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DRAFT: Using the Yubico YubiKey NEO hardware-based two-factor authentication device to improve authentication and logins to OSX and software

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This post aims to show you how you can use a Yubico YubiKey NEO hardware-based two-factor authentication device to improve authentication and logins to OSX and other software and services.

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Background

Although I am a developer I do like security related topics and I try and do as much as I can to secure my systems and applications. Reading the Multi-Factor Authentication Wikipedia page has all the details on Multi-Factor authentication.

I have been a big fan of 1Password to generate strong and unique passwords for separate accounts for a while now. Read my guide on upgrading from a standalone 1Password licence to a 1Password subscription. I love generating unique and complex passwords with 1Password.

Screenshot of the 1Password.com software generating a complex password with 63 chars

But what happens if someone gets access to my 1password vault? Yubico has a catalogue of support services that I can use Yubikeys with to have, 1password is one supported service 🙂

I want to add Yubico protections with these services.

  • macOS Logins (DONE)
  • macOS Screensavers (DONE)
  • 1Password (DONE)
  • Dropbox (DONE)
  • Twitter (DONE)
  • Google (DONE)
  • Google GSuite (DONE, WAITING TO VERIFY)
  • Google GMail (DONE)
  • Google Analytics and AdSense (DONE)
  • Github (DONE)
  • Thunderbird Email (DONE)
  • Bitbucket (TODO)
  • Debian servers in the cloud (SSH) (DONE)
  • Ubuntu servers in the cloud (SSH) (DONE)
  • Android mobile (NFC)? (TODO)

Etc

Final Warning

Do not attempt to activate Two Factor Authentication on a system unless you…

  • A) Have backups of your data
  • B) Have backup methods of getting into your account(s)

Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong”

You never know when a Two Factor Authentication Key may die or an Authenticator app or a Mac/PC may stop working so always have a backup method just in case.

General

General Yubico YubiKey Setup guides https://www.yubico.com/setup/

Buying a Yubico YubiKey

International visitors can buy a YubiKey from the official store here. Australian readers can buy a key locally here. I grabbed 2x YubiKey YubiKey Neo 4 (with NFC) for $50 USD (about $75 AUD) each.

This blog post will aim to show how you can set up a primary key and backup key for use on macOS and other apps to add hardware-based two-factor authentication to logins.

Authenticator Apps

You can use Google Authenticator, Yubico Authenticator or freeOTP from https://freeotp.github.io

Plugging the YubiKey into macOS Mojave

First I read this guide: https://www.yubico.com/works-with-yubikey/catalog/macos/

1) I plugged in my Yubico Neo key into my USB slot.
2) I closed the Keyboard setup window that appeared (I guess the YubiKey is a kind of a keyboard to allow inserting of challenge-response character streams into apps and websites).

Picture of macOS Mojave wrongly detecting the eYubiKey as a keyboard device type.

3) I followed the basic troubleshooting page and confirmed that the key was being detected (yes it was.)

macOS device list showing the Yubico YubiKey was detected

4) I followed this guide to test U2F functionality and this guide to test OTP functionality. Web pages and Google Chome can talk to the plugged-in YubiKey(s).

I was prompted to register a UTF deice (and create an account)

Register a Device

I was prompted to (insert) and touch my Yubico key.

picture of the browser asking me to insert my YubiKey

Google Chome asked for some permissions first.

FYI: Chrome 67 is recommended to securely allow the reading of UbiKey’s from web pages. Only allow sites you trust access to your USB devices and use a modern browser.

Picture of Google Chrome browser asking for permissions to read the inserted YubiKey

Success, Chrome could now see my YubiKey and my device was now verified.

Picture showing YubiKey registration success in a browser

Technical data is available to let you know what is going on in the background. I am not going to break down how this works but Yubico has in-depth whitepapers and documentation if you are interested.

Nice

Configuring OSX

I logged into my Mac with the account that I was going to secure.

I performed a complete time machine backup before proceeding. If you lock yourself out you will need to restore OSX from a Time Machine backup.

I Read the “Using Yubico Pluggable Authentication Module (PAM) with Challenge-Response” login guide: https://www.yubico.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/yubico_YubiKeyMacLoginGuide_en.pdf

I downloaded the Download the YubiKey Manager

I downloaded the yubikey-manager from here so I could configure the keys to use “HMAC-SHA1 Challenge-Response”.

Oops, I downloaded the wrong tool, good to know this one exists though.

Screenshot of the Yubikey Manager Software showing firmware update and OTP configuration settings

I will update what this tool does in future (update firmware?)

I Downloaded the Yubikey Personalization Tool

I went back to the Yubico download page and downloaded the Personalization tool.

Picture of the Yubico Personalisation tool showing it's available software options

Many options are available here.

It’s time to configure a primary and backup (duplicate YubiKey) for use with macOS etc.

Enable Challenge Response

I opened the YubiKey Personalization Tool, Inserted my primary key, clicked the Settings tab, and in the Logging Settings group, selected Log configuration output and Yubico format.

I then clicked on the Challenge Response Tab, clicked the HMAC-SHA1 button, selected Configuration Slot 2, ticked “Program Multiple YubiKeys“, changed the “Parameter Generation Scheme = Same for all Keys“, Selected “Fixed 64 byte input” under “HMAC-SHA1 Parameters” and generated a new key (wrote it down).

Under “Configuration Protection” then I selected Enable Protection” I then visited here and generated a 6 digit string to convert to hex array (with spaces (e.g: “70 61 73 73 77 64”)).

Warning: If you set an access code and later forget it, you cannot make any programming changes to this YubiKey. You would need to buy another YubiKey.

I clicked on Write Configuration

If you chose Configuration Slot 1 you will receive a warning about not saving over Configuration Slot 1 due to Yubico VIP/Symantec, I personally do not trust Symantec or the https://vip.symantec.com/ service due to Symantec issuing non-compliant certificates for use on websites. Yubico allows you to swap configuration slots if want to keep the configuration data.

YubiCo Prompt asking for permissions to overwrite slot 1

On the output of the first write, I was prompted to save a file. I saved this to “secretkey.csv” onto the Desktop.

Screenshot of save configuration to CSV

When the write to my primary key was successful, I ejected it then inserted my backup key and wrote the same configuration data to it too (on Configuration Slot 2).

Screenshot of a list view showing the successful Write of information to two keys

Testing the HMAX-SHA1 Challenge

I open the YubiKey Personalization Tool, then click the Tools tab and click Challenge Response. Choose Configuration Slot 2, I selected HMAC-SHA1. I typed a sample input challenge (e.g “hello world”) and clicked Perform.

I noticed the Yubico key touch panel was flashing. I pressed the button, then a response appeared below the input textbox. I copied this response text then insert your second key and perform the same test so I could compare the responses (they should be the same). They were.

If the responses don’t match rewrite the configuration to your primary and secondary keys and ensure the same key and secret was used for both keys.

FYI: I rewrote configuration a few times until I got it right.

Installing the Pluggable Authentication Module (PAM) on macOS

I re-read the Mac login guide here as I don’t want to lock myself out of my Mac.

I opened the Yubico Software Download page here and clicked Computer Login Tools and downloaded the PAM for Mac.

Screenshot of the YubiCo PAM Module download page

I installed the PAM package and verified the package installation with this command.

Output:

Screenshot of the PAM Module Installed (ls on a folder)

Text Output:

> drwxr-xr-x 3 root wheel 96 9 Oct 10:29 .

> drwxrwxr-x 74 simon admin 2368 9 Oct 10:29 ..

> -rwxr-xr-x 1 root wheel 143172 20 Apr 21:13 pam_yubico.so

Backup macOS

Again I ensured my Mac was backed up with Time Machine.

Screenshot of backing up my Mac with Time Machine

I logged in to my Mac with the account I wanted to be protected with the Yubico YubiKeys.

I ran the following command in terminal

I double checked that my Yubico key(s) were set up for challenge response (above).

I inserted my Uubico key and ran this command

Feel free to read the “ykpamcfg” manual here. The yubico-pam source code is located here.

Output:

Screenshot of the output of ykpamcfg -2

The contents of “/Users/simon/.yubico/challenge-#######” looked like (I replaced 232 random chars with #’s below). The filename ended with my keys serial number.

v2:########################################################################################################################################################################################################################################:10000:2

Next, I was supposed to copy the challenge output from ykpamcfg to /var/root/.yubico/challenge-[YUBIKEY SERIAL NUMBER] with this command..

But I had this error.

Weird as the source file existed?? macOS issues?

I Opened /Users/[USERNAME]/.yubico/challenge-[YUBIKEY SERIAL NUMBER] in the nano editor (sudo elevated process) and saved the file to /var/root/.yubico/challenge-[YUBIKEY SERIAL NUMBER].

I reopened my terminal and verified the contents of /var/root/.yubico/challenge-[YUBIKEY SERIAL NUMBER]. The file is now there.

