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 v5.1
Last Edit: May 26, 2023
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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 Spectrum IPVMS and DW Cloud connections.
**NOTE: Two Factor Authentication requires the use of an authentication application (e.g. Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) to authorize connections from mobile devices.
How to Enable Two Factor Authentication (2FA)
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:
- 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.
- Click on your profile (top-left) and select “Account Settings”.
- Click on the Security tab and enable the Two-factor authentication toggle.
- 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.
- Once the authenticator application has been connected, enter the Verification Code generated by the app and click the Verify button.
- 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.
