X230 Two-Factor Authentication?

[dannberg]

I want to enable two-factor authentication for logging into my ThinkPad X230. This means I want to require Password AND fingerprint scan, not one or the other.

Does anyone know any way to do this?

From my Internet research, I see that this was possible on older laptops using the ThinkVantage Client Security Solution software. However, this software does not work ont he X230, replaced with the Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools suite, which does not seem to have an option for two-factor authentication.

Is this not possible on the X230? If not, is there some way to tell beforehand whether a Lenovo laptop will support two-factor authentication?

[Hiro Support Specialist]

Hey Dannberg,

My understanding of Two-factor authentication is having multiple security measures in place to log on to a computer. For an example is finger print reader and a Admin password or HDD password at the same time. Which from my understanding is that the X230 comes with a finger print reader so if you just set a password you would have two-factor authentication.

Here is the User guide for X230:

http://www.lenovo.com/shop/americas/content/user_guides/X230_ug_en.pdf

Best Regards,

Hiro

Edited: for corrections thanks to Dannberg.

[dannberg]

Two-factor authentication means requiring BOTH a fingerprint scan AND a password, not one or the other.

I have both fingerprint log-in enabled, as well as a password, but logging into my computer only reqires one of these two factors, not both.

I was unable to locate an answer in the User Guide you linked to.

[Hiro Support Specialist]

Hey Dannberg,

Thanks for your reply and I clarified what I posted, I just wanted to ask before I spend the time doing something you have tested yourself. Did you download the Client Security Solution on your X230 and it failed to work? Or are you just assuming it doesn't being as its not listed under supported systems. I can take our x230 and test this for you if you would like. The only Lenovo approved solution for Two-factor Authentication is Client Security Solution. I am as I write this post downloading it onto my T430 to see if I can get it to work or what errors it brings. I will post back with any info I can.

Best Regards,

Hiro

[Hiro Support Specialist]

Hey Dannberg,

So I was able to get my hands on a X230 and was able to download CSS for 32-bit. After you download it the CSS program is under Lenovo Enhanced Security. This will then allow you to follow the steps to set up your CSS on your X230. If you go under Advanced then look under Policy Manager you will see Security Policy < Protection Methods with protect with a password checked. If you then check the box below that says Protect with a fingerprint this should set up your Two-Factor Authentication.

Best Regards,

Hiro

[dannberg]

Hello,

I tried installing CSS again, after reading about your successful install. I got the same error as before. I have taken a screenshot of this error and included it here. The current operating system is 64-bit Windows 7 Professional, Service Pack 1.

[Hiro Support Specialist]

Hey Dannberg,

I don't mean to sound condescending but did you make sure you were downloading the Client Security Solution 8.3 for Windows 7 (64-bit) ?

If you did I will get a 64-bit windows cd and try the above download. If the problem persists it would seem something I would need to escalate to the Lenovo engineers or web site support.

Best Regards,

Hiro

[dannberg]

I tried both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions yesterday, before posting in the forum.

I tried again just now, and have attached a screenshot of the error I get when attempting to install the 64-bit version.

[Hiro Support Specialist]

Hey Dannberg,

I want to thank you for your patience and working with me to help you resolve your issue. Can you try to uninstall the previous version of CSS and Power Manager. I know this sound tedious and thank you again for walking though these steps with me. I would suggest trying to uninstall CSS first then downloading the 64-bit. If this fails to work I would try to uninstall CSS and Power Manager and then reinstalling Power Manager and then 64-bit CSS.

I will be trying to get a 64-bit windows CD and doing this installation myself.

Best Regards,

Hiro

[dannberg]

I tried to do that yesterday as well, however when I went to Add or Remove programs, it doesn't appear as if the application is actually installed. I'm not sure how to properly uninstall it.

I have attached another screenshot of my Add or Remove program screen. Which one(s) should I remove?