Enhance your security with Duo Authentication Proxy

Enhance your security with Duo Authentication Proxy

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Installation
3. Configuring the Duo Authentication Proxy
4. Proxy Configuration File
5. Client Section Setup
6. Server Section Setup
7. RADIUS Auto
8. RADIUS iFrame
9. RADIUS Challenge
10. RADIUS Concat
11. RADIUS Duo Only
12. LDAP Auto
13. Cloud Section Configuration
14. HTTPS Proxy Configuration
15. FIPS Mode
16. Starting the Proxy Service
17. Troubleshooting

Introduction

In this article, we will guide You through the installation and configuration process of the Duo Authentication Proxy for Windows. We will cover the step-by-step instructions for setting up the proxy, including the necessary configurations for using Active Directory as the primary authenticator. By the end of this guide, you will have a fully functional Duo Authentication Proxy service running on your Windows system.

Installation

Before getting started with the installation, it is important to ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements. We recommend using a system with at least 1 CPU, 200 MB of disk space, and 4 GB of RAM. Once you have confirmed that your system meets these requirements, you can proceed with the installation process.

To install the Duo Authentication Proxy, you will need to download the latest version from the official Duo Website. The installation Package is available for both Windows and Linux systems. Once the installer has finished downloading, launch it as an administrator and follow the onscreen Prompts to complete the installation. Once the installation is complete, click 'Finish' to exit the installer.

Configuring the Duo Authentication Proxy

After the installation is complete, it is necessary to add your authentication and application information to the default configuration file before starting the Duo Authentication Proxy service. The configuration file, named authproxy.cfg, is located in the conf subdirectory of the proxy installation.

To configure the proxy, open the authproxy.cfg file using a text editor that respects formatting like carriage returns, such as WordPad. In the configuration file, you will find different sections that need to be filled out to Interact with your primary authenticator and Duo-protected applications. These sections include the client section, server section, and optional cloud section.

Proxy Configuration File

The authproxy.cfg file is formatted as a simple INI file, with section headings enclosed in brackets and individual properties listed beneath each section heading. It is important to ensure that all section headings and section-specific parameters are in lowercase. You can also comment out lines in the file using REM, a hashtag, or a semicolon character.

Before making any changes to the configuration file, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the sections and their corresponding parameters. Be cautious not to include any secrets or passcodes in your config file that contain these characters.

Client Section Setup

The client section is used to configure the interaction between the proxy and your primary authenticator, which in this case is Active Directory. To set up the client section, you will need to provide the hostname or IP address of your domain controller, a service account username with permission to Bind to your Active Directory, and the corresponding password. It is recommended to Create a service account with Read-only access for the proxy.

You can also add additional configuration elements to the client section, such as fallback domain controllers and security groups. Fallback domain controllers can be added to ensure redundancy, while security groups can restrict access to only certain users. Additional elements, including LDAP filters, timeout options, and port settings, can be found in the documentation.

Server Section Setup

The server section is where you configure the specific behavior of the proxy for your applications. Depending on the Type of application you are configuring, you will need to include one or more of the available server configuration sections. These include RADIUS Auto, RADIUS iFrame, RADIUS Challenge, RADIUS Concat, RADIUS Duo Only, and LDAP Auto.

Each server section has a different impact on the end-user authentication experience. It is recommended to use RADIUS Auto in most cases, as it is compatible with almost all systems that support RADIUS authentication. Other server sections, such as RADIUS Challenge and RADIUS Concat, offer more flexibility but may not be supported by all systems.

It is important to note that each server configuration section requires specific parameters, such as integration key, secret key, API hostname, and client information. These details can be obtained from the Duo Admin Panel. Additional optional elements, like additional RADIUS clients, API timeout details, and failmode settings, can be included Based on your specific setup.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the installation or configuration process, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. The "authproxyctl" executable, included in Authentication Proxy versions 5.1.0 and later, can provide connectivity tools and assist in resolving issues. The authproxy.log file, located in the log subdirectory, contains the Authentication Proxy service output and can be referenced to check the connectivity status.

In case the service fails to start or you need to restart it, you can use the Windows Services console or run the "authproxyctl restart" command in an elevated Command Prompt. It is also recommended to check the Application Event Viewer for any error messages from the duoauthproxy source, as these may provide valuable information about the source of the issue.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should now have a clear understanding of how to install and configure the Duo Authentication Proxy on Windows. The Authentication Proxy allows for secure two-factor authentication and is compatible with various usage scenarios. With the proxy up and running, you can enhance the security of your devices and applications by leveraging Duo's authentication services. If you have any further questions or face any challenges, you can refer to the official Duo documentation for more information. Start protecting your systems with Duo Authentication Proxy today!