Permissions on the file is “-rw——-“. Good.

I inserted my second backuP key and re-ran “ykpamcfg -2” and copied the file to “/Users/simon/.yubico”

I verified the file contents

Output

ls -al output of /var/root/.yubico/

Text Output:

> drwxr-xr-x 4 root wheel 128 9 Oct 09:50 .
> drwxr-x— 12 root wheel 384 9 Oct 09:39 ..
> -rw-r–r– 1 root wheel 244 9 Oct 09:50 challenge-#######
> -rw-r–r– 1 root wheel 244 9 Oct 09:42 challenge-#######

Snip from: https://www.yubico.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/yubico_YubiKeyMacLoginGuide_en.pdf

“Program at least two YubiKeys when implementing a requirement for authentication with a YubiKey on your Mac. If you configure only one YubiKey and something happens to the YubiKey, you must restore the Mac from a Time Machine backup that you created before editing the authorization file before you can log back in to your account. ”

Reading the guide regarding multiple accounts (setting up a Key for each login). I have 5 logins on my Mac but when this works I will disable the other accounts from logging in.

Enable the use of the Yubico key when the screensaver is deactivated

I opened a terminal and edited “/etc/pam.d/screensaver ” (I use the easier nano editor)

I added this line

auth[7 spaces]required[7 spaces]/usr/local/lib/security/pam_yubico.so mode=challenge-response

editing /etc/pam.d/screensaver added auth required /usr/local/lib/security/pam_yubico.so mode=challenge-response

I saved the file ( [CTRL+O], [CTRL+X] ) and exited nano.

I tested my screensaver and no extra protection was provided (the screensaver just exited).

I rebooted, still no change?

I reinstalled the PAM module.

Silly me, I needed to enable the password on the screensaver to then activate the /etc/pam.d/screensaver entries.

I enabled the screensaver passwordsEnable screensaver password in macOS

I am now prompted to enter my password and inset and tap my Yubico Key on screensaver exit (on both keys). Awesome.

Next, I need to enable this at macOS login.

Enable the use of the Yubico key at macOS Login

I edited /etc/pam.d/authorization file with nano in the terminal

I added the same line as was added to the file /etc/pam.d/screensaver

auth[7 spaces]required[7 spaces]/usr/local/lib/security/pam_yubico.so mode=challenge-response

/etc/pam.d/authorization

I saved the file ( [CTRL+O], [CTRL+X] ) and exited nano.

Now let’s log out and test this.

It’s working.

Excellent

Enable login to the 4 other macOS Logins?
todo…

Add Two Factor Authentication to 1Password

Here is a guide on using the Yubico YubiKey with 1Password. This directed me to https://support.1password.com/yubikey/

I downloaded the Yubico Authenticator app on macOS and installed it.

Authenticator app

After I inserted my primary Key I received a “No Credentials Found”message.

No Credentials Found

I logged into https://my.1password.com/signin and clicked My Profile.

I clicked More Actions then Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

Enable 1Password Two Factor Auth

I added the generated QR code details to the Android Authenticator and macOS Yubico Authenticator app. At first, I could not scan the QR code in macOS (was Mojave blocking this?), I manually entered the details (after confirming them from the Android app QR code scan).

Details:

  • Issuer: 1Password
  • Account Name: my.1password.com
  • Secret Key: ###################
  • Time: 30
  • Algorithm: SHA-1
  • Period: 30
  • Digits: 6

Add 2nd Factor Details

Now, 1Password web and the desktop app are asking for the 2-factor code (generated in the Yubico Authenticator app after I insert my YubioKey).

Nice

2 Factor Auth enabled on 1password

I logged off and I was not prompted for my Two Factor code?

Snip from: https://support.1password.com/two-factor-authentication/

“Your 1Password account is now protected by two-factor authentication. From now on, you’ll need to enter a six-digit authentication code from your authenticator app when you sign in to 1Password on a new device.”

I logged in to 1Password from Google Chrome on Android and indeed I was prompted for a two-factor auth code form the Yubico Authenticator app (with a KubiKey inserted).

2nd Factor prompted on new devices

Add Two Factor Authentication to Dropbox
I read https://www.yubico.com/works-with-yubikey/catalog/dropbox-personal/. Dropbox also has setup instructions here.

I logged into Dropbox and went to Settings then Security then clicked Add next to Security Keys

Dropbox 2 factor auth

I started the Wizard, entered my Dropbox password, then inserted my YubiKey.

Add YubiKey to Dropbox

Name the Key

Name the YubiKey

I added my Primary and Backup Key(s)

Added Two Keys

I logged out and back in and no Security Key prompt?

I am using Chrome and had cleared past browsers from the Dropbox list of web browsers at https://www.dropbox.com/account/security

I discovered that I need to set the primary authentication method to Use Mobile App (My Bad, it would be nice if Dropbox set this as default after I added the keys).

Set Primary Method of Two Factor Auth

I added the Dropbox QR code to the Yuboico Authenticator app

Add Dropbox Two Factor Auth to Authenticator

I was asked to enter a 6 digit code from my Yubico Authenticator app to verify the working link. I inserted my YubiKey into my machine to show the code.

Now Dropbox is configured 🙂

Dropbox is configured

Success

I now have to insert my primary key when logging into Dropbox

Dropbox now demands a YubiKey is inserted
I need to find a way to copy my Authenticator credentials to my Backup Key from my Primary key

Authenticator Credential not on both keys

Add Two Factor Authentication to Twitter

I read https://www.yubico.com/works-with-yubikey/catalog/twitter/ (Setup Instructions)

    1) Login to Twitter

      2) Open your Settings and Look For Security

      Twitter Security

        3) Click Start

        Start Wizard

          4) Enter Your Password

            5) Accept and enter any SMS codes if you set up SMS Two Factor codes via SMS

              6) Click “Review your login verification methods”

              Review Login Methods

                7) Click “Setup Key”

                Setup Key

                  8) Insert Your YubiKey and follow the prompts to activate it.

                  Insert Key

                    9) Now the key will be requoted to log in to Twitter

                    Activated Key

                    Testing Two Factor Login to Twitter

                    I logged out of and back into Twitter but the SMS Two Factor Authentication method was still active?

                    SMS Two Factor Still Activated

                    I tried to disable the SMS method in Twitter but two factor was disabled altogether and the registered key was deleted. I re-added my key 🙁

                    I solved this by choosing “Choose a different verification method” when logging in then choosing “Use your security key“, Twitter then accessed my YubiKey and further login attempts used the key instead of SMS 🙂 I could use an Authenticator code but they YubiKey touch method is quicker.

                    Alternate Two Factor Options

                    Done

                    It would be nice if Twitter allowed multiple keys to be used to log in?

                    Add Two Factor Authentication to Google, Google cloud, Gsuite etc

                    I read https://www.yubico.com/works-with-yubikey/catalog/google-accounts (Instructions https://myaccount.google.com/).

                    Adding two Factor authentication details to Google was not easily accessible at Google so I Googled (lol) this https://support.yubico.com/support/solutions/articles/15000006418-using-your-yubikey-with-google

                    I loaded: https://myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/two-step-verification/enroll-welcome

                    I clicked Get Start

                    Add Two Factor to Google Get Started

                    I clicked Choose Another Option (not SMS Two factor)

                    Add Other Two Factor

                    Clicked Security Key

                    Add Security Key

                    As prompted I inserted my key and allowed access to it.

                    Insert Key

                    I named the Key

                    Name the key

                    I repeated the steps and added my 2nd key.

                    Add 2nd Key

                    Done

                    I logged out my https://myaccount.google.com and logged back in and I was prompted to insert my YubiKey

                    Insert YubiKey

                    Nice

                    I did try and login to my google GSuite account at https://admin.google.com but it did not prompt me to insert a key. I will do this next.

                    Add Two Factor Authentication to GSuite

                    I logged into the GSuite admin interface at https://admin.google.com/ I generated some backup codes in case I need them in the future.

                    I checked my main admin user account and I could see the 2 google security keys synced through from Google.

                    Check Securiy Keys

                    I then searched GSuite for “Two Factor” and loaded the “Enforcement” Page

                    I enabled “Turn On Enforcement Now”

                    I enabled “Only Security Keys”

                    I logged out and back into https://gsuite.google.com/ TWICE and no security key prompt.

                    Silly me: I forgot to click save at the bottom of the screen and it appears there is a 24-hour delay?

                    Don't forget to press save

                    Add Two Factor Authentication to GMail

                    This is already done (above), GSuite email takes up to 24 hours to become active, GMail is instant.

                    Gmail two factor auth working.

                    Add Two Factor Authentication to Google Analytics

                    I can’t see an option to turn Two Factor Auth on in Google Analytics 🙂

                    I did send feedback to the Google Analytics team.

