Ngao Platform (Multi-Factor Authentication System) : E-Government Authority
Ngao Platform (Multi-Factor Authentication System) : E-Government Authority
PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
e-GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY
ISO 9001: 2015 Certified
NGAO PLATFORM
(Multi-Factor Authentication System)
User Manual
(FAS)
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6.4 Register Additional MFA Method in FAS Systems ................................................................ 21
6.4.1 Steps to register additional MFA Method: ................................................................... 22
6.5 Managing and Changing MFA Options ................................................................................. 23
6.5.1 Steps to Manage MFA: .................................................................................................. 23
6.6 Trusting Device while using NGAO on FAS............................................................................ 24
6.6.1 pen the MFA panel ........................................................................................................ 24
6.6.2 5 Using a Trusted Device .............................................................................................. 27
6.6.3 6 Stop trusting a device early ....................................................................................... 27
7 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................ 27
7.1 Common Issues During Registration and Authentication ..................................................... 28
7.1.1 Issue 1: Not Receiving OTP via SMS or Email ................................................................ 28
7.1.2 Issue 2: OTP Expired ...................................................................................................... 28
7.1.3 Issue 3: Unable to Scan QR Code for NGAO Authenticator App (TOTP) ....................... 28
7.1.4 Issue 4: Hardware Security Key Not Detected .............................................................. 29
7.1.5 Issue 5: Cannot Access NGAO Platform ........................................................................ 29
7.2 FAQ on Using NGAO Authenticator App ............................................................................... 30
7.2.1 Q1: Can I use the NGAO Authenticator App on multiple devices? ............................... 30
7.2.2 Q2: What happens if I lose my phone with the NGAO Authenticator App installed? .. 30
7.2.3 Q3: How do I switch between SMS OTP to the NGAO Authenticator App (TOTP)? ..... 30
7.2.4 Q4: Can I use a hardware security key and the NGAO Authenticator App together? .. 30
7.2.5 Q5: Why am I being asked to authenticate twice? ....................................................... 30
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1 Introduction
The platform integrates seamlessly with existing systems, ensuring minimal disruption
while maximizing security.
The purpose of this manual is to guide users through the process of:
• Registering on the NGAO Platform after logging into the FAS system.
• Using the NGAO Platform to authenticate their logins securely.
• Setting up and managing the NGAO Authenticator app for generating one-time
passcodes (OTPs).
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) setup – Self Service.
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2 Getting Started
This section outlines the prerequisites and steps to get started with the registration
and authentication processes.
Before you can register and authenticate via the NGAO Platform, there are a few
prerequisites you need to ensure are in place:
To use the NGAO Platform for authentication, users must first log in to the respective
government systems integrated with the NGAO Platform. The system covered in this
manual is:
This system requires the user to have valid login credentials (email and password) to
initiate the process.
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2.3 Common Terminology
• One-Time Passcode (OTP): A temporary, single-use passcode sent via SMS, email, or
generated by the NGAO Authenticator app, which is required in addition to the
password to log into the system.
• Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP): A secure, time-sensitive passcode
generated by the NGAO Authenticator app, used as an alternative to SMS or email
OTP.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A security measure that requires users to provide
two or more verification methods (e.g., password + OTP) to gain access to a system.
• Hardware Key: A physical device (such as a YubiKey) that users can insert into their
computer to authenticate their identity securely.
1. Open your web browser and navigate to the system you need to access:
2. For FAS, use https://fas.whi.go.tz/
3. On the login screen, enter your username (email) and password.
4. Click on the Login button. If your credentials are correct and you haven't
registered with the NGAO Platform yet, you will automatically be redirected to
the NGAO Platform for registration.
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3.2 Step 2: Redirect to NGAO Platform for Registration
After successfully entering your credentials into the FAS system, you will be redirected
to the NGAO Platform, where you can register for authentication services.
Upon redirect, you will be presented with a screen on the NGAO Platform that prompts
you to choose your preferred authentication method. There are several options
available, depending on your preference and system requirements.
The NGAO Platform offers multiple options for authentication. Depending on your
organization’s security policy or personal preference, you can choose one or more of
the following options:
• SMS OTP: Receive a one-time passcode via SMS on your registered mobile number.
• NGAO App (TOTP): Use the NGAO Authenticator app to generate a time-based one-
time passcode (TOTP).
• Hardware Key: Use a physical hardware device (such as a USB key) for secure
authentication.
• Email OTP: Receive a one-time passcode through email.
1. Choose your preferred authentication method by selecting one of the radio buttons.
2. For SMS OTP, enter your mobile number in the space provided.
3. For NGAO App (TOTP), scan the QR code with the NGAO Authenticator app on your
mobile device to register your account.
4. For Hardware Key, plug in your hardware security key when prompted.
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Once you’ve selected and configured your method of authentication, click Submit.
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Figure 5 Registering E-Mail as authentication method
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Figure 7 Steps on registration of Hardware Method for Authentication
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Figure 9 Steps on registration of Hardware Method for Authentication – At this stage you should insert security key
Figure 10 Steps on registration of Hardware Method for Authentication - At this stage you should input password of security
key
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Figure 11 Steps on registration of Hardware Method for Authentication - At this stage you should touch the security key
Figure 12 Steps on registration of Hardware Method for Authentication - At this stage registration process is completed
After submitting your authentication method, the system will finalize your registration
on the NGAO Platform.
• If you selected SMS OTP, you will receive an SMS with a one-time passcode on
your mobile device. Enter the code into the provided field and click Submit to
complete registration.
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• If you selected NGAO App (TOTP), the NGAO Authenticator app will display a
six-digit OTP. Enter this code into the platform and click Submit to complete
registration.
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Figure 15 Email method Registration - OTP Submission for registration
After completing these steps, your account will be successfully registered with the
NGAO Platform, and you can use the selected authentication method to log into the
FAS system.
You are now ready to authenticate securely using the NGAO Platform whenever you
access the FAS systems.
4 Authentication Process
This section explains how to authenticate using the NGAO Platform, including step-
by-step instructions for each supported method: SMS OTP, NGAO Authenticator
App (TOTP), and Hardware Security Key.
Once registered on the NGAO Platform, each time you log in to the FAS system, you
will need to authenticate using the selected multi-factor authentication (MFA) method.
1. Open your browser and navigate to the system you need to access:
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2. Enter your username (email) and password.
3. Click on the Login button. After a successful login, the system will redirect you
to the NGAO Platform for authentication.
Once you have logged into the third-party system, the NGAO Platform will require you
to authenticate with the method you registered during the initial registration process.
1. Upon logging in, you will be prompted to enter the one-time passcode (OTP) sent to
your registered mobile number via SMS.
2. Open the SMS message received on your phone, which will contain a 6-digit OTP.
3. Enter the OTP in the space provided on the NGAO Platform screen.
4. Click Submit to complete authentication.
1. If you have selected the NGAO Authenticator App (TOTP) as your preferred
authentication method, open the NGAO Authenticator App on your mobile device.
2. The app will display a 6-digit, time-based OTP for each of your registered accounts
(FAS).
3. Enter the OTP for the relevant system into the field on the NGAO Platform.
4. Click Submit to complete authentication.
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Figure 17 Authenticate using TOTP from NGAO App
1. If you have opted for a Hardware Security Key, plug the key into your device’s USB
port.
2. The NGAO Platform will automatically detect the security key and authenticate you.
3. Once the hardware key is validated, click Submit to complete the process.
After entering the correct OTP or completing the hardware key process, the NGAO
Platform will authenticate your session and redirect you back to the FAS system. You
will now have full access to the system, with the assurance that your login was securely
verified.
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5 Using the NGAO Authenticator App
The NGAO Authenticator App provides an efficient and secure method for
generating Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) for logging into the FAS
systems. It is a mobile app that generates 6-digit OTPs every 30 seconds, ensuring that
users can authenticate even without network coverage. This section provides a guide
on setting up, using, and managing the NGAO Authenticator App.
To begin using the NGAO Authenticator App, you must first install and set it up on
your mobile device.
1. Android Users:
o Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
o Search for NGAO Authenticator.
o Tap Install and wait for the app to download and install.
2. iOS Users:
o Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
o Search for NGAO Authenticator.
o Tap Get to download and install the app.
Your account is now linked to the app, and you can begin using the app to authenticate
each time you log in.
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Figure 18 TOTP Generated per system registered in NGAO App
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5.2 Generating OTP for FAS Systems
Once the NGAO Authenticator App is set up, you can generate one-time passwords
(OTPs) for secure authentication each time you log in to the FAS system.
• The OTP is valid for a short duration (typically 30 seconds), so ensure you enter the
code promptly.
• The app does not require an internet connection to generate OTPs, making it a reliable
method even when network coverage is unavailable.
The NGAO Authenticator App also offers a Grouped View feature that allows users to
organize OTPs based on the system or account type.
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6 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Setup – self service
In the FAS systems, users can configure their Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
settings directly within the third-party system. The NGAO Platform handles the
authentication process, but the enabling, disabling, setup and management of MFA
methods (such as adding or modifying MFA methods) are managed through the FAS
interfaces.
1. Log In to FAS
Use your FAS username and password to sign in.
4. Confirm Activation
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Figure 19 MFA Activation Confirmation
6. Save Changes
o After verifying, the system will mark MFA as Enabled in the table.
3. Select “Remove”
o Click the Red X button to un‐register (remove) the MFA method for
that user.
4. Confirm Removal
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5. Save Changes
The FAS systems offer various MFA methods to enhance security, ensuring users can
authenticate securely. The available MFA methods include:
• SMS OTP: A one-time passcode sent to your mobile phone via SMS.
• NGAO Authenticator App (TOTP): A time-based one-time passcode generated by
the NGAO Authenticator App.
• Hardware Security Key: A physical device like a USB security key for hardware-based
authentication.
• Email OTP: A one-time passcode sent to your registered email address.
These options allow users to securely access the system by verifying their identity with
both their password and the chosen MFA method.