Highlights:

• Learn how to install and configure the Duo Authentication Proxy on Windows
• Understand the different sections and parameters in the configuration file
• Set up the client section to interact with your primary authenticator (Active Directory)
• Configure the server section for different application authentication modes (RADIUS Auto, RADIUS iFrame, RADIUS Challenge, RADIUS Concat, RADIUS Duo Only, LDAP Auto)
• Troubleshoot common issues and utilize the provided tools for debugging
• Improve the security of your devices and applications with two-factor authentication

FAQ:

Q: What is the Duo Authentication Proxy? A: The Duo Authentication Proxy is an on-premises software service that provides two-factor authentication by receiving authentication requests from local devices and applications. It performs primary authentication using existing LDAP directory or RADIUS authentication server and contacts Duo for secondary authentication.

Q: Can I use the Duo Authentication Proxy with Active Directory? A: Yes, the Duo Authentication Proxy can be configured to use Active Directory as the primary authenticator. By setting up the client section and providing the necessary hostname or IP address, service account credentials, and LDAP DN, you can integrate the proxy with Active Directory for authentication.

Q: Are there any specific requirements for installing the Duo Authentication Proxy on Windows? A: Yes, the Duo Authentication Proxy requires Windows Server 2012 or later, with Server 2016 or 2019 recommended. It can be installed on both physical and virtual hosts. It is recommended to have a system with at least 1 CPU, 200 MB of disk space, and 4 GB of RAM, although 1 GB of RAM is usually sufficient.

Q: What are the different server configuration options available with the Duo Authentication Proxy? A: The Duo Authentication Proxy offers several server configuration options, including RADIUS Auto, RADIUS iFrame, RADIUS Challenge, RADIUS Concat, RADIUS Duo Only, and LDAP Auto. Each option has a different impact on the end-user authentication experience, and the choice depends on the specific requirements of your applications.

Q: How can I troubleshoot issues with the Duo Authentication Proxy? A: If you encounter any issues during the installation or configuration process, you can utilize the "authproxyctl" executable and check the authproxy.log file for the Authentication Proxy service output. The Application Event Viewer can also provide error messages that help identify the source of the issue. Additionally, referring to the official Duo documentation and seeking support from Duo's customer service can be helpful for troubleshooting.

Q: Can I use the Duo Authentication Proxy as an HTTP proxy for other systems? A: Yes, the Duo Authentication Proxy can act as an HTTP proxy itself, allowing other systems that need to contact Duo's cloud service to do so through the proxy. This functionality is useful in environments where client systems do not have direct Internet access to Duo.

Q: Can I use the Duo Authentication Proxy on Linux systems? A: Yes, the Duo Authentication Proxy is available for both Windows and Linux systems. The installation process and configuration steps may vary slightly between the two operating systems. It is recommended to refer to the official Duo documentation for the specific instructions related to Linux systems.

Q: Is it possible to upgrade the Duo Authentication Proxy to a newer version? A: Yes, future upgrades to the Authentication Proxy can be done by downloading and running the installer for the latest version. It is important to note that during the upgrade process, the conf and log folders and their contents are retained. If you have made any changes to the properties of the Duo Authentication Proxy Service, such as running it as a named domain account, these settings may revert to default after the upgrade.

Q: Can I customize the configuration file of the Duo Authentication Proxy? A: Yes, the Duo Authentication Proxy configuration file, authproxy.cfg, can be customized according to your specific requirements. However, it is important to adhere to the proper formatting and syntax guidelines of the configuration file. Making incorrect changes to the configuration file can result in the proxy not functioning correctly.

Q: Are there any security considerations when configuring the Duo Authentication Proxy? A: When configuring the Duo Authentication Proxy, it is important to ensure that the necessary security measures are in place. This includes using secure authentication credentials, such as strong passwords or encrypted passwords, and following best practices for securing the proxy service itself, such as limiting access to authorized personnel and regularly updating the software to the latest version.

Q: Can I use the Duo Authentication Proxy in conjunction with other Duo products? A: Yes, the Duo Authentication Proxy is a versatile component that can be used in conjunction with other Duo products, such as Duo Single Sign-On. It can also facilitate the import of Active Directory or OpenLDAP users into Duo via Directory Sync. Integrating multiple Duo products can enhance the security and authentication capabilities of your systems.