                    Adsense Feedback

                    Add Two Factor Authentication to Google Adsense

                    I can’t see an option to turn Two Factor Auth on in Google Adsense either 🙂

                    I did send feedback to the Google AdSense team.

                    No AdSense 2FA

                    Add Two Factor Authentication to Github

                    I logged into Github, opened my Settings and clicked Security then Enable two-factor authentication

                    GitHub

                    Click Setup using an app save the recovery codes.

                    Open the Yubico Authenticator app (ensure you can see the QR Code in GitHub)

                    In the Yubico Authenticator, App click File then Scan QR Code

                    The GitHub details should be added to the Authenticator

                    Authenticator App

                    Two Factor via authenticator tokens is enabled and now I can see a Keys options,

                    Add Keys

                    I clicked Add next to security keys then Register New Device, I gave the key a name then clicked Add.

                    Add 2 Keys

                    I added both keys then I Logged out and back in and two factor was enabled by YubiKey 🙂

                    Two Factor Enabled

                    Add Two Factor Authentication to Bitbucket
                    todo…

                    Add Two Factor Authentication to Debian servers in the cloud (SSH)

                    Read Setup two-factor authenticator protection at login on Ubuntu or Debian

                    Add Two Factor Authentication to Ubuntu servers in the cloud (SSH)

                    Read Setup two-factor authenticator protection at login on Ubuntu or Debian

                    Add Two Factor Authentication to Android mobile (NFC)?
                    todo (unlock Android with NFC Tap)…

                    YubiKey Support

                    There are loads of Yubico support articles here: https://support.1password.com/yubikey/

                    Yubico Developer Info

                    A GitHub repository of source code is located here: https://github.com/Yubico

                    Other developer related pages here

                    Java Code to use the Yubico YubiKey in software (challenge mode)
                    todo: I will add this section soon.

                    Yubico has Java repository that contains a Java library with an accompanying demo server, as well as a JAAS module, to validate YubiKey OTPs (One-Time Passwords).

                    https://developers.yubico.com/yubico-java-client/

                    Recovery info and backup
                    Always where prompted setup backup access codes (or set alternate two-factor login methods) and know how you can disable YubiKey 2FA logins if needed.
                    Copy Yubico Authenticator credentials to my Backup Key from my Primary Key

                    My Primary and Secondary YubiKeys have different Authenticator credentials (I need to sync them)

                    Authenticator Credential not on both keys
                    todo: Add infomation on backing up YubiKey data

                    Set a YubKey Password (Yubico Authenticator App)

                    You can set a YubiKey Password so limit access to Two Factor Linked Accounts in the Yubico Authenticator. Nice.

                        1. Open the Yubico Authenticator App
                        2. Insert your YubiKey
                        3. Open the File then Set Password Menu
                        4. Click Set Password

                    Now when you insert the YubiKey you will be prompted for a password Before Two Factor tokens are displayed.

                    Set Yubico Password

                    Find a YubiKey Device Quiz

                    Use this quiz to find the right YubiKey for you: https://www.yubico.com/quiz/

                    Final Warning

                    Do not attempt to activate Two Factor Authentication on a system unless you…

                    • A) Have backups of your data
                    • B) Have backup methods of getting into your account(s)

                    Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong”

                    You never know when a Two Factor Authentication Key may die or an Authenticator app or a Mac/PC may stop working so always have a backup method just in case.

                    Issue(s)

                    Thunderbird email on Google Chrome (accessing GSuite) is not acceptingg the key.

                    It is prompting…

                    Thunderbird prompting for the key

                    But it is not recognising the key (no matter how many times I insert or press the key)?

                    Key not detecting in Thunderbird

                    It appears Thunderbird 52 may not support keys yet, May have to wait until release 60.

                    I installed Thunderbird 63 (BETA) from https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/channel/

                    Installed Thunderbird 63 BETA

                    After I installed Thunderbird it asked for my Security Key, accepted it and asked for further permissions.

                    Thunderbord a63 beta asking for permissions

                    I can now read my email in Thunderbird with my YubiKey

                    Conclusion

                    Thunderbird issues (solved by installing a BETA).

                    Not all apps have the same menthid (some have Authenticator App only) and some have YubiKey Insert/Touch, some allow one key or multiple keys.

                    No issues with the YubiKey setup yet, very happy.

                    The only issue is my Huawei Mate 9 phone is a little flakey at reading NFC (fixed: I just have to tap for 5 seconds)

                    I have attached the YubiKeys to Dog Chain’s and they live around my neck.

                    dog_clains

                    Version History

                    V0.8.1 authenticator apps
                    V0.8.0 Draft: Debian/Ubuntu and many other changes
                    V0.7.0.1 Draft: Issue – Thunderbird Issue Solved
                    V0.7.0 Draft: Issue – Thunderbird Issue
                    V0.6.9 Draft: Protected GitHub
                    V0.6.9 Draft: Unable to Protect Google AdSense and Analytics
                    V0.6.8 Draft: Protected Google Gmail (https://gmail.com)
                    V0.6.7 Draft: Protected Google GSuite (https://gsuite.google.com/ and https://admin.google.com/)
                    V0.6.6 Draft: Protected Google (https://myaccount.google.com/)
                    V0.6.5 Draft: Protected Twitter
                    V0.6 Draft: Set a YubKey Password (Yubico Authenticator App)
                    V0.5 Draft: Sync Authenticator credentials?
                    v0.4 Draft: Protected Dropbox
                    v0.3 Draft: Protected 1Password
                    v0.2 Draft: Protected macOS Login
                    v0.1 Draft: Protected macOS Screensaver

                    Telstra promised Fibre to the house (FTTP) when I had FTTN and this is what happened..

                    by

                    This post is for Telstra (to help a 10+-week investigation into Telstra NBN issues).

                    This post has been split up to make this page load faster: Read [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5]

                    Unresolved Issues with Telstra

                    1. Telstra promised Fibre to the premises but delivered fibre to the node (deceptive bait and switch?)
                    2. Data stability issues remain.

                    Status

                    • TIO deadline (16th of August) passed 7 days ago (no resolution). Still waiting for assistance for the TIO (at least 6-week wait from the TIO ticket creation)
                    • Telstra deadline passed (23rd August) with no resolution.
                    • Escalating Federally (Federal cannot help until the TIO case is closed, Telstra will not close TIO case)
                    • Telstra added a 2-week deadline to transfer the phone line (phone line back).
                    • Have I been blacklisted by Telstra 13 22 00 support number (and reps says talk to your case manager)
                    • Data stability issues remain

                    I was already with NBN (FTTN, ISP Name redacted) on a 50/20 Megabit plan and Telstra promised fibre to the house (FTTP) instead of FTTN and this is what happened (still unfolding…).

                    Advertisement:



                    Telstra NBN (FTTN)

                    You can read my change over from ADSL 2 to NBN posts here. I was paying for a 50 Megabit Down and 20 Megabit up plan and it was not very after 5 months. I am not into torrenting unless downloading essential Raspberry Pi images or Linux ISO images. I needed a faster and more reliable internet connection and phone line.

                    My landline was down for 30 days and because I had a stroke recently (all good touch wood) a working phone line is very important. My previous provider said they can’t escalate issues unless the data line is completely down. Some days the internet was fine other days it was terrible.

                    I was sent a number of routers from my previous ISP to try an diagnose the dead landline and bad NBN speeds.

                    Picture of 3 dead routers

                    I was sick of the poor speeds of FTTN NBN. I was frequently talking to my previous NBN provider and had to perform daily router reboots. Some days NBN 50 Megabit seemed like being on a modem on a good day or ADSL1 on a bad day.

                    Old Provider Scores

                    All support calls with my previous ISP support usually went one of two ways

                    • We cannot escalate this issue (dead landline/slow data speeds) to NBN because your router is “syncing” (all be it slowly and with a dead landline).
                    • We will send you a new router (mostly with experimental firmware?).

                    The landline stopped working and we got used to rebooting the router multiple times a day.

                    NBN is having troubles?

                    NBN woes signal boom in fixed wireless broadband internet (1 in l 6 NBN connections fail.

                    1st Telstra Inquiry

                    On the 30th June 2018, I chatted with Telstra to investigate Telstra NBN options.

                    General Info

                    Duration (actual chatting time)00:40:54
                    OperatorTelstraOperator (real name redacted)

                    Telstra Chat Transcript (*** = “*** removed delayed replies for readability ***”. Some numbers have been pre redated by Telstra?, Telstra Typo’s not corrected.)

                    P.S The real name provided by the Telstra Operator has been replaced with TelstraOperator (as I promised to hide names when asking for permission to post the conversation on my blog).

                    fyi: Alison and myself (Simon) are married.

