Account Settings”.

 

  1. Click on the Security tab and enable the Two-factor authentication toggle.

 

  1. Upon enabling the 2FA feature, enter your DW Cloud Password then click the Next button.

Use the authenticator application on your mobile device to scan the QR code and link the app to your DW Spectrum Web Portal account.

 

**NOTE:  DO NOT share your Two-Factor Authentication QR code, DW Cloud login, or DW Spectrum Server login with others. Sharing login and authentication details may pose unwanted vulnerabilities to your DW Spectrum System.

 

  1. Once the authenticator application has been connected, enter the Verification Code generated by the app and click the Verify button.

 

  1. After successfully enabling Two-Factor Authentication for your account, a list of single-use backup codes will display. These are meant to be used if you do not have access to your authentication app and must log in. DO NOT share this information with others.

You can enable/disable the requirement to use a 2FA verification code every time that you log in, but it is recommended to leave this setting ENABLED for increased security protection.

 

How to Reset DW Cloud Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

If you have lost access to your mobile authenticator application that is used to complete a two-factor authentication due to either purchasing a new phone or otherwise, you can provide a request to reset the 2FA setting for DW Cloud.

You can submit a 2FA reset request by completing and submitting a request form at https://digital-watchdog.com/2FAResetRequest/. Be sure to provide the email address that your DW Cloud account is registered under.

This process can take between a few hours up to 48 hours as the DW Support agent that is responding to the request must forward and communicate the request to special administrators that can reset the account.

Once your account has been reset, you will receive a notification by email.

 

Activating 2FA for a DW Spectrum System

After setting up two-factor authentication for a DW Cloud account and registering an authenticator app, Owners can activate two-factor authentication for their DW Spectrum System. This will require all DW Cloud accounts to have Two-Factor Authentication activated to connect. Cloud users without 2FA will be unable to log into the system.

To activate Two-Factor Authentication for a system:

  1. Log in to the DW Cloud Web Portal and select your system.
  2. Once connected, select the Settings tab.

In the General menu, locate the Security section and enable the two-factor authentication requirement for the system.

 

  1. Enter a verification code from your authentication app or enter a backup code to continue.

Click the Enable button to confirm and activate the mandatory 2FA requirement.

 

  1. The system will then be armed with Two-Factor Authentication. Any DW Cloud users without 2FA enabled in their account will be unable to gain access to the system.

This setting does not affect local or LDAP users from accessing the system. Local connections will remain unhindered as before.

 

 

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For More Information or Technical Support

DW Technical Support: https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/

DW Sales: sales@digital-watchdog.com | www.digital-watchdog.com

Rev: 06/25                              Copyright © DW. All rights reserved. Specifications and pricing subject to change without notice.                            

 

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