cypherpunk-cheats/2fa-security.cheat

% 2fa, mfa, totp, fido2, yubikey, authentication, otp

# ============================================================================
# TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA) OVERVIEW
# ============================================================================

# What is 2FA?
# Second layer of security beyond password
# Something you know (password) + something you have (device/key)

# 2FA methods (from most to least secure)
# 1. Hardware keys (FIDO2/U2F) - YubiKey, Titan, Nitrokey
# 2. Authenticator apps (TOTP) - Aegis, Authy, Google Authenticator
# 3. SMS codes (vulnerable to SIM swapping)
# 4. Email codes (as secure as your email)
# 5. Backup codes (one-time use)

# ============================================================================
# HARDWARE KEYS (FIDO2/U2F) - MOST SECURE
# ============================================================================

# Hardware key advantages
# - Phishing resistant (domain-bound)
# - No SMS interception
# - No TOTP theft
# - Physical possession required

# Popular hardware keys
# YubiKey 5 Series - https://www.yubico.com/
# Google Titan Security Key - https://store.google.com/
# Nitrokey - https://www.nitrokey.com/ (open source)
# OnlyKey - https://onlykey.io/ (advanced features)
# Thetis FIDO2 - https://thetis.io/ (open source)

# YubiKey setup (Linux)
# Install pam module for sudo/login
sudo apt install libpam-u2f

# Register YubiKey
mkdir -p ~/.config/Yubico
pamu2fcfg > ~/.config/Yubico/u2f_keys

# Add additional key (backup)
pamu2fcfg -n >> ~/.config/Yubico/u2f_keys

# Enable for sudo
sudo nano /etc/pam.d/sudo
# Add at top: auth required pam_u2f.so

# Enable for login
sudo nano /etc/pam.d/gdm-password
# Add: auth required pam_u2f.so

# Test YubiKey
ykman info

# List YubiKey slots
ykman otp info

# ============================================================================
# AUTHENTICATOR APPS (TOTP) - RECOMMENDED
# ============================================================================

# Best authenticator apps (Android/iOS)
# Aegis Authenticator (Android, open source, encrypted backups)
# Raivo OTP (iOS, open source)
# Authy (cross-platform, cloud backup)
# andOTP (Android, open source, deprecated - use Aegis)

# Desktop authenticators (Linux)
# OTPClient - GTK app for TOTP/HOTP
sudo apt install otpclient

# Generate TOTP from terminal
oathtool --totp --base32 <SECRET_KEY>
$ SECRET_KEY: echo "JBSWY3DPEHPK3PXP"

# ============================================================================
# SETTING UP 2FA ON ACCOUNTS
# ============================================================================

# Google Account
# Security → 2-Step Verification → Get Started
# Add: Authenticator app, hardware key, backup codes

# GitHub
# Settings → Security → Two-factor authentication → Enable
# Use: App or security key

# ProtonMail
# Settings → Security → Two-factor authentication
# Use: App or hardware key

# Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
# Settings → Security → Two-factor authentication
# Prefer app over SMS

# Banking/Financial
# Usually SMS-based (request authenticator app if available)
# Many support hardware keys now

# ============================================================================
# BACKUP CODES
# ============================================================================

# Always save backup codes when enabling 2FA
# Print and store in secure location (safe, lockbox)
# Or store encrypted in password manager

# Example backup codes (save these!)
# 1. 8374-9283-4756
# 2. 2938-4756-8374
# 3. 4756-8374-2938
# (Continue for 8-10 codes)

# Generate backup codes (various services)
# Google: myaccount.google.com/security → 2-Step Verification → Backup codes
# GitHub: Settings → Security → Two-factor authentication → Recovery codes

# Store backup codes securely
# Encrypted password manager
# Paper in safe
# Hardware encrypted USB drive

# ============================================================================
# TOTP SECRET MANAGEMENT
# ============================================================================

# TOTP secrets (QR codes) are sensitive
# Store encrypted backup of TOTP secrets
# Use: Aegis encrypted backup, KeePassXC

# Export Aegis backup
# Aegis → Settings → Backups → Export (encrypted)

# Import to new device
# Aegis → Settings → Backups → Import

# Backup TOTP secret keys (text format)
# Store in password manager alongside password

# ============================================================================
# SMS 2FA (LEAST SECURE - AVOID IF POSSIBLE)
# ============================================================================

# SMS 2FA vulnerabilities
# - SIM swapping attacks
# - SS7 protocol vulnerabilities
# - SMS interception
# - Social engineering attacks on carriers