                    > Info: Thank you for choosing Telstra 24×7 Live Chat. A representative will be with you shortly. At the conclusion of your chat please take a few moments to give us some feedback on your experience today.
                    > Info: All agents are currently assisting others. Thank you for your patience.
                    > Info: You are now chatting with TelstraOperator.
                    > TelstraOperator: Welcome to Telstra, this is TelstraOperator one of the sales representatives. How may I help you today?
                    > TelstraOperator: Hello Alison how are you?
                    > Alison: (***Asked about switching NBN to Telstra***)
                    > Alison: Do you we need to leave the current provider or can we transfer?
                    > TelstraOperator: Could you please provide me your account /home number with complete name and Date of birth? I will quickly have a look.
                    > …
                    > Alison: (*** I provided my addresss ***)
                    > Alison: (*** I provided my landline ***)
                    >TelstraOperator: I Thought you are existing Telstra customer
                    > Alison: Telstra mobile but (Previous ISP Name) phone
                    > Alison: We want the phone and nbn to be on Telstra with mobile number
                    > …
                    > TelstraOperator: Thank you for the address, and yes while palcing the order you will get a option to enter your deatails, so our team will cancel your current broadband plan and switch to Telstra.
                    > Alison: Nice
                    > TelstraOperator: Thank you, (Please allow me a moment while i check the same in our system.)
                    > Alison: Ok
                    > Alison: I have an optus phone I am willing to switch ove too
                    > Alison: Over
                    > TelstraOperator: Greta, yes you can switch your number as well with us.
                    > TelstraOperator: After running the serviceability check it was found that Telstra will be able to provide you service via NBN which is the fastest fiber optic based technology we offer, and with our NBN plan you will get 50 mbps speed .
                    > Alison: Are you sure it’s fibre optic?
                    > TelstraOperator: Great! Based on the information you have provided today, I would like to offer you _ our $79 plan for ***** gb data per month + new smart modem free , and pay as you go calls, however if you want the cals so you can add our calling pack any time for $10 unlimited loclam national ,Aus mobile calls .
                    > TelstraOperator: And yes its a fibre optic .
                    > Alison: Our nbn at present is copper vdsl
                    > Alison: sounds great
                    > Alison: Do we pay extra to upgrade our house line to fibre from copper?
                    > TelstraOperator: Thank you, and like to
                    > TelstraOperator: iNFORM*
                    > TelstraOperator: Like to inform*
                    > Alison: What deals can we get with a landline phone, nbn 50/20/***** and 1 or 2 mobiles a month?
                    > Alison: Sounds good, thanks
                    > TelstraOperator: After sign up our $79 plan our team will come to your place to set up our service for you,and there is only one time fee of $99 for activtion feeand this fee will be add on your firts bill , so no need to pay any thing right now , and this fee will cover all like set up , line connection technical team visiting etc.
                    > TelstraOperator: And yes on $79 plan you can add mobile plan as well any time .
                    > …
                    > Alison: Can you double check please the fibre optic, is this to the house or nbn cabinet?
                    > TelstraOperator: Sur
                    > TelstraOperator: sure*
                    > Alison: Can I share these awesome details on my blog? So sick of (*** Previous ISP Name ***) NBN
                    > TelstraOperator: Thank you for waiting, as I have checked and confirm with my team as well, so yes fibre optic its availabl.
                    > TelstraOperator: Order Processing You will have to place an order from the Telstra website itself, I will help you with the process whenever you are ready.
                    > Alison: fibre to the house?
                    > …
                    > TelstraOperator: Yes , You can connect to the nbn™ network via Fibre to the Curb technology.
                    > TelstraOperator: Fibre.
                    > Alison: Oh, so it’s not fibre to the house but copper from the house to the node then fibre the exchange from the node
                    > TelstraOperator: Yes, but do noty worry.
                    > TelstraOperator: As I have inform you
                    > Alison: yes fibre or copper from the house? Huge differences.
                    > TelstraOperator: That after signup the plan our team will come to your place to do all teh set up from your streret to your house
                    > TelstraOperator: With a fibre .
                    > Alison: Sorry to be a pain and ask for clarification but it’s copper from the house to the node not fibre. Answers being blogged here for other to read https://fearby.com/article/upgrade-adsl2-fttn-nbn-national-broadband-network-australia-journey/
                    > TelstraOperator: I understand it’s been an inconvenience and I’m sorry., but let me explain .
                    > Alison: Not sure it’s legal for you to say I can get fibre nbn when it’s copper to the node?
                    > TelstraOperator: As I have inform that our team will set up the service from your street to your home, it means our team will do the new cabling from your strtyee to your home, of fibre .
                    > Alison: FttN or FttC
                    > TelstraOperator: For thaat reason only there is one time fee of $99 .
                    > Alison: Awesome
                    > Alison: Do we pay for the fibre from our house to the street? Our driveway is 80m long
                    > …
                    > Alison: Nice, based on your advice of new fibre and price, we will signup ASAP, do you have a reference number we can use to lock this in?
                    > TelstraOperator: Thank you we can sign up the plan now as well
                    > TelstraOperator: And after sign u p the plan our team will call you with i 24 hours for the confirmatoin.
                    > TelstraOperator: Order Processing You will have to place an order from the Telstra website itself, I will help you with the process whenever you are ready.
                    > Alison: I need to confirm we can exit our nbn plan from the current provider first
                    > Alison: do you have a reference number for this chat?
                    > Info: The chat transcript will be sent to: simon@fearby.com at the end of your chat.
                    > : ThatTelstraOperator’s fine , no worries please take your time,and once your ready so please feel free to chat back with us
                    > TelstraOperator: I hope I have replied all your queries successfully?
                    > Alison: It has, awesome news tekstea
                    > Alison: telstra
                    > TelstraOperator: Thank you,I have a small favour to ask.
                    > TelstraOperator: It has been a pleasure serving you, please take a few moments to give us some feedback on your experience today. Please Initiate the End Chat Session Now, by clicking the (+) sign, and Select the ‘End Chat Conversation’ and you can also get a copy of our chat transcript by selecting ‘Email Transcript’ button.
                    > TelstraOperator: Thank you,I am glad I was able to assist. Is there anything else I could help you with today?
                    > Alison: Yep, can I share this info on my personal blog? happy to blur out names.
                    > TelstraOperator: yes of cource you camn
                    > Info: The chat transcript will be sent to: simon@fearby.com at the end of your chat.
                    > TelstraOperator: can*
                    > …

                    Summary

                    • TelstraOperator: Great! Based on the information you have provided today, I would like to offer you _ our $79 plan for ***** gb data per month + new smart modem free , and pay as you go calls, however if you want the cals so you can add our calling pack any time for $10 unlimited loclam national ,Aus mobile calls .
                    • TelstraOperator: And yes its a fibre optic .
                    • Alison: Do we pay extra to upgrade our house line to fibre from copper?
                    • Alison: Can you double check please the fibre optic, is this to the house or nbn cabinet?
                    • TelstraOperator: Thank you for waiting, as I have checked and confirm with my team as well, so yes fibre optic its availabl.
                    • Alison: fibre to the house?
                    • TelstraOperator: As I have inform that our team will set up the service from your street to your home, it means our team will do the new cabling from your strtyee to your home, of fibre .
                    • Alison: Do we pay for the fibre from our house to the street? Our driveway is 80m long
                    • Alison: Nice, based on your advice of new fibre and price, we will signup ASAP, do you have a reference number we can use to lock this in?

                    I was left thinking that I was being offered fibre to the house (FTTP – fibre laid up my driveway).

                    Telstra promise of Fibre (FTTN)?

                    Telstra Fibre Promise?

                    Street to the house cabling (Fibre).

                    FTTP?

                    Fibre to the house sounds awesome.

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                    Exiting my contact with my previous ISP

                    I asked my previous ISP to release me from the contract I was in (given the ongoing issues)

                    Request to leave my previous ISP

                    My previous ISP called and said that I can leave the contract 🙂

                    2nd Telstra Inquiry (and switchover to FTTN)

                    On the 3rd of July 2018, I contacted Telstra Chat to confirm fibre again and to switch over if it was fibre.

                    General Info

                    Duration (actual chatting time)00:47:30
                    OperatorTelstraOperator (real name redacted)

                    Telstra Chat Transcript (*** = “*** removed delayed replies for readability ***”. Some numbers have been pre redated by Telstra?, Telstra Typo’s not corrected.)

                    P.S The real name provided by the Telstra Operator has been replaced with TelstraOperator (as I promised to hide names when asking for permission to post the conversation on my blog).

