Aegis Authenticator – Secure 2FA App for Android

https://getaegis.app/

by DerekBickerton • 4 years ago

225 140 4 years ago

getaegis.app

thr0wnawaytod4y4• 4 years ago

I just put a 2FA implant in my arm

gchamonlive3• 4 years ago

Update your threat scenario to encompass dismemberment and create a recovery protocol accordingly. Not sure you would be able to do drills, at least not a second time.

robertlagrant• 4 years ago

A drill would be a valid vector.

dexterdog5• 4 years ago

That's why I put mine in my neck. If they cut it out, external access to my accounts is not my main concern.

mnd999• 4 years ago

I’d much prefer having my phone stolen than my arm stolen.

dexterdog5• 4 years ago

You need to meet every kid I know

jaimehrubiks2• 4 years ago

I prefer to calculate the numbers on paper every time. But you need to do it fast enough to make it in less than 30 seconds.

thr0wnawaytod4y4• 4 years ago

I'm for real tho, it's called the Apex and you load an OTP applet on it

vzaliva• 4 years ago

Before considering switching it I would love to see a more detailed feature comparison to `andOTP` I am presently using. From what I can see it is encryption at rest which andOTP may or may not do and scheduled backup. andOTP does manual backup. Anything else?

ajvs• 4 years ago

andOTP isn't really being maintained anymore, which is why I switched recently.

mongol• 4 years ago

Who are Beem Development?

alexbakker5• 4 years ago

It's just a group name for the two guys working on it. Source: I'm one of them (Hi!)

virtualritz3• 4 years ago

The killer feature for me is a way to quickly access tokens in my (cloud-side, encrypted) vault from a desktop (or web) app in case of emergency.

It's not clear to me if Aegis allows this somehow?

The other day I broke my phone. I was traveling and needed to do some 2FA level changes to a GH repo asap.

I didn't even know there was an Authy desktop app until then. It saved my ass, literally.

alexbakker5• 4 years ago

Aegis is fully offline and doesn't have an official desktop application. You could of course create an export of your Aegis vault and import it in a third-party desktop application, like GNOME's Authenticator or OTPClient.

tlaundal2• 4 years ago

This is what I do. Two "live" authenticators with my phone and laptop and a secure offsite backup.

I don't add new keys particularily often, so it isn't that big of a hassle two manually sync the authenticators.

nashashmi• 4 years ago

Try http://totp.app

pluc3• 4 years ago

Yubikeys store everything on the key. I can lose my phone and use your phone to see my 2FA codes. It's honestly one of the only way MFA make sense - otherwise you lock yourself out of your entire digital life when you lose your phone and need to rely on storing your backup codes (which opens up a storage security wormhole).

It's also a lot easier to wear around your neck.

SoftTalker• 4 years ago

So you've moved the worry from losing/breaking your phone to losing/breaking your YubiKey?

openplatypus2• 4 years ago

The only downside is limited space on Yubikey.

I am currently carrying 2 tokens :(

eitland2• 4 years ago

My Yubikey always loses its credentials. (If anyone else knows about it and have a fix I'm all ears.)

I guess I need a new one, but what I want to say is don't rely on a single Yubikey or even two. Do have backups.

rsync2• 4 years ago

"I didn't even know there was an Authy desktop app until then. It saved my ass, literally."

That's a really unexpected outcome - can you provide any details ?

virtualritz3• 4 years ago

[...] can you provide any details ?

I installed Authy desktop, logged in and it retrieved my tokens form the cloud. Not anything else to it.

remram3• 4 years ago

https://authy.com/download/

PufPufPuf• 4 years ago

You can export the vault (encrypted or not) to a cloud provider (like Google Drive). It's a manual process, but it's simple and quick. Besides, how often do you add new 2FA tokens anyway?

s_ting765• 4 years ago

The answer you're looking for is Aegis vault backup + Syncthing or Nextcloud. Seriously.

I once lost my Authy app data and didn't have it installed on any other of my devices (silly requirement tbh). I don't know whether cloud or 2FA is the joke here but Authy slapped me with a 24hr wait time for a "device reset".

traceroute66• 4 years ago

Don't know if it exists for Android, but for iPhone users there is OTP Auth, which can make encrypted backups to a destination of your choice.

arcanemachiner• 4 years ago

You can export it to file whenever you add a new key. Then, use SyncThing to sync the copy to a remote location.

The exported file can be encrypted when you make it.

virtualritz3• 4 years ago

Yeah, that's a UX problem.

I need to do that every time and remember.

From my experience, you loose access when the last backup you made and synced was made before the key you need now was added.

I.e. this doesn't work in practice.

commoner4• 4 years ago

Aegis has two automatic encrypted backup options.

The first lets you back up your data to any folder on your device or to any storage provider (e.g. Nextcloud and other cloud storage providers) linked to your device. Turn this on at Settings > Backups > Automatically back up the vault. The storage provider's app needs to be installed. Changes are saved to the backup location automatically.

The second uses the OS's built-in backup feature. For Android devices with Google Play Services, the backup is saved on Google Drive. Some other Android distributions such as LineageOS use Seedvault, which can save the backup to any WebDAV provider or an external USB drive. This option is at Settings > Backups > Participate in Android's backup system.

Either or both options can be used in Aegis.

hnews_account_1• 4 years ago

I can’t believe this is a tech forum. The answer is simple. 2FA has a url. All you have to do is store the url in your password manager. Then you can import it into any new app at a moment’s notice (as long as you have access to the vault) and generate a 2fa code.

In fact, KeePassium on iOS works on this concept. I use it as my primary otp url storage app and then put limited stuff into aegis on my android tablet for anything I may need there. If a keepass based app with an otp generator (like KeePassium) existed for android, I wouldn’t even need that.

aceazzameen• 4 years ago

Bitwarden can store and then copy/paste TOTPs. I'm not sure if it's the best security practice to have your password and TOTP key saved together like that. But I tend to use it for sites that I don't consider critical. I then use Google Authenticator for everything else. I might try Aegis next time I get a new phone though.

Helmut10001• 4 years ago

AEGIS has this killer feature, with the encrypted database, which I could sync to my local Nextcloud instance. Otherwise, loosing the phone would always mean loosing all your OTPs. Aegis is a direct (better) replacement for Google Authenticator.

shaicoleman• 4 years ago

There's a python script to decrypt the vault which you can use from a desktop with a little bit of code.

https://github.com/beemdevelopment/Aegis/blob/master/docs/de...

Sytten• 4 years ago

I am considering switching from authy because it still doesn't have folders or collections or tags but the transition is annoying without root on android. Also wondering how people ensure they can restore if your phone dies?

Semaphor6• 4 years ago

Aegis supports automatic backups, I backup my Aegis database encrypted to my nextcloud.

edit: Also, it allows (after checking the "I know what I’m doing" warning) plaintext secret export, if you want that for some reason.

Macha• 4 years ago

Aegis at least lets you export a password encrypted backup

tlaundal2• 4 years ago

I did the transition by extracting keys from the desktop app using the scripts mentioned in this gist[1] and its comments. Of course, you should not do this unless you are comfortable verifying the security of the scripts yourself.

Importing to Aegis afterwards was quite straight-forward.

[1] https://gist.github.com/gboudreau/94bb0c11a6209c82418d01a59d...

notRobot• 4 years ago

I've been having a great experience with this!

acdha3• 4 years ago

I’ve been migrating away from TOTP since it’s so easily phished but my current approach is to use Yubikeys with their app:

https://www.yubico.com/products/yubico-authenticator/

That avoids keeping the seeds somewhere a general attack could get (and requiring a tap complicates attacks) and works across all of my devices. The main drawback is that there isn’t an easy way to install a seed on multiple keys when first enrolling.

Semaphor6• 4 years ago

I use webauthn where ever available, but considering how rare that is, I might start using this.

How well does it work on mobile? Totp via app, tap the nfc key to the phone?

And what does "no easy way" mean, how involved is that process? I’d prefer to have the keys on all 3 (or 4, not sure if the security key allows TOTP) sticks.

RockRobotRock• 4 years ago

Yes, on mobile you either plug the YubiKey into your devices USB-C (or lightning) port, or tap the YubiKey to your phone. The totp secrets live on the yubikey and can't be extracted. You can only read out the current code. I believe you can also secure your YubiKey with a password so it must be entered to see the codes.

If you wish to have the same TOTPs on multiple YubiKeys, you are recommended to take a screenshot of the QR code you're given at the beginning (which contains the secret key), and manually add it to all the backup keys you prefer, and then securely erase the screenshot.

further reading: https://support.yubico.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013789259-Us...

acdha3• 4 years ago

Yes - on my desktops and laptops, I use USB. For my phones, I use the same keys with NFC. Basically you start the app, tap the key next to the phone, and then copy/paste the code. It means that my daily two factor needs are handled by the Yubikey I keep on my badge lanyard for both modern and legacy sites.

"No easy way" basically means that you either have to save the seed and repeat the setup process for your backup key or enroll two separate devices if allowed. It feels like the authenticator app could have a useful addition where it'd automate that for you if you have two keys present.

stoplying1• 4 years ago

"Password Store" ('pass' compatible) for Android also supports TOTP to tokens and Gpg encryption.

With Syncthing, 'gopass' and 'Android Password Store', I have a fully open source, very easy to reason about fully in my control, password and totp storage, accessible on all my devices. All of which can only be accessed with my Yubikey that I keep in my pocket and my GPG PIN.

psanford• 4 years ago

If you are using the yubico-authenticator app then you are using TOTP, just with the seeds stored on your yubikey. This is still vulnerable to phishing.

I hope what you meant to say is that you are switching to using WebAuthn with your yubikey on all sites that support it, and then using your yubikey for TOTP on sites that don't support WebAuthn yet. WebAuthn is the thing that gives you actual protection against phishing.

acdha3• 4 years ago

Yes, that's exactly what I meant: I use the same Yubikeys for authentication, but fail back to TOTP when sites don't support something secure.

Semaphor6• 4 years ago

Last year, 113 comments: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25803996

Lucent• 4 years ago

Just keep TOTP in your password manager at this point. Whatever security is lost by it not being a "true second factor" is made up for by not having to recover or restore backups due to a lost or stolen phone.

Semaphor6• 4 years ago

Restoring backups is extremely easy, though.

arepublicadoceu2• 4 years ago

I would argue that the most important account to have TOTP enabled IS your password manager. So, if you already have a TOTP app to generate codes for your Password Manager why not consolidate it?

Besides, if you dont have a physical and digital backup of your TOTP seeds you really like to live dangerously.

howinteresting• 4 years ago

2fa for your password manager is good, but that doesn't have to be TOTP. That can just as well be something like the 1password secret key (something you have).

unethical_ban2• 4 years ago

The one place I intentionally don't have TOTP is my password manager.

there is a base case somewhere in a backup strategy where TOTP is not feasible. The base case for me is "Keepass file backed up to multiple locations and my master key written down in an envelope in my house in case I hit my head".

Why would I lock my passwords away behind a TOTP that can get lost? My TOTP in Authy is protected by a long random key. Where do I store the key? In my password manager.

You can't use a password manager and TOTP to back each other up.

atriix• 4 years ago

Well my password manager don't have an account to begin with, neither does my TOTP manager. And depending on risk assesment for a given site/account, letting the password manager do some doubble duty as TOTP manager as a convinience is fine, especially if the alternetive outcome would be to not enable TOTP due to the annoyance.

unethical_ban2• 4 years ago

If you have a TOTP app that allows exoprts, I agree.

If the individual site allows backup codes, I agree.

But you first need an app that hosts your TOTP that has exportable secrets.

theandrewbailey• 4 years ago

A password database file is sort-of a second factor (something you have).

andrewaylett• 4 years ago

I use Bitwarden for TOTP, because I have become convinced that it still provides a true second factor even if both the password and the TOTP seed are in the same entry in my password manager.

This is because every access to Bitwarden requires two factors: a device I've already logged in with, and either the passphrase or a biometric unlock. Bootstrapping a new device requires the passphrase and a token.

Semaphor6• 4 years ago

As good a time as any to buy them a beer [0], I have been happily using it for quite some time.

[0] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beemdevelopment

barbazoo• 4 years ago

I used the one by Twilio but switched my TOTP codes over to 1Password which I was already using anyway. I get that there's a security benefit of not having them in the same app but it's just not practical for me.

wingmanjd• 4 years ago

I didn't know Aegis supported the Nextcloud backup target! I was hacking my way around on earlier versions of Android using Solid Explorer's connection to my Nextcloud, but that stopped working somewhere along the way.

Reconnected via the Storage Access Framework and backups are syncing!

Thank you, alexbakker

rounakdatta• 4 years ago

Thanks for supporting the Nextcloud backup - win win! App is perfect, just a single feedback: Possibly find a way to auto-populate the logo images of the apps?

GordonS2• 4 years ago

I switched to Aegis recently, and I did it for only 2 reasons:

1) I prefer to use OSS when possible

2) Aegis supports import/export/backup - so if I get a new phone, I don't have to spend days setting up my dozens of accounts again! This also means I can setup the same OTPs in both Keepass and my phone, so I can always get into my accounts

I'm really liking it, it does the same job as the Google and Microsoft Authenticator apps, but import/export/backup means it's more usable

Rygian3• 4 years ago

I can import/export with Google authenticator (via QR codes).

GordonS2• 4 years ago

IIRC, it didn't used to give you any control over import/export, and only supported using an opaque Google storage option. Has that changed?

Aegis gives me the actual seed, full control of the data so I can do with it as I please.

cbsmith2• 4 years ago

Tends not to work to well in the scenario where you drop your phone into the ocean.

rootext• 4 years ago

You can import/export to Google Authenticator only and you must have two phones. You cannot backup QR codes because screenshot is forbidden for security reason. You cannot migrate to another application.

dexterdog5• 4 years ago

I just keep a copy of all QR codes in a safe place. When I need to move to a new device I just install andOTP and scan them all on the new device. I don't like my keys to be protected by only a password somewhere. I prefer to add physical protection to them. If they are accessible from my computer then it's not really 2FA.

branon2• 4 years ago

Recently had a hard time exporting 20+ OTP secrets from Google Authenticator.

I believe I discovered a bug in the app: if you long press a secret > edit > leave an empty string as the comment, and then export a QR code containing this secret, your other device will fail to import ("QR code cannot be interpreted.").

I've only seen this happen with secrets where the comment is put in parentheses and appended to the regular, immutable name of the secret. There's another type of secret where the entire name can be edited, this I did not test. But if you try the import/export flow on a secret whose name contains `()` I bet you'll hit the bug.

I briefly tried Aegis but you must have Aegis+Authenticatior installed, and be root, or you can exfiltrate Authenticator's database file from private storage, which best as I can tell, also requires root. Shouldn't have gone with Authenticator at all, I've learned.

It seems optimal to simply retain the original secret (QR code or whichever medium) you are given when 2FA is initially enabled.

Later found this equivalent: https://mattscodecave.com/posts/how-to-move-from-google-auth...

alexbakker5• 4 years ago

There's a third option to switch from Google Authenticator to Aegis. You can simply scan those export QR codes of Google Authenticator with Aegis.

chinathrow• 4 years ago

Wouldn't that need a second device since one can't screenshot Google Authenticator?

branon2• 4 years ago

Nice. You know I hadn't once bothered to click the "big plus button" UI element. I headed straight for the "three dots" UI element > Settings > Import/Export submenu, every time. Joke's on me for not exploring Aegis's interface more fully ;)

waynesonfire• 4 years ago

I prefer the insecure ones. /s

voidee• 4 years ago

FYI: For iOS users looking for alternatives to Google Authenticator or Authy, I highly recommend the open source Raivo. https://raivo-otp.com/

Recently moved all of my TOTPs to it. Encrypted iCloud sync and local backup if desired.

bede• 4 years ago

Thanks for this, I'm currently using both Duo to Microsoft authenticator, and the lack of firm reassurance about the backup mechanisms in each of these makes me uneasy. I'd frankly prefer a vault with a model similar to BitWarden's, where I can export my private keys.

ajyey• 4 years ago

Love raivo. Wish there was an automated backup solution though

yewenjie• 4 years ago

I was happily using andOTP but seems like it has been unmaintained since June - https://github.com/andOTP/andOTP.

I wish F-Droid or Play Store had a feature like GitHub's 'Archived' to inform users.

kevinfiol• 4 years ago

I'm still using andOTP and I prefer it over Aegis. Are there any reasons to stop using it if it still works? What kind of security vulnerability can affect it? Honest questions.

yellowapple2• 4 years ago

I'm wondering the same thing. It also looks like while Aegis is actively developed on GitHub, that hasn't materialized into a new release on the Play Store or F-Droid in 7 months.

22c• 4 years ago

Also a happy andOTP user. Initially I thought you were being impatient because no updates for a few months isn't necessarily bad, but I see that the project itself has been updated to reflect that it is not being maintained by its creator. Thanks for the heads up.

Looking at Aegis, it appears to support importing from andOTP

petre• 4 years ago

It's the only decent authenticator that I've found on the play store.

RealStickman_• 4 years ago

How does this compare to FreeOTP+ ?

nanomonkey• 4 years ago

You can securely store and generate TOTP tokens in emacs: https://www.masteringemacs.org/article/securely-generating-t...

Since I have emacs on everything, including my phone, it's not a bad solution for my purposes.

pkulak• 4 years ago

Of course you can.

Krisjohn• 4 years ago

The authenticator you use is less important than the process you use to store the TOTP QR codes/secret keys. Never just feed it into an app, always screenshot it and store it somewhere safe THEN put it in something that can generate your TOTP codes.

wanderingmind• 4 years ago

Aegis is an excellent FOSS Authenticator that is available in FDroid. However, offline first apps are challenging to use TOTP across multiple devices. These days I just use TOTP provided by my password manager (Bitwarden) that is seamless across devices.

gigatexal• 4 years ago

“Secure 2FA” app is an odd title. A 2FA app is nothing if it’s not secure. The “secure” bit here is redundant. The fact that it has to be said is actually a red flag. Are you saying it’s secure because in reality it really isn’t?

kornhole• 4 years ago

This is a great switch from AOTP that I just did.

The more exciting thing I learned here is that I can backup my entire GrapheneOS phone to my Nextcloud server for recovery. I just go into Android settings->Backup to get started. This will save me a lot of time the next time I lose my phone. Thank you!

725686• 4 years ago

Who makes this? How do I know it is trustworthy? I know its supposed to be open source, but when you install from the app store you don't really know what you are installing. I trust Twilio's Authy a tad more than a random app with a nice home page.

jayknight• 4 years ago

It is also available on f-droid, and they compile the apps themselves instead of distributing compiled apps. So if you trust f-droid, you know it is the same as the open source code.

neilv• 4 years ago

You need parties you trust auditing all the code and each change, before you run it.

commoner4• 4 years ago

Authy has a questionable privacy policy:

When you use our app we collect: Your phone number, device information, and email address.
When you use an Authy token to log into an account, whether the token was generated on the app or one sent to you via your phone number, we collect and keep information associated with your login activity including information like your IP address, what application or program you logged in to, that you logged in, and when. If you change your phone number or email associated with your Authy account, we will also keep a log of that. We collect this information to monitor for suspicious activity and also as another piece of information that could be used to verify your identity if your account is compromised or may be compromised.
We also share your information with our third party service providers as necessary for them to provide their services to us. We may also have to share your information with third parties if required to do so by law.
Your information will be transferred to the U.S.
Your personal information may be transferred to the United States, and possibly other countries where we or our service providers operate.
In addition, we may share your information with third parties as follows: Compliance with Laws. We may disclose your personal information to a third party if (i) we reasonably believe that disclosure is compelled by applicable law, regulation, legal process or a government request (including to meet national security or law enforcement requirements), (ii) to enforce our agreements and policies, (iii) to protect the security or integrity of our services and products, (iv) to protect ourselves, our other customers, or the public from harm or illegal activities, or (v) to respond to an emergency which we believe in good faith requires us to disclose personal information to assist in preventing a death or serious bodily injury.
Business transfers. If we go through a corporate sale, merger, reorganization, dissolution or similar event, personal information we gather from you may be part of the assets transferred or shared in connection with the due diligence for any such transaction. Any acquirer or successor may continue to use the personal information as described in this notice.

https://www.twilio.com/legal/privacy/authy

I would trust Aegis over Authy any day. As you can see from the source code, Aegis does not expose users to these privacy risks. Even though Aegis has automatic encrypted backup features, Aegis itself does not request the internet access permission.

remram3• 4 years ago

Unfortunately I didn't manage to set up Aegis with SendGrid, so I have to have Authy just for SendGrid (both belong to Twilio).

rpigab• 4 years ago

It has the name of a very powerful shield from Greek mythology, so it will protect you.

Vixel• 4 years ago

I've always been aware of Aegis, but is there any reason to use this over the built in TOTP tool in a password manager like Bitwarden?

lazyeye• 4 years ago

For redundancy I bought a cheap android camera phone with no sim card as a backup. I always register my authenticator codes on multiple phones at the same time.

ur-whale• 4 years ago

https://github.com/pcarrier/gauth

sedatk• 4 years ago

I hope that Passkeys would make TOTP obsolete soon. It's done its job during the era of reused passwords, but now it's unwieldy and unnecessarily prone to phishing.

BatteryMountain• 4 years ago

I've been using FreeOTP+ for a while now, since it makes it easy to backup my tokens and has biometrics. I've given Aegis a spin, I think I will keep using it, for grouping/sorting alone. I have a ton of old keys that clutter things up.

lrvick• 4 years ago

Why is anyone even modestly technical still using a phone for 2FA? I do not understand.

Yubikeys, Ledgers, Trezors, Nitrokeys, Mooltipass, Precursor, QubesOS Vault... There are so many solutions that avoid exposing your 2FA secrets in plaintext to the system memory of an internet connected device.

nokya• 4 years ago

Glad to see this tool getting more traction: - biometric/passcode authentication - grouping - backup/restore function that works - no data leakage/no ads.

I recommend it everytime I see someone popping out a Google authenticator or alike.

The only thing Aegis lacks is a donate button or a paid version just for supporting its development.

I'm anticipating this tool will soon be ripped apart with ads, data leakage, an acquisition, or a premium version that will just break what it does very well until now.

I'm enjoying it while it lasts :)

Aegis Authenticator – Secure 2FA App for Android

Related Stories