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Tactical Improvements to IT Security

Virtual Keyboard, Two Factor Authentication, Active Confirmation and FAA Access to CPS Online

Ganesh Reddy

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Tactical Improvements to IT Security

Quick fixes and high impact improvements that can be implemented in a short timeframe to enhance the IT security

Virtual Keyboard• Implement technologies appropriate for Federal Student Aid that evade potential

"key logging"

Two-Factor Authentication (T-FA)• Implement Two-Factor Authentication solution for privileged users to access

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) from internet

Active Confirmation• Assess current state of access controls for partners and deploy an “active

confirmation” process

FAA Access to CPS Online Login• Enhance current state of access to limit use of Personal Identifying Information

(PII)

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Virtual Keyboard

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Keylogging – Virtual Keyboard

Keylogging (Keystroke logging) is a method of capturing and recording user keystrokes. Some of the common technologies used to evade keylogging include:

Anti-spyware Monitoring what programs are running Firewall Network Monitors Automatic form filler programs Alternative keyboard layouts One-time passwords Smartcards Virtual keyboards

Virtual keyboards are provided on the application login page and do not require end users acquire additional software

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Keylogging – Virtual Keyboard

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Keylogging – Virtual Keyboard

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Virtual Keyboard at Federal Student Aid

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Federal Student Aid Virtual Keyboard Features

Virtual keyboards are provided on the Security Architecture (SA) login page and do not require end users acquire additional software. Some of the features of Federal Student Aid Virtual Keyboard include:

Highly effective in evading “Key Logging” Widely used by many financial institutions Least expensive technology to deploy (even for 50 million users) Does not require any new hardware or software on client machines Does not require any changes to the applications Available to all applications that use SA Works in conjunction with the existing keyboard Usage is optional but can be made mandatory based on security policy Keys can entered by mouse click or by leaving mouse on the key for 2 seconds Virtual keyboard randomly shifts on the screen Supports multiple keyboard layouts (US and Dvork)

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Two-Factor Authentication

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T-FA Implementation Objectives

Federal Student Aid is implementing Two-Factor Authentication (T-FA) for privileged users to access Federal Student Aid systems from the internet to enhance the security of its information systems

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What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-Factor Authentication (T-FA) uses two pieces of information and processes (two different methods) to authenticate a person's identity for security purposes.

Authentication factors are generally classified into three categories:

Something the user has

• ID card, security token, software token, phone, or cell phone

Something the user knows

• password, pass phrase, or personal identification number

Something the user is

• fingerprint or retinal pattern, voice recognition, or another biometric identifier

Two-Factor Authentication requires the use of solutions from two of the three categories of factors.

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T-FA Technologies

Some of the common technologies used as the second factor authentication in concert with User ID and Password include:

Hardware Tokens - generate a constantly changing one-time password to enable authentication.

Software Tokens on PCs - enable authentication with computer as second factor authenticator.

Software Tokens on Mobile Devices - allow authentication from smart phones and PDAs.

Smart Cards - enable authentication as well as of physical access.

USB Tokens - enable authentication without the need to key in a token code (can be plugged into a standard USB port).

Biometric Devices - enable authentication according to the physical characteristics of a user (fingerprint and retina scans).

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Federal Student Aid T-FA Features

Two-Factor Authentication solution features:

Reliable, scalable, available, and meets sub-second performance standards

Compatible and interoperable with Federal Student Aid Standards

Integrates seamlessly with existing Federal Student Aid architectures

Supports web applications and does not require client-side software

Compliant with NIST, FIPS and other federal T-FA standards

Has ongoing operations and maintenance product support

Based on mature technology with a broad installed market base

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Active Confirmation

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What is Active Confirmation?

Active confirmation is the process of a Designated Point Administrator (DPA) reviewing users' access privileges on a establish time schedule and confirming these users' privileges. This will help ensure an updated and secure environment for system accessibility.

The Federal Student Aid DPAs will be required to review their list of users who access Federal Student Aid systems and confirm that each individual continues to be a valid user. This will be done on a periodic basis.

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“Active Confirmation” Process

The DPA Roster Placed in all “Primary” TG Number mailboxes

Provided a list of employees that currently possess TG numbers

Requires validation or deletion of TG Numbers assigned to your organization in the SAIG Enrollment Web site

The FAA Roster Placed in mailboxes of Primary TG Numbers of organizations

Provided a list of employees at your organization who are currently enrolled for access to FAA Access to CPS Online services

Requires validation or deletion of FAA Users assigned to your organization in the SAIG Enrollment Web site

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FAA Access to CPS Online

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FAA Access to CPS Online Login

Enhance current state of access to limit use of Personal Identifying Information (PII)

New FAA Access to CPS Online Login

First Time Registration

Self Service Password Reset

Implementation Schedule

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Current FSA Web Enroll Site Login

Currently: Enter SSN and DOB on the login page to access the Student Aid Internet WebEnroll Site

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Current FAA Access to CPS Online Login

Currently:Enter SSN, first 2 letters of last name, DOB, and PIN on the FAA Access to CPS Online login page to access the application

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New FAA Access to CPS Online Login

FAA Access to CPS Online Registration link can be accessed from the FAA Access Login page

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FSA SA Registration – Confirm Identity

Confirm your identity by entering the FSA provided Unique Identifier

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Confirm or update your current Email addressYour name retrieved from SAIG Participation Management System cannot be updated

SA Registration - E-mail Address

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SA Registration - Select a Password

Select a password and choose any three Challenge Response Questions and provide answers

These questions will be used to reset your password

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SA Registration – Confirm Role

Confirm the Role retrieved from SAIG Participation Management enrollment system

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SA Registration - Confirmation

Confirm the registration information

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SA Registration - Acknowledgement

System confirms successful Registration You will receive your User ID in the email

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Forgot Password

If you forget your password, the “Forgot Password” link can be used to reset your password. This link is located on the Login Page.

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Forgot Password

Provide your User ID to retrieve your challenge questions

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Answer Challenge Question

You will be prompted to answer one of the Challenge Response Questions to confirm your identity

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Enter New Password

Provide a new password - this will replace your old password

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New Password Confirmation

Your password has been changed

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FAA Access to CPS Online Login

Enter User ID and password on the FAA Access to CPS Online Login page to access the application

fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/faa/faa.jsp

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Password Policies

Password Policy• Expires every 90 days

• Complex alpha-numeric passwords

• Answer challenge questions to reset password

Password Lockout• 3 unsuccessful login attempts

• Can still use “Forgot Password” application

• Login disabled for 30 minutes

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Questions?

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We appreciate your feedback and comments. We can be reached at:

• james.mcmahon@ed.gov• ganesh.reddy@ed.gov

Contact Information