Activating Your New Empire AI Account

There are a few setup steps that you will need to complete to activate your new Empire AI user account. Please follow this guide and you should not encounter any issues. If you do, please contact us by email or talk to your institutional technical representative for help.

Step 1: Account creation

After your account is created you will receive an email from FIDO@empireai.edu with information about your new account.

Step 2: PIN Code

When your account is freshly created a special code (PIN) is required to start the on-boarding process. This PIN will allow you to log into FIDO and have the ability to set your initial password. 

This PIN will be distributed to you either in-person or by text message to the phone number listed for your account.

This PIN will not be distributed by email.

Step 3: Set your initial password

When the PIN number is distributed to you, look for an email from FIDO@empireai.edu with the subject "Empire AI account ready". This email will contain a link to click to begin the password change process. You will be prompted for the PIN you received, and will then be able to configure your password.

Step 4: Request a one-time authenticator code

To protect every account with two-factor authentication from the start, a fake authenticator is attached to your new account during creation. You will need to click on the "Retrieve Authenticator Backup Code" link in the red box on the FIDO page. 

This will open a new page with an 8-digit number displayed near the top.

Step 5: First SSH and permanent authenticator

You now have all the information needed for your first SSH connection to the cluster and the linking of your permanent authenticator! Start by using your favorite SSH terminal software to connect to your_username@alpha.empire-ai.org. When you are prompted for "Authenticator code" enter the 8-digit number from FIDO, and when prompted for "Password" enter the password you set in Step 3.

A large QR code will be shown to you that you can scan with your preferred phone-based authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator, Duo, Microsoft Authenticator, etc. After scanning, check your app for a 6-digit code and enter it at the "Enter code form app" prompt.

Congratulations! Your Empire AI account is fully configured and ready for use! 

If you ever forget your password or lose access to your authenticator you can use these same steps to recover your account. If you need help just send us an email or talk to your institutional representative for assistance.

Happy computing!