Implementing 2FA with Leased Equipment

In today’s rapidly spreading sea of cybersecurity threats, every business is looking for new ways to batten down its hatches. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is one of the best ways to boost security. When combined with the ability to rent firewalls, servers and routers… you might think it’s a bit of an overkill. But, with a proper way it can be easy.

Why Two-Factor Authentication is so Important

Two-Factor Authentication is an extra layer of security that requires not only a password and username but also something that the user has on them. This is a prevention against unauthorized access to the wallet even if a password leaks.

Benefits of 2FA

• Improved Security: Second factor is a barrier to entry even if passwords are stolen.
• Statutory Compliances: Under certain operations, depending upon your business, there are statutory compliances that require businesses to use 2FA.
• User Trust: Secure systems build trust between the users, clients and partners that will in turn help to increase your business reputation.

You could also lease your golf equipment, however still have an insurance plan. Be it!

Hence, businesses especially if the requirement is short term or project based can save a good amount of capital that might not want to put into buying hardware by renting equipment and making you more flexible. However, how could you make sure the rented equipment is safe and compatible with your 2FA system?

Benefits of Renting

• Low Initial Cost: There is no initial capital cost that is required for the hardware in the on-premises approach.
• Flexibility: Quickly upgrade or swap equipment depending on your requirements.
• Maintenance: The rental service will usually take care of all hardware maintenance and patches.

How to securely deploy 2FA on rented equipment

1. Access Control – Assess What You Need to Authenticate

But first before we get technical:

• Asset Identification: Make a list of which assets to protect (i.e. servers, routers and firewalls)
• User Roles: Define user roles and which need access to these resources

The 2nd Step (Type of 2FA) then Bring in the Type you want to Integrate: SMS codes, Authentication apps, hardware tokens.

2. Wear Rated Rented Gear

Make sure the 2FA systems you plan to implement works with your platform when renting. Additionally, the majority of new equipment leased for cybersecurity will have 2FA integrations with current solutions.

Considerations:

• Compatibility: Make sure the equipment (i.e.: firewall, server; routers) are compatible with your current 2FA system.
• Vendor Support: Choose vendors that have a good customer support system to resolve issues immediately.

3. Hardening of Rented Equipment

The actual targeted equipment available for rent

Firewalls:

• Update Firmware: Ensure the firewall firmware is up to date.
• Access Control Lists (ACLs): These are controls that define who can access the firewall settings.

Routers:

• Enable Secure Access Protocols: Utilize protocols such as SSH for access.

Since it Constellix is used to enhance large companies, there is no doubt that for a number of networks some segments have been isolated in an attempt to reduce the rampancy should their security be breached.

Servers:

• Harden the Server: Turn off services and ports which are not required.
• User Management: Make use of proper user accounts management and permissions.

4. Integrate 2FA Solutions

Once you finally have your rented hardware that is configured securely, the next step in this big list of ingredients a 2FA solution.

Common 2FA Methods:

• SMS: User receives a one-time password on his/her mobile device
• Authenticator Apps: These can generate time-sensitive codes such as Google Authenticator.
• Hardware tokens: physical devices that produce codes to authenticate

5. Setting 2FA on Rented Devices

Immediately after setting up the 2FA system, connect with your Alienware hardware.

For Firewalls:

• Management Interfaces: We want all integrated management interfaces to support 2FA.
• VPN: If VPN access is given using the firewall, require 2FA for normal users who use them via VPN.

For Routers:

• Admin Console: Require 2FA for the router admin console.

For Servers:

• SSH Access: 2FA for Secure Shell Logins
• Web Applications: Check that these are compatible with your 2FA solution

6. Frequent Monitoring and Evaluations

How to keep your shiny toys secure, in all the ways wow can know – and more importantly do not (!). Continually track your rented equipment and update the configurations as required.

• Log Monitoring: Do regularly check access logs to watch any activity that’s suspicious.
• Firmware Updates: Inspect that all the firmware for renting hardware is updated regularly.
• Re-evaluate Needs: Every so often re-evaluate your security needs and make any necessary changes.

Challenges and Solutions Summary

Compatibility Issues

Challenge:

Some of the older hardware you may have rented is not going to work so well with your 2FA preferences.

Solution:

Renting equipment from a vendor is an excellent way to get started, but be sure the equipment conforms to your requirements. Modular options – or use software-based 2FA that layer onto current hardware.

User Resistance

Challenge:

2FA may be seen as a hassle to users.

Solution:

Raise awareness of the importance and streamline 2FA for users. Offer users different authentication options.

Technical Issues

Challenge:

Rental equipment can be even more of a pain in integrating 2FA due to the technical challenges that might arise.

Solution:

Use vendor support and consultancy with cybersecurity experts as needed. Do full rollout only after a good test phase.

Conclusion

The reality is, you can do double-checking even with rented equipment so long as the technical integration on your website/application does all that. Proper hardware selection, configuration, and 2FA implementation can deliver the same or better security standard but without heavy investment in traditional infrastructure. If this is combined with 2FA and monitored actively, the borrowed equipment will allow flexibility, reduce costs (payment only on demand), but most importantly increase security.

This way, as a business, you can quickly scale your operations and keep 2FA on top of state-of-the-art security practices by renting equipment like firewalls or servers/routers. Leverage this marriage of technology and new renting model to protect your business; moreover, expect a better position against those malicious adversaries.