                    > Info: Thank you for choosing Telstra 24×7 Live Chat. A representative will be with you shortly. At the conclusion of your chat please take a few moments to give us some feedback on your experience today.
                    > Info: You are now chatting with TelstraOperator.
                    > TelstraOperator: Welcome to Telstra, this is TelstraOperator one of the sales representatives. How may I help you today?
                    > TelstraOperator: Hello Simon , how are you?
                    > Simon Fearby: Hello, (Previous ISP Name Redacted) just said I can exit a 50/20 NBN contract early so I can switch to Telsta NBN (Connect Plus)
                    > Simon Fearby: Shall I cancel with (Previous ISP Name Redacted) then signup with Telstra to make things smoother or transfer and have Telstra pull the number etc?
                    > TelstraOperator: That’s good to know, and good choice of plan, Sure I Telstra sure provide teh service,and Telstra will cancel yourt current (Previous ISP Name Redacted) plan as well .
                    > TelstraOperator: While placing the order you will get a option to enter your (Previous ISP Name Redacted) details
                    > Simon Fearby: So I should signup with Telstra, enter address and number and then have Telstra pull services then call (Previous ISP Name Redacted) to ensure all is cancelled?
                    > Simon Fearby: Nice.
                    > TelstraOperator: Yes corret .
                    > TelstraOperator: Can I have your complete address to perform a serviceability check for you?
                    > Simon Fearby: I cant wait, Telstra’s service sounds great.
                    > Simon Fearby: (*** I provided my addresss ***)
                    > TelstraOperator: Thank you, in our $79 plan you will gte ***** gb data per month+ new smart modem free , no calls included , however if you want the calls so you can add our $10 calling pack for ulnimited local, natioanl ,Aus mobile calls .
                    > Simon Fearby: Thanks
                    > Simon Fearby: We dont make many calls. 🙂
                    > Simon Fearby: So we signup online?
                    > TelstraOperator: After running the serviceability check it was found that Telstra will be able to provide you service via NBN which is the fastest fiber optic based technology we offer, and with our NBN $79 plan you will gte 50 mbps speed.
                    > Simon Fearby: Do we pay extra for fibre to be installed?
                    > TelstraOperator: Once the order will be placed, soon you will receive an email and SMS about the package details. The plan/bundle will be activated in your account within 5 to 7 business working days based upon cabling work required . The necessary devices will be sent within 5-7 business working days, and if you want in urgent so while placing the order you can select connect me soon option.
                    > TelstraOperator: NO , There is only one time cost for $99 for activtion fee, and thsi fee will be add on your First bill so no need to pay any thing right now , and this fee will cover all like set up, line connectiojn , technical team visiting etc.
                    > Simon Fearby: Thanks for your information, this has made me decide switch 🙂
                    > TelstraOperator: Great, Order Processing You will have to place an order from the Telstra website itself, I will help you with the process whenever you are ready.
                    > Simon Fearby: Will do tonight.
                    > Simon Fearby: Thanks TelstraOperator
                    > TelstraOperator: Sure, but I like to suggest to go right now
                    > TelstraOperator: Because I will be there online for you
                    > Simon Fearby: go and get connected?
                    > TelstraOperator: So if you stuck in ay question so i can help you
                    > …
                    > TelstraOperator: So you can sign up the plan any time .
                    > Simon Fearby: Just to confirm we dont need to pay for the fibre optic trench form the cabinet to the house up our driveway?
                    > TelstraOperator: No need to pay any extra
                    > TelstraOperator: The $99 wil cover all.
                    > TelstraOperator: will *
                    > Simon Fearby: Im happy to switch now, just got the ok.
                    > TelstraOperator: Awesome, so shall we go a head to sign up the $79 plan ?
                    > Simon Fearby: Yep.
                    > TelstraOperator: Sure captain .
                    > TelstraOperator: https://www.telstra.com.au/broadband/plans-bundles
                    > Simon Fearby: Lets do this
                    > …
                    > TelstraOperator: please visit the above link to sign up the $79 p;lan
                    > Simon Fearby: done
                    > TelstraOperator: After visit the link, please enter your address.
                    > Simon Fearby: I can self install
                    > TelstraOperator: Yes
                    > : You have to select self install option.
                    > TelstraOperator: When you click ‘select’, it will take you to the online order form. You will have to fill the details and pass me the Order Reference Number that is generated after the order is placed successfully for further processing.
                    > Simon Fearby: doing now 🙂
                    > Simon Fearby: Whats “Registered Priority Assistance customer.”?
                    > TelstraOperator: Sure,please take your time, and once you done, please pass me the order id munnuimber for the further process, and Thank you. I am there online in case you need any help.
                    > TelstraOperator: We offer Priority Assistance which is a free service designed to help customers who have (or are living with someone who has) a diagnosed life threatening medical condition and whose life may be at risk without access to a fully operational phone service. Eligible customers can register for Priority Assistance and we will install a Priority Assistance customer’s first home phone line at their address as quickly as possible.
                    > Simon Fearby: just confirming phone bundle
                    > TelstraOperator: Yes
                    > Simon Fearby: can i select the $10 unlimited calls option later?
                    > TelstraOperator: yes of cource
                    > Simon Fearby: “Yes, with another service provider and I want to switch to Telstra” = (Previous ISP Name Redacted)?
                    > TelstraOperator: you can add the add on stuiff any time .
                    > TelstraOperator: Stuff*
                    > Simon Fearby: nice
                    > TelstraOperator: Yes correct ,and enter your (Previous ISP Name Redacted) details.
                    > Simon Fearby: “Connection Type” = Cable Other?
                    > TelstraOperator: please select other .
                    > TelstraOperator: As part of your service, your name, address and phone number will be published in the printed and online White Pages directories and available from Directory Assistance. If you don’t want your details published, we offer a private number service called Silent Line free per month. We’ll also block your number so that when you call others they won’t be able to see your number. It’s important to know that a Silent Line alone won’t stop all telemarketing or unwanted calls. Would you like a silent Line?
                    > TelstraOperator: As part of the Telstra family it’s important to know all the best ways you can make changes and view your account online. Your first stop for all things related to your account is My Account found at: https://www.my.telstra.com.au. Here you can view your accounts, current invoices and make change requests to your accoun
                    > TelstraOperator: The whole process takes anywhere from 5 to 7 business days to get you connected after you sign-up.
                    > TelstraOperator: You won’t be charged for any excess broadband usage, however your speed will be shaped to 256 kbps for that month or until you do a data top-up.
                    > TelstraOperator: Your Telstra Technician will call when they’re on their way. Please allow around 4 to 5 hours for your appointment. You must have : an authorised representative on your account on site and available during your appointment(s), access to all work areas (including any required work permits), access to any service configuration emails that we’ve sent you, access to any relevant usernames and passwords. If your installation requires any non-standard services or equipment, your technician will discuss your options and let you know any extra costs before commencing work.
                    > TelstraOperator: We offer the option to connect to the nbn network if you’re confident with installing your own devices and if your home set-up is fairly simple, this would be the ‘Self Install’ option. If a standard Professional Installation/ tech visit is required, there will be a charge of $240 (one off). The $240/standard Professional Installation/ tech visit fee is available on a 12 month service repayment option. Additional costs will apply if you have complex cabling requirement
                    > Simon Fearby: DONE.
                    > TelstraOperator: There must be a working phone line/cable in the property for Telstra to provide services. If cabling is required, additional charges may incur.
                    > TelstraOperator: https://www.telstra.com/content/dam/tcom/personal/help/pdf/cis-personal/bundles-c/personal-critical-information-summary-telstra-plans-bundles-MOSC2160.pdf
                    > TelstraOperator: The above link its for our $79 Critiacl info summary , so you can go throuigh it any time .
                    > Simon Fearby: how do i pay?
                    > TelstraOperator: you will get a bil after 30 days .
                    > Simon Fearby: What about $99 setup fee?
                    > TelstraOperator: It will add on your First bill.
                    > TelstraOperator: And from second montyh it will be $79 per month .
                    > Simon Fearby: Nice.
                    > Simon Fearby: When will the fibre be connected to the house and router turn up?
                    > TelstraOperator: After sig up the plan our team will come to your place to set up our service for you, and our team will call you with in 24 hours for the confirmation.
                    > Simon Fearby: Thanks
                    > TelstraOperator: Thank you, once you done please pass me the order number /
                    > Simon Fearby: Today?
                    > Simon Fearby: So I check email?
                    > Simon Fearby: ########
                    > Simon Fearby: What’s next? We’ll process your request within 24-48 hours and contact you to clarify details of your order if required. Your order Order reference number: NA########
                    > TelstraOperator: NO , OUR team will create a pass word them you can checked the email .
                    > Simon Fearby: thanks, so that is?
                    > TelstraOperator: Fantastic,thank you for the order id number, soon you will receive an email and SMS about the package details. and one call fro our team with in 24 hours for the confirmation.
                    > …
                    > TelstraOperator: Just to summarise what you have purchased today our $79 copnnet plus plan with NBN
                    > TelstraOperator: My account As part of the Telstra family it’s important to know all the best ways you can make changes and view your account online. Your first stop for all things related to your account is My Account found at: https://www.my.telstra.com.au. Here you can view your accounts, current invoices and make change requests to your account.
                    > TelstraOperator: CrowdSupport If you have further questions about your services in the future, I also recommend visiting our crowdsupport page at: https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/. This is a digital community providing support and answers to a list of commonly asked questions by our customers. Have a browse and ask a question, there are no bad questions.
                    > Simon Fearby: Yes, with pay as you go phone.
                    > TelstraOperator: I hope I have replied all your queries successfully?
                    > TelstraOperator: Yes correct .
                    > Simon Fearby: Thanks, can I tell my friends on blog how awesome Telstra are?
                    > Simon Fearby: https://fearby.com
                    > TelstraOperator: YES please .
                    > Simon Fearby: Thanks
                    > …
                    > TelstraOperator: It has been a pleasure serving you, please take a few moments to give us some feedback on your experience today. Please Initiate the End Chat Session Now, by clicking the (+) sign, and Select the ‘End Chat Conversation’ and you can also get a copy of our chat transcript by selecting ‘Email Transcript’ button.
                    > …
                    > TelstraOperator: Thank you for visiting Telstra, have a nice day.

                    Summary

                    > TelstraOperator: After running the serviceability check it was found that Telstra will be able to provide you service via NBN which is the fastest fiber optic based technology we offer, and with our NBN $79 plan you will gte 50 mbps speed.
                    > Simon Fearby: Do we pay extra for fibre to be installed?
                    > Simon Fearby: Just to confirm we dont need to pay for the fibre optic trench form the cabinet to the house up our driveway?
                    > Simon Fearby: When will the fibre be connected to the house and router turn up?

                    Again I was expecting Fibre to the house.

                    Continue onto Part 2

                    WiFi Research

                    I found this Telstra Wifi Page:
                    https://www.telstra.com.au/broadband/extras/getwifi

                    I Downloaded the Telstra home Dashboard App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.telstra.wifidiag

                    House Plan

                    Telstra Map House Wifi Speeds

                    My Wifi Speeds

                    Wifi Speeds

                    Related Links

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                    Revision History

                    V8.2 TIO case closed.

                    V8.1 upload limit removed by Telstra Specialist.

                    V8.0 Telstra confirmed that NBN visited last week and fixed a fault. Also 14Mb upload OK ok.

                    V8.0 slow upload speeds remain

                    V7.9 slow upload speed

                    V7.8 unscheduled technician visit while I was out.

                    V7.7 third plan restart?

                    V7.6 remote fix scheduled.

                    V7.5 technician vitlsit booked.

                    V7.4 Update 4th October 2018.

                    V7.3 the TIO called and asked that the remaining issue is? (I said dropouts, slow uploads and fluctuating speeds). New Telstra case manager will be assigned.

                    V7.2 slow speeds

                    V7.1 Upload speeds now 14Mb (20% lower)

                    V7.0 Created Part 5 (Part 4 was too slow to edit on mobile)

                    V6.9 the Internet is going down a lot tonight, 6x already.

                    V6.8 NBN went down, I called Telstra and the automated voice said they can’t find a NBN plan attached to our landline.

                    V6.7 data slow again?

                    V6.6 landline back, data stable, no FTTP. Case over?

                    V6.5 landline and data are back but no services are listed in our account.

                    V6.4 Telstra landline is still dead, data poor. Talked to Teksta and they cancelled our contract and will reconnect in 6 days.

                    V6.5 silent case manager.

                    V6.5 reconnection date changed to 27/9/2018.

                    V6.4 reconnection date changed to 1/10/2018

                    V6.3 dead landline still.

                    V6.2 dead landline and unstable speeds again.

                    V6.1 router is working video, why send a tech.

                    V6.0 Local Telstra technician tried to visit (Telstra did not call him to cancel the call). Again Telstra need a working CRM.

                    V5.9 I requested a new case manager.

                    V5.8 Telstra cancelled todays technician visit (news to me), Telstra rescheduled to next month.

                    V5.7 Telstra CEO blocked me.

                    V5.6 I advised Telstra of the days I will be home for NBN to visit again. Waiting for a confirmation.

                    V5.5 TIO said they cant help for a few more weeks, Telstra NBN visit appointment issues.

                    V5.4 Being booted of NBN so they can reconnect us with the old number.

                    V5.3 Mandatory Telstra visit required to port a landline.

                    V5.2 Telstra replied to the query about $40/mobthly landline BILL (needed to port our landline)

                    V5.1 TIO office and asked Telstra to send a bill.

                    V5.0 Re adding advertisements’s to this blog post to help pay for my mobile data.

                    V4.9 Splitting the guide into 4 parts (it is too long and I cant edit on my phone).

                    V4.8 CEO comments

                    V4.7 microchip details invalid.

                    V4.6 two more weeks to wait.

                    V4.5 two months on

                    V4.4 deadlines passed, escalating.

                    V4.3 FTTN running very slowly.

                    V4.2 my desire for FTTP is my fault?

                    V4.1 Error porting number.

                    V4.0 50/20 FTTN is back up.

                    V3.9 replacement router received.

                    V3.8 Donated $10 USD to the Electronic Frontier Foundation – The leading nonprofit defending digital privacy, free speech, and innovation (to cover any revenue gained from an ad’s in the post sidebar (no ads are in the header or content).

                    V3.7 Telstra CEO replied on Twitter.

                    V3.6 TIO added link to Complaint Handling Procedure.

                    V3.5 mobile quota update.

                    V3.4 Weekend with no Internet or phone.

                    V3.3 dead router, no internet or phone.

                    V3.2 todo factory reset router.

                    V3.1 No outages nearby

                    V3.0 No Internet.

                    V2.9 TIO resolution time expired.

                    V2.8 TIO complaint update.

                    V2.7 no reply from Telstra today, added profit fall link.

                    V2.6 early update on final day of TIO complaint

                    V2.5 3pm speed test added.

                    V2.4 Telstra called.

                    v2.3 Added WiFi MAp and Telstra call details.

                    V2.2 added 100/40 FTTN 6am speed test

                    V2.1 added 100/40 FTTN night speeds.

                    V2.0 added 100 Mbit FTTN

                    V1.9 Telstra were in touch.

                    V1.8 added lunch time speed test.

                    V1.7 added back flip link on 1gb speeds

                    v1.6 Instability and dropouts tonight

                    v1.5 Complaint is back to the Executive Customer Contact Team 🙁

                    v1.4 NBN Co to slow down heavy NBN users?

                    v1.3 added requested speed test

                    v1.2 speed test falling well below 50Mb.

                    v1.1 Telstra received my TIO complaint.

                    v1.0 Escalated to ACCC and Telecommunication Ombudsman

                    v0.99 update 2nd August 2018

                    v0.98 added Links section

                    v0.97 Escalated to Telstra “Escalated Complaints Group”

                    v0.96 Next update in 2 days.

                    v0.95 escalated to Executive Complaints Team

                    v0.94 added Telstra link

                    v0.93 added 2nd phone update.

                    v0.92 added update re phone line.

                    v0.91 added nbn issues article

                    v0.9 Draft Post

                    Setup a dedicated Debian subdomain (VM), Install MySQL 14 and connect to it from a WordPress on a different VM

                    by

                    This is how I set up a dedicated Debian subdomain (VM), Installed MySQL 14 and connected to it from a WordPress installation on a different VM

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                    Aside

                    If you have not read my previous posts I have now moved my blog to the awesome UpCloud host (signup using this link to get $25 free UpCloud VM credit). I compared Digital Ocean, Vultr and UpCloud Disk IO here and UpCloud came out on top by a long way (read the blog post here). Here is my blog post on moving fearby.com from Vultr to UpCloud.

                    Buy a domain name here

                    Domain names for just 88 cents!

                    Now on with the post.

                    Fearby.com

                    I will be honest, fearby.com is my play server where I can code, learn about InfoSec and share (It’s also my stroke rehab blog).

                    There is no faster way to learn than actually doing. The problem is my “doing” usually breaks the live site from time to time (sorry).

                    I really need to set up a testing environment (DEV-TEST-LIVE or GREEN-BLUE) server(s). GREEN-BLUE has advantages as I can always have a hot spare ready. All I need to do is toggle DNS and I can set the GREEN or BLUE server as the live server.

                    But first  I need to separate my database from my current fearby.com server and setup up a new web server. Having a Green and Blue server that uses one database server will help with near real-time production website switches.

                    Dedicated Database Server

                    I read the following ( Should MySQL and Web Server share the same server? ) at Percona Database Performance Blog. Having a separate database server should not negatively impact performance (It may even help improve speeds).

                    Deploy a Debian VM (not Ubuntu)

                    I decided to set up a Debian server instead of Ubuntu (mostly because of the good focus on stability and focus on security within Debian).

                    I logged into the UpCloud dashboard on my mobile phone and deployed a Debian server in 5 mins.  I will be using my existing how to setup Ubuntu on UpCloud guide (even though this is Debian).

                    TIP: Sign up to UpCloud using this link to get $25 free UpCloud VM credit.

                    Deploy Debian Sevrer

                    Deploy a Debian server setup steps:

                    1. Login to UpCloud and go to Create server.
                    2. Name your Server (use a fully qualified domain name)
                    3. Add a description.
                    4. Choose your data centre (Chicago for me)
                    5. Choose the server specs (1x CPU, 50GB Disk, 2GB Memory, 2TB Traffic for me)
                    6. Name the Primary disk
                    7. Choose an operating system (Debian for me)
                    8. Select an SSH Key
                    9. Choose misc settings
                    10. Click Deploy server

                    After 5 mins your server should be deployed.

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                    After Deploy

                    Setup DNS

                    Login to your DNS provider and create DNS records to the new IP’s (IPv4 and IPv6) provided by UpCloud. It took DNS 12 hours to replicate to my in Australia.

                    Add a DNS record with your domain registra A NAMe = IPV4 and AAAA Name = IPv6

                    Setup a Firewall (at UpCloud)

                    I would recommend you set up a firewall at UpCloud as soon as possible (don’t forget to add the recommended UpCloud DNS IP’s and any whitelisted IP’s your firewall).

                    Block everything and only allow

                    • Port 22: Allow known IP(s) of your ISP or VPN.
                    • Port 53: Allow known UpCloud DNS servers
                    • Port 80 (ALL)
                    • Port 443 (ALL)
                    • Port 3306 Allow your WordPress site and known IP(s) of your ISP or VPN.

                    Read my post on setting up a whitelisted IP on an UpCloud VM… as it is a good idea.

                    UpCloud thankfully has a copy firewall feature that is very handy.

                    Copy Firewall rules option at UpCloud

                    After I set up the firewall I SSH’ed into my server (I use vSSH on OSX buy you could use PUTTY).

                    I updated the Debian system with the following  command

                    Get the MySQL Package

                    Visit http://repo.mysql.com/ and get the URL of the latest apt-config repo deb file (e.g “mysql-apt-config_0.8.9-1_all.deb”). Make a temp folder.

                    Download the MySQL deb Package

                    Install the package

                    Update the system again

                    Install MySQL on Debian

                    Secure MySQL

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                    You can secure the MySQL server deployment (set options as needed)

                    Install NGINX

                    I installed NGINX to allow Adminer MySQL GUI to be used

                    I ran these commands to install NGINX.

                    I edited my NGINX configuration as required.

                    • Set a web server root
                    • Set desired headers
                    • Optimized NGINX (see past guides here, here and here)

                    I reloaded NGINX

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                    Install PHP

                    I followed this guide to install PHP on Debian.

                    Install PHP FPM

                    Increase Upload Limits

                    You may need to temporarily increase upload limits in NGINX and PHP before you can restore a WordPress database. My feabry.com blog is about 87MB.

                    Add “client_max_body_size 100M;” to “/etc/nginx/nginx.conf”

                    Add the following to “/etc/php/7.2/fpm/php.ini”

                    • post_max_size = 100M
                    • upload_max_filesize = 100M

                    Restore a backup of my MySQL database in MySQL

                    You can now use Adminer to restore your blog to MySQL. Read my post here on Adminer here. I used Adminer to move my WordPress site from CPanel to a self-managed server a year ago.

                    First login to your source server and export your desired database then login to the target server and import the database.

                    Firewall Check

                    Don’t forget to allow your WordPress site’s 2x Public IP’s and 1x Private IP to access port 3306 in your UpCloud Firewall.

                    How to check open ports on your current server

                    Set MySQL Permissions

                    Open MySQL

                    I ran these statements to grant the user logging in on the nominate IP’s access to MySQL.

                    Reload permissions in MySQL

                    Allow access to the Debian machine from known IP’s

                    Edit “/etc/host.allow”

                    Additions (known safe IP’s that need access to this MySQL remotely).

                    Tell MySQL to listen on

                    Edit “/etc/mysql/my.cnf”

                    Added..

                    I guess you could change the port to something random???

                    Restart MySQL

                    Install a second local firewall on Debian

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                    Install ufw

                    Do add the IP of your desired server or VPN to access SSH

                    Do add the IP of your desired server or VPN to access WWW

                    Now add the known IP’s (e.g any web servers public (IPv4/IPv6) or Private IP’s) that you wish to grant access to MySQL (e.g the source website that used to have MySQL)

                    Do add UpCloud DNS Servers to your firewall

                    Add all other rules as needed (if you stuff up and lock your self out you can login to the server with the Console on UpCloud)

                    Restart the ufw firewall

                    Prevent MySQL starting on the source server

                    Now we can shut down MySQL on the source server (leave it there just in case).

                    Edit “/etc/init/mysql.conf”

                    Comment out the line that contains “start on ” and save the file

                    and run

                    Reboot

                    Stop and Disable NGINX on the new DB server

                    We don’t need NGINX running now the database has been imported with Adminer.

                    Stop and prevent NGINX from starting up on startup.

                    Check to see if MySQL is Disabled

                    Yep

                    Test access to the database server in PHP code

                    Add to dbtest.php

                    Check for open ports.

                    You can install nmap on another server and scan for open ports

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                    Install nmap

                    Scan a server for open ports with nmap

                    You should see this on a server that has access to see port 3306 (port 3306 should not be visible by non-whitelisted IP’s).  Port 3shouldoudl not be seen via everyone.

                    You should see something like this on a server that has access to see port 80/443 (a web server)

                    I’d recommend you use a service like https://pentest-tools.com/network-vulnerability-scanning/tcp-port-scanner-online-nmap# to check for open ports.  https://hackertarget.com/tcp-port-scan/ is a great tool too.

                    https://www.infobyip.com/tcpportchecker.php is also a free port checker that you can use to verify individual closed ports.

                    Screeshot of https://www.infobyip.com/tcpportchecker.php

                    Hardening MySQL and Debian

                    Read: https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/securing-debian-howto/ap-checklist.en.html

                    Configuring WordPress use the dedicated Debian VM

                    On the source server that used to have MySQL edit your wp-config.php file for WordPress.

                    Remove

                    add (read the update below, I changed the DNS IP to the Private IP to have free traffic)

                    Restart NGINX

                    Restart PHP-FPM

                    Conclusion

                    Nice, I seem to have shaved off 0.3 seconds in load times (25% improvement)

                    1sec gtmtrix load time

                    Update: Using a Private IP or Public IP between WordPress and MySQL servers

                    After I released this blog post (version 1.0 with no help from UpCloud) UpCloud contacted me and said the following.

                    I will have updated my references in this post and replace the public IP address (that is linked to DNS record for db.fearby.com) and instead use the private ip address (e.g 10.x.x.x), your servers private IP address is listed against the public IPv$ and IPv6 address.

                    I checked that the local ufw firewall did indeed allow the private IP access to MySQL.

                    On my new Debian MySQL server, I edited the file /etc/mysql/my.cnf and changed the IP to the private IP and not the public IP.

                    Now it looked like

                    (10.x.x.x  my Debian servers private IP)

                    On my WordPress instance, I edited the file  /www-root/wp-config.php

                    I added the new private host

                    (10.x.x.x  my Debian servers private IP)

                     

                    Alos on Debian/MySQL ensure you have granted access to the private IP of the WordPress server

                    Edit /etc/host.allow

                    Add

                    Restart MySQL

                    TIP: Enable UpCloud Backups

                    Do setup automatic backups (and or take manual backups). Backups are an extra charge but are essential IMHO.

                    UpCloud backups

                    Troubleshooting

                    If you can’t access MySQL log back into MySQL

                    and run

                    Reboot

                    Lower Upload Limits

                    Don’t forget to lower file upload sizes in NGINX and PHP (e.g 2M) now that the database has been restored.

                     

                    I hope this guide helps someone.

                    TIP: Sign up to UpCloud using this link to get $25 free UpCloud VM credit.

                    https://www.upcloud.com/register/?promo=D84793

                    Ask a question or recommend an article

                    Your Name (required)

                    Your Email (required)

                    Your Question

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                    Revision History

                    v1.6 Changed Public IP use to private IP use to ensure we are not charged when the serves sage goes over the quota

                    v1.5 Fixed 03 type (should have been 0.3)

                    v1.4 added disable nginx info

                    v1.3 added https://www.infobyip.com/tcpportchecker.php

                    v1.1 added https://hackertarget.com/tcp-port-scan/

                    v1.0 Initial Post

                    Adding two sub domains (one pointing to a new UpCloud VM and the other pointing to an NGINX subsite) on Ubuntu 18.04

                    by

                    Here is how I added two subdomains (one pointing to a new UpCloud VM and the other pointing to an NGINX subsite) on Ubuntu 18.04

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                    If you have not read my previous posts I have now moved my blog to the awesome UpCloud host (signup using this link to get $25 free credit). I compared Digital Ocean, Vultr and UpCloud Disk IO here and UpCloud came out on top by a long way (read the blog post here). Here is my blog post on moving from Vultr to UpCloud.

