The PingID App provides significant usability and security benefits. Therefore, the PingID App is the recommended Multi-Factor Authentication method for MyID. The App has also been approved for ACP 3 (C3) data by SiemensCERT (Cyber Emergency Readiness Team).
Please avoid using One-time password via SMS as second factor and keep it only as a backup Mutli-Factor Authentication method due to its weak reliability and security shortcomings. Furthermore, the SMS delivery generates high cost for our company. Please foster the ownership culture avoiding them.
Why is Multi-Factor Authentication important?
Passwords alone no longer offer sufficient protection. According to a survey, 81 percent of all security incidents are related to stolen, spied or weak passwords. That's the reason why we need to protect access to important and critical company data with strong identity verification. Such verification is also referred to a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
MFA verifies a user's identity by combining two independent factors like for instance Username and Password as first factor with an App Confirmation or SMS one-time password as second factor. The combination of both factors provides a very high level of identity assurance and is therefore mandatory for critical applications.
1. Installation of PingID App
1.1 The PingID App can be downloaded from the Public App Stores as well as from the Siemens internal App Store. Please navigate to your preferred App Store and install the app "PingID".
For employees in China: The Google App Store is not available.
1.2 Open the PingID App and accept the terms of service.
1.3 The application must be able to send you notifications and must have access to your camera. Please allow this access.
2. Activation of PingID App
2.1 In order to activate the PingID App, you must pair the app with your Siemens account. The activation is a one-time process and we recommend using the MyID Demo web-application for it. We also recommend performing the activation on your workstation and to use URA or Zscaler if you are not working in your Siemens office.
Please ensure you are logged in with your Windows credentials and not with the PKI card, as otherwise the activation process will not be enforced. Close all open browser windows and open the Demo app (myid.siemens.com/demo) in a new browser window.
Please click on "Two-Factor" and "Login":
2.2 Next click on "Mobile Authentication":
2.3 In order to continue with the activation process you are first required to authenticate yourself. For the first authentication, please select one of the displayed options to authenticate. In case you select "Smart Card" please ensure your PKI card is inserted in your card reader.
2.4 The following window appears. Please click on "I have already installed the PingID app.
2.5 In order to finish the activation process, please open the PingID app on your mobile phone and scan the QR code or enter the displayed pairing key manually.
2.6 Enter your full name and click on "done".
Your PingID app is now ready and can be used for Multi-Factor Authentication.