Skip to main content

BlastShield Documentation

Step 4 - Connect to your BlastShield™ network and open your Orchestrator

Connect to BlastShield™ using the Desktop Client

You can connect to a BlastShield network using the Desktop Client on your computer and the Mobile Authenticator app on your phone. To learn how to connect, please watch the following video or read the steps below.

  1. Launch the BlastShield™ Desktop App From within the BlastShield™ Desktop App Select the "Mobile App" Authentication Method.

  2. You will be prompted to scan a QR Code with your Mobile App.

  3. Launch the BlastShield™ Mobile Authenticator app and scan the QR Code.

  4. Select your network in the Desktop Client and click on OK.

  5. You will be prompted to verify your facial or fingerprint biometric identification (mobile device dependent).

  6. Once your identification is verified you will be logged into the BlastShield™ network.

  7. If you would like the BlastShield™ Client to stay connected when your screen is locked then you can configure this in the Client as described below.

    1. Click on the BlastShield icon on your desktop.

    2. Click on the Settings menu.

    3. Uncheck the option for Disconnect from network when desktop is locked.

      Desktop_Client_disconnect_from_network_when_desktop_is_locked.png
The Desktop Client user interface

An example of a connected BlastShield™ Client user interface is shown here:

BlastShield_Desktop_Client_labelled.png

The user interface attributes and controls are explained below.

Table 1. Desktop Client user interface

Name

Description

Current Network

Name of the connected BlastShield™ network

Peer Connections

Number of Active / Disconnected peer connections.

E.g, 3/0 means three active peer connections and zero disconnected peer connections.

A disconnected peer connection means the client is trying to establish a connection to the peer but is unable to connect.

Connection Time

The duration of the current connection.

Launch Orchestrator

(Only visable to Administrators)

Opens a session with the Orchestrator (Requires MFA before connection is established).

Disconnect

Will disconnect the current connection

Logs

Opens the Client log viewer.



Note

The BlastShield™ Desktop Client app must remain running while you are connected to the BlastShield™ network. To disconnect, either quit the BlastShield™ Desktop App, or Select Disconnect from the app.

Connect to the Orchestrator

To learn how to connect to the Orchestrator, watch the following video or read the steps below

Tip

Please remember that you must first authenticate and connect to your BlastShield™ network before you can connect to the Orchestrator.

  1. Go to the BlastShield™ Desktop Client on your computer and ensure the Connection Status shows that it is connected.

  2. Select the "Launch Orchestrator" button on the BlastShield™ Client.

  3. Scan the displayed QR code with the BlastShield™ Mobile Authenticator App on your mobile device.

  4. Verify your facial or biometric identity on your mobile device.

  5. The Orchestrator will open in your browser.

Desktop Client Connectivity Requirements

The Desktop Client has the following connectivity requirements.

  1. auth.blastwave.io TCP port 8443 outbound.

  2. All outbound UDP ports to all destinations.

  3. If you use DNS over HTTPS, ensure it is configured in your OS and not in your browser to allow the BlastShield Client to use its associated DNS server.

  4. Ensure that the timezone is correctly set on your computer for your location and that the clock is set accurately.

In this section: