Table of Contents
In this article, we are going to learn how to install the Authentication Extender using the SphereShield installer.
Before proceeding make sure to follow this KB in order to generate the user properties file.
What is the Authentication Extender
The Authentication extender is an optional component that is mandatory only when using SkypeShield Credentials (Dedicated credentials).
This component is directly connected to the SfB/Lync FE and the CAS/Exchange server, it will need delegation for these servers to give it privileges over these servers.
This component is a middle-man between the DMZ Bastion and the internal traffic, it receives traffic from the DMZ and authenticates on its behalf.
Installation
1. Right-click the installer and run it as an administrator.
2. When prompted with this windows click 'SphereShield for Skype for Business'
3. If no properties file was detected you will be asked to choose (if you have).
Click yes, to specify a file and no to proceed without specifying. The default location of the file should be at:
...
In the Authconsumer.xml file configure the certificate. You can the included certificate (in the Bastion folder) for testing purposes and replace it with your own
once the system is up and running.
...
In the KCD.xml file, we will need to input our pool FQDN in the 'target' tag.
If you configuring EWS than use your CAS server FQDN:
WebTicket Application Configuration
Skype for Business
In each front end server of the pool, we need to edit the WebTicket application of the external site to support Negotiate authentication.
...
Make sure that Negotiate is at the top of the listtlist, above NTLM
Exchange
In each front CAS server, we need to edit the Autodiscover application of the default site to support Negotiate authentication.
Make sure that Negotiate is at the top of the list, above NTLM
Permissions
Follow these steps:
- Open 'Active Directory Users and Computers'
- Select the server on which the Authentication Extender is installed, right-click and select properties.
- Click 'Member Of' , Click add and the text box write 'Windows Authorization Access Group'
- Click 'OK' and then 'Apply'.
...
Create the Kerberos Intermediate Account
Skype for Business
In order for the Authentication Extender to work with a pool, it must be set with a special intermediate account which needs to be created
specifically for this purpose.
In order to create that Account run the following command from the Skype for Business Management Shell:
...
Make sure to add the user to the delegation of the machine that runs the Authentication Extender
Exchange
In the case where a configuration for Exchange needs to be made, we will not use the Kerberos account. Instead will need to delegate the machine that runs the Authentication Extender directly.
Go to Active Directory Users and Computers and find the Authentication extender server. Enable delegation as shown below. The “User or Computer” should be the Exchange servers. Add all
Exchange servers that will be used for EWS by Skype for Business
Replacing the signing certificate with your own after the system is up and running
...