                    UpCloud performance is great.

                    Upcloud Site Speed in GTMetrix

                    Buy a domain name from Namecheap here.

                    Domain names for just 88 cents!

                    Goal(s)

                    Setup 2x subdomains on https://fearby.com

                    – Sub Domain #1: https://test.fearby.com (pointing to a dedicated UpCloud VM in Singapore for testing).

                    – Sub Domain #2: https://audit.fearby.com (pointing to a sub-website on the NGINX/VM that runs https://fearby.com )

                    Let’s set up the first Sub Domain (dedicated VM) and SSL

                    Backup

                    Do backup your server first.

                    VM

                    I created a second server ($5 month or $0.07c hour 1,024MB Memory, 25GB Disk, 1024 GB Month Data Transfer) at UpCloud. If you don’t already have an account at UpCloud use this link to signup and get $25 free credit ( https://www.upcloud.com/register/?promo=D84793 ). Read my blog post on why UpCloud is awesome and how I moved my domain to UpCloud.

                    Once I spun up a second server I obtained the IPv4 and IPv6 IP addresses of the new “test” VM from the UpCloud dashboard.

                    DNS

                    These DNS records were already in place with my DNS provider (Cloudflare).

                    I added these DNS records for the subdomains.

                    I added a new A NAME record for the new shared NGINX subdomain (for https://audit.fearby.com), this subdomain will be a sub-website that is running off the same server as https://fearby.com

                    I added another set of records for the new dedicated VM  subdomain (for https://test.fearby.com)

                    I waited for DNS to replicate around the globe by watching https://www.whatsmydns.net/

                    Setup a Firewall

                    On the new dedicated https://test.fearby.com VM, I installed the ufw firewall.

                    I configured the firewall to allow minimum ports (and added whitelisted IP for port 22 and added UpCloud DNS servers). I will lock this down some more later.

                    TIP: If your ISP does not offer a dedicated IP try a VPN. I use https://cyberghostvpn.com on OSX and Android.

                    Firewall rules.

                    I enabled the firewall.

                    Install NGINX (on https://test.fearby.com)

                    On the new dedicated https://test.fearby.com VM I…

                    Created a new www root

                    Set permissions

                    Installed NGINX

                    I created a placeholder webpage

                    Configured the root value in /etc/nginx/sites-available/default

                    Created a symbolic link of the nginx config

                    Lets Encrypt SSL

                    I have previously setup Lets encrypt on Ubuntu 16.04 but not 18.04. Certbot had info on setting up Lets Encrypt for 14.x 16.x and 17.x but not 18.x

                    Full credit for the SSL steps goes to @Linuxize ( tips on setting up Lets Encrypt on Ubuntu 18.04 ). Check out https://linuxize.com/

                    I installed Lets Encrypt certbot

                    I created a new Diffie–Hellman key

                    Map requests to http://test.fearby.com/.well-known/acme-challenge to /var/lib/letsencrypt/.well-known ( Read the linuxize post for detailed steps ).

                    Create a /etc/nginx/snippets/letsencrypt.conf on http://test.fearby.com and enforce the redirect.

                    Create a /etc/nginx/snippets/ssl.conf file on http://test.fearby.com

                    Let’s get a certificate

                    Certificates have been created 🙂

                    Now lets edit “/etc/nginx/sites-available/default” on https://test.fearby.com VM and add the cert paths.

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                    Reload NGINX

                    or

                    Now let’s setup the second subdomain (subsite off https://fearby.com) and SSL

                    VM

                    I already have NGINX on https://fearby.com set up a second site.

                    DNS

                    We have already setup a DNS record for https://audit.fearby.com (above)

                    Firewall

                    Already configured at https://fearby.com

                    SSL

                    Because I had an existing Comodo certificate on https://fearby.com I am going to repeat the steps above to generate a new certificate but save the NGINX config to /etc/nginx/sites-available/audit.fearby.com (this activates the second site)

                    TIP: Follow the Linuxize guide here (for creating ssl.conf, letsencrypt.conf etc config files), Do a backup and restore if need be.

                    I created a new Diffie–Hellman key

                    Let’s get a certificate

                    Configure NGINX

                    Map requests to http://audit.fearby.com/.well-known/acme-challenge to /var/lib/letsencrypt/.well-known ( Read the linuxize post for detailed steps ).

                    I created a new NGINX site ( /etc/nginx/sites-available/audit.fearby.com )

                    I created a symbolic link of the config file

                    Reload NGINX

                    or

                    How to test the certificate renewal

                    Automate the renewal in crontab (every 12 hours)

                    I set this crontab entry up on https://fearby.com and https://test.fearby.com

                    Conclusion

                    Yes, I haVe 2 subdomains (1x dedicated VM and the other is a sub-website off an existing server) with SSL certificates.

                    Ping Results

                    Webpage Results

                    Screenshow showing the main site and 2 subdomains in a web browser

                    Troubleshooting

                    If you are having troubles generating the initial certificate check that you have not blocked port 80 and don’t have “Strict-Transport-Security” heavers enabled.

                    I re-ran the certbot command but pointed to the real /www-root (not/var/lib/letsencrypt/)

                    Create a new

                     

                     

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                    I hope this guide helps someone.

                    Please consider using my referral code and get $25 credit for free.

                    https://www.upcloud.com/register/?promo=D84793

                    Ask a question or recommend an article

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                    Revision History

                    v1.1 Troubleshooting

                    v1.0 Initial Post

                    Upgrading an Ubuntu server on UpCloud to add more CPU, Memory and Disk Space

                    by

                    Before UpCloud, when I had 512MB ram on Vultr I had multiple NGINX crashed a day so I used a bash script and scheduled a cron job to clear memory cache when memory fell below 100MB (view the script here).  To further increase the speed of the WordPress I have configured the OS to use memory over the disk.  About once a day free memory falls below 100MB (this is not a problem as my script clears cached items automatically).

                    Read the full article here: https://fearby.com/article/upgrading-an-ubuntu-server-on-upcloud-to-add-more-cpu-memory-and-disk-space/

                    Upgrading an Ubuntu server on UpCloud to add more CPU, Memory and Disk Space

                    by

                    Upgrading an Ubuntu server on UpCloud to add more CPU, Memory and Disk Space

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                    If you have not read my previous posts I have now moved my blog from Vultr to the awesome UpCloud host (signup using this link to get $25 free credit).

                    Recently I compared Digital Ocean, Vultr and UpCloud Disk IO here and UpCloud came out on top by a long way (read the blog post here). Here is my blog post on moving from Vultr to UpCloud.

                    Spoiler: UpCloud performance is great.

                    Upcloud Site Speed in GTMetrix

                    Why Upgrade

                    I have 1 CPU, 1 GB memory and 50GB storage and it is running well?  I have PHP child workers set up and have set up the preferred use of memory over swap file usage.

                    View of htop querying processes on Ubuntu

                    Before UpCloud, when I had 512MB ram on Vultr I had multiple NGINX crashed a day so I used a bash script and scheduled a cron job to clear memory cache when memory fell below 100MB (view the script here).  To further increase the speed of the WordPress I have configured the OS to use memory over the disk.  About once a day free memory falls below 100MB (this is not a problem as my script clears cached items automatically).

                    Graph of memory falling below 100MB every day

                    I’d like to add more memory as I am working on some things (watch this space) and I will use the extra memory. I’d prefer the server is set up now for the expected workload.

                    How to Upgrade

                    This is how I upgraded from 1xCPU/2GB Memory/50GB Storage/2TB Transferred Data to a 2 CPU/4GB Mmeory/80GB Storage/4TB Transferred Data server.

                    UpCloud Pricing: https://www.upcloud.com/pricing/

                    Pricing table form https://www.upcloud.com/pricing/

                    Upgrade an UpCloud VM

                    I shut down my existing VM. Read this guide to setup a VM.

                    Login to the UpCloud dashboard, select your server (confirm the server has shut down) and click General Settings, choose the upgrade and click Update.

                    Upgrade the Server, shut it down the server and choose upgrade

                    I confirmed the upgrade options (2x CPU, 4096 MB Memory).

                    Confirm Upgrade Options

                    Click Update

                    Upgrade Applied

                    After 10 seconds you can start your server from the UpCloud server.

                    I confirmed the CPU upgrade was visible in the VM

                    Software Tweaks Post Upgrade.

                    I added these settings to the top of /etc/nginx/nginx.conf to ensure the extra CPU was used.

                    I increased PHP FPM ( /etc/php/7.2/fpm/php.ini ) to increase the memory usage and child workers. I doubled child workers and max memeory limit.

                    I restarted NGINX and PHP

                    I tweaked WordPress max memory limits

                    MySQL Tweaks: I logged into MySQL

                    I ran “SHOW GLOBAL STATUS” to view stats