# Protecting against SIM swapping
# Add PIN/password to carrier account
# Use carrier's port freeze feature
# Register for carrier fraud alerts

# Carrier security settings
# Verizon: Add Account PIN
# AT&T: Set passcode, enable extra security
# T-Mobile: Account Takeover Protection

# If SMS is only option
# Better than no 2FA
# Use Google Voice number (harder to SIM swap)
# Enable carrier port lock

# ============================================================================
# SETTING UP YUBIKEY FOR COMMON SERVICES
# ============================================================================

# GitHub with YubiKey
# Settings → Security → Two-factor authentication
# Security keys → Register new security key → Insert YubiKey

# Google with YubiKey
# myaccount.google.com/security → 2-Step Verification
# Security keys → Add security key

# ProtonMail with YubiKey
# Settings → Security → Two-factor authentication
# Security key → Add key

# AWS with YubiKey
# IAM → Users → Security credentials → Assign MFA device
# U2F security key

# Windows login with YubiKey
# Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
# Security Key → Add

# ============================================================================
# TOTP COMMAND LINE (OATHTOOL)
# ============================================================================

# Install oathtool
sudo apt install oathtool

# Generate TOTP code
oathtool --totp --base32 <SECRET_KEY>
$ SECRET_KEY: echo "JBSWY3DPEHPK3PXP"

# Generate with specific time step (usually 30 seconds)
oathtool --totp --time-step-size=30s --base32 <SECRET_KEY>
$ SECRET_KEY: echo "JBSWY3DPEHPK3PXP"

# Verify TOTP code
oathtool --totp --base32 <SECRET_KEY> <CODE>
$ SECRET_KEY: echo "JBSWY3DPEHPK3PXP"
$ CODE: echo "123456"

# ============================================================================
# PASS-OTP (PASSWORD MANAGER + TOTP)
# ============================================================================

# pass (password store) with OTP extension
sudo apt install pass pass-otp

# Initialize password store
pass init <GPG_KEY_ID>
$ GPG_KEY_ID: echo "your@email.com"

# Add TOTP secret
pass otp add <account_name>
# Enter secret key when prompted
$ account_name: echo -e "github\\ngoogle\\nprotonmail"

# Generate TOTP
pass otp <account_name>
$ account_name: echo -e "github\\ngoogle"

# Show QR code (for backup)
pass otp uri <account_name> | qrencode -t UTF8
$ account_name: echo "github"

# ============================================================================
# KEEPASSXC WITH TOTP
# ============================================================================

# KeePassXC supports TOTP natively
# Install KeePassXC
sudo apt install keepassxc

# Add TOTP to entry
# Right-click entry → TOTP → Set up TOTP
# Enter secret key or scan QR code

# Show TOTP code
# Select entry → TOTP visible in entry details

# Copy TOTP to clipboard
# Right-click entry → TOTP → Copy TOTP

# ============================================================================
# AEGIS AUTHENTICATOR (ANDROID)
# ============================================================================

# Install Aegis
# F-Droid: https://f-droid.org/packages/com.beemdevelopment.aegis/
# Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beemdevelopment.aegis

# Enable encrypted backups
# Settings → Backups → Enable automatic backups
# Set strong password for backup encryption

# Export backup
# Settings → Backups → Export

# Import backup to new device
# Settings → Import from file → Select backup

# ============================================================================
# AUTHY (CROSS-PLATFORM)
# ============================================================================

# Authy advantages
# Cloud backup (encrypted)
# Multi-device sync
# Desktop app available

# Authy disadvantages
# Closed source
# Cloud-based (attack vector)
# Phone number required

# Enable multi-device
# Settings → Devices → Allow Multi-device

# Disable multi-device after setup (security)
# Settings → Devices → Disable

# ============================================================================
# 2FA FOR SSH
# ============================================================================

# Enable 2FA for SSH with Google Authenticator
sudo apt install libpam-google-authenticator

# Configure for user
google-authenticator
# Answer prompts (yes to most)

# Enable in SSH config
sudo nano /etc/pam.d/sshd
# Add: auth required pam_google_authenticator.so

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
# Change: ChallengeResponseAuthentication yes
# Add: AuthenticationMethods publickey,keyboard-interactive

sudo systemctl restart sshd

# SSH login now requires key + TOTP code

# ============================================================================
# 2FA FOR SUDO
# ============================================================================

# Require TOTP for sudo commands
sudo apt install libpam-google-authenticator

# Setup for user
google-authenticator

# Enable for sudo
sudo nano /etc/pam.d/sudo
# Add at top: auth required pam_google_authenticator.so

# Now sudo requires TOTP code

# ============================================================================
# 2FA RECOVERY STRATEGIES
# ============================================================================

# Always have backup method
# - 2+ hardware keys (keep one offsite)
# - Backup codes printed and stored securely
# - Recovery email/phone verified

# Store 2FA backups
# - Encrypted backup codes in password manager
# - TOTP seeds stored securely (encrypted)
# - Hardware key backups in different locations

# Test recovery process
# Simulate device loss
# Attempt recovery using backup codes/keys
# Ensure process works before emergency

# ============================================================================
# 2FA FOR LINUX DESKTOP LOGIN
# ============================================================================

# GDM with YubiKey (hardware key login)
# Already covered in hardware keys section

# GDM with TOTP
sudo apt install libpam-google-authenticator

# Setup for user
google-authenticator

# Enable for GDM
sudo nano /etc/pam.d/gdm-password
# Add: auth required pam_google_authenticator.so

# ============================================================================
# 2FA BEST PRACTICES
# ============================================================================

# Priority list
# 1. Enable 2FA on all important accounts
# 2. Use hardware keys where supported
# 3. Use authenticator apps (not SMS)
# 4. Save backup codes in multiple secure locations
# 5. Have backup hardware key
# 6. Test recovery process

# Accounts requiring 2FA
# - Email (Gmail, ProtonMail)
# - Banking/financial
# - Social media
# - Password manager
# - Cloud storage
# - GitHub/GitLab
# - Domain registrar
# - VPN provider

# Never disable 2FA unless
# - Migrating to stronger method
# - Account closure

# ============================================================================
# 2FA MIGRATION (CHANGING DEVICES)
# ============================================================================

# Before switching phones
# 1. Backup all TOTP secrets (Aegis encrypted backup)
# 2. Verify backup codes saved
# 3. Transfer backup to new device
# 4. Restore on new device
# 5. Verify all accounts work
# 6. Securely wipe old device

# Emergency device loss
# 1. Use backup codes to login
# 2. Disable 2FA temporarily
# 3. Re-enable with new device
# 4. Generate new backup codes

# ============================================================================
# COMMON 2FA ISSUES & SOLUTIONS
# ============================================================================

# "Invalid code" error
# - Check device time (must be synced)
# - Wait for next code (30-second window)
# - Verify correct account

# Sync device time (Linux)
sudo timedatectl set-ntp true
timedatectl status

# Lost 2FA device
# - Use backup codes
# - Use backup hardware key
# - Contact service support (last resort)

# Can't access backup codes
# - Use recovery email/phone
# - Contact service support with ID verification

# Hardware key not working
# - Check USB connection
# - Try different USB port
# - Update firmware (ykman info)
# - Use backup key

# ============================================================================
# ADVANCED: FIDO2 RESIDENT KEYS
# ============================================================================

# Resident keys (passwordless login)
# Store credentials on hardware key itself

# Create resident key (YubiKey)
# Supported services: GitHub, Microsoft, Dropbox

# Generate SSH key on YubiKey (resident)
ssh-keygen -t ecdsa-sk -O resident -O application=ssh:YubiKey

# List resident keys
ssh-keygen -K

# ============================================================================
# TESTING 2FA SECURITY
# ============================================================================

# Test phishing resistance
# Try logging in on fake site with hardware key
# Hardware key should reject (domain mismatch)

# Test TOTP time drift
# Change system time, test if codes still work

# Test backup recovery
# Pretend device lost, use backup codes

# Test hardware key backup
# Disable primary key, use backup key

# ============================================================================
# 2FA CHECKLIST
# ============================================================================

# Setup
# [ ] Enable 2FA on all critical accounts
# [ ] Use hardware key where possible
# [ ] Use TOTP app for others (not SMS)
# [ ] Save backup codes (encrypted, multiple locations)
# [ ] Purchase backup hardware key
# [ ] Test recovery process

# Maintenance
# [ ] Review 2FA methods quarterly
# [ ] Rotate backup codes yearly
# [ ] Update authenticator app backups
# [ ] Verify backup key still works

# ============================================================================
# RESOURCES
# ============================================================================

# FIDO Alliance
# https://fidoalliance.org/

# YubiKey documentation
# https://support.yubico.com/

# 2FA directory (sites supporting 2FA)
# https://2fa.directory/

# TOTP specification
# RFC 6238: https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6238