When accessing FAS, users can register additional method on MFA settings directly
within the system. The NGAO Platform will only be used for handling the
authentication process and administrative level support, but all MFA configurations
happen within the third-party system.
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6.4.1 Steps to register additional MFA Method:
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Figure 22 NGAO Authentication Management in FAS
Users can return to the FAS system at any time to modify their MFA settings.
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Figure 23 Removing Authentication Method by authenticating first - self service
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6.6.1.1 4.2 Start the trust process
1. Click the blue ➕ Trust this device button (far right of the MFA card).
2. A pop-up titled “Customize usage of MFA – NGAO” appears (Screenshot ①).
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Figure 26 Set Trust Duration
1. Immediately after Submit you will be asked to authenticate once with your usual
second factor (SMS, TOTP, or hardware key).
2. Complete the challenge → Success banner appears.
3. In the MFA Usage table a new row is created with:
o Device Type / OS / IP / Browser
o Status = PENDING TRUST
o Trust Time shows the duration you chose (Screenshot ③).
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During this login, NGAO recognises the pending record and upgrades it to
o
TRUSTED.
3. Re-open the MFA panel to verify Status = TRUSTED and the Last Used Date is
updated (Screenshot ④).
• While the trust timer is running, you will not be prompted for MFA on this
device/browser.
• The timer counts down from the last successful login. Each login resets the
countdown.
• If you clear cookies, switch browsers, or change IP drastically, the trust record may
be invalidated.
7 Troubleshooting
While using the NGAO Platform for authentication with the FAS system, you may
encounter occasional issues. This section provides solutions to common problems
related to registration, authentication, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) setup.
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Additionally, it offers guidance on how to resolve these issues to ensure smooth and
secure access.
If you are not receiving the one-time passcode (OTP) via SMS or email, this can be due
to several reasons, including network delays or incorrect contact information.
Steps to Resolve:
1. Resend OTP:
o On the OTP input page, click on the Resend OTP button to request another
code.
o Ensure that your device has good network connectivity if you are waiting for an
SMS OTP.
2. Check Spam or Junk Folder (Email OTP):
o If using Email OTP, check your spam or junk email folder to see if the OTP email
was misdirected.
3. Verify Network Connectivity:
o For SMS OTP, make sure that your phone is in a location with good mobile
network reception.
4. Contact Support:
o If you still do not receive the OTP, contact your IT support or the e-Government
Authority for further assistance.
The OTP generated for your authentication is time-sensitive and will expire after a short
duration (usually 30 seconds).
Steps to Resolve:
1. Regenerate OTP:
o Open the NGAO Authenticator App or request a new OTP via SMS or email.
Enter the newly generated OTP within the time limit to complete authentication.
2. Ensure Time Synchronization:
o If using the NGAO Authenticator App, make sure your phone's time is
synchronized correctly with your local network. If the phone’s time is incorrect,
the OTP generated might not be valid.
7.1.3 Issue 3: Unable to Scan QR Code for NGAO Authenticator App (TOTP)
If you are unable to scan the QR code during the setup of the NGAO Authenticator
App, this could be due to camera or network issues.
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Steps to Resolve:
If your hardware security key is not detected during authentication, it might be due to
connection or compatibility issues.
Steps to Resolve:
If you are redirected to the NGAO Platform but encounter errors or are unable to
access the authentication page, there may be network issues or incorrect system
configurations.
Steps to Resolve:
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o If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contact your organization’s IT
support for assistance.
Yes, you can install the NGAO Authenticator App on multiple devices. However, each
device must be registered separately by scanning the QR code or entering the setup
code for different system.
7.2.2 Q2: What happens if I lose my phone with the NGAO Authenticator App
installed?
If you lose your phone with the NGAO Authenticator App, you will need to reset your
MFA settings. Contact your IT support to reset your account and set up a new
authentication method.
7.2.3 Q3: How do I switch between SMS OTP to the NGAO Authenticator App (TOTP)?
You can switch your MFA method by logging into the FAS system and navigating to
the Profile then Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) section in the profile settings.
From there, you can register the NGAO Authenticator App as your additional method
and complete the setup by scanning the QR code. In which now you will be able to
also use it interchangeably with SMS OTP.
7.2.4 Q4: Can I use a hardware security key and the NGAO Authenticator App
together?
Yes, the FAS systems allow you to use multiple MFA methods, such as both a hardware
security key and the NGAO Authenticator App. This adds additional security and
flexibility in case one method becomes unavailable.
If you are being asked to authenticate twice, it could be due to your MFA settings
requiring multiple forms of verification. This usually happens when you have more than
one MFA method enabled (e.g., both SMS OTP and TOTP).
Summary of Troubleshooting:
• Not Receiving OTP: Verify contact details, resend OTP, and check network
connectivity.
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• Expired OTP: Regenerate the OTP and ensure device time synchronization.
• QR Code Issues: Check camera permissions or manually enter the code.
• Hardware Key Not Detected: Check USB connection or use a different port.
• Cannot Access NGAO Platform: Ensure internet connectivity, clear browser cache, or
switch browsers.
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