The vCenter Server must require multifactor authentication.

Without the use of multifactor authentication, the ease of access to privileged functions is greatly increased.

Multifactor authentication requires using two or more factors to achieve authentication.

Factors include: (i) something a user knows (e.g., password/PIN); (ii) something a user has (e.g., cryptographic identification device, token); or (iii) something a user is (e.g., biometric).

Satisfies: SRG-APP-000080, SRG-APP-000149, SRG-APP-000150, SRG-APP-000391, SRG-APP-000402

From the vSphere Web Client, go to Administration >> Single Sign On >> Configuration >> Identity Provider.

If the embedded identity provider is used, click on "Smart Card Authentication".

If the embedded identity provider is used and "Password authentication" is enabled, this is a finding.

If a third-party identity provider is used, such as Microsoft ADFS, and it does not require multifactor authentication to log on to vCenter, this is a finding.

To configure smart card authentication for vCenter when using the embedded identity provider, refer to the vSphere documentation.

For vCenter Servers using a third-party identity provider, consult the product's documentation for enabling multifactor authentication.