Configure SSH to Work with Google Authenticator

Libraries: If you want this lab, consider one of these libraries.
Cloud
Security

Configure SSH to Work with Google Authenticator

In this lab, we are required to configure SSH to interact with the Google Authenticator. The server is configured so that it only asks for a password. That needs to be changed after the first usage. Our job is to add this additional authentication step. First, we need to install and initialize the Google authenticator. Then, we need to configure SSH to make use of the authenticator. When everything is set up, make sure to perform a verification that the configuration is valid.

Get started Contact sales

Lab Info

Level

Intermediate

Last updated

Jul 05, 2022

Duration

45m

Challenge

Configure Key-Based Login
Generate Private/Public Key Pair on the Client
```
ssh-keygen
```
Copy the Public Key Over to the Server
- From client: /Path/to/your/public/key/file
- To server: /home/cloud_user/.ssh/authorized_keys

Challenge

SSH Configuration

sudo vim /etc/ssh/sshd_config

PubkeyAuthentication yes
PasswordAuthentication no
AuthenticationMethods publickey,keyboard-interactive

ESC
:wq
ENTER

Challenge

Configure the Repository, Then Install and Initialize the Google Authenticator

sudo yum install https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-7.noarch.rpm

Install Google Authenticator

sudo yum install google-authenticator

Initialize Google Authenticator

sudo google-authenticator

Challenge

Further SSH configuration

sudo vim /etc/pam.d/sshd

auth required pam_google_authenticator.so

sudo systemctl restart sshd

About the author

Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

Real skill practice before real-world application

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Learn by doing

Engage hands-on with the tools and technologies you’re learning. You pick the skill, we provide the credentials and environment.

Follow your guide

All labs have detailed instructions and objectives, guiding you through the learning process and ensuring you understand every step.

Turn time into mastery

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you take time to practice. Hands-on labs set you up for success to make those skills stick.