diff --git a/source/java/org/alfresco/web/bean/LoginBean.java b/source/java/org/alfresco/web/bean/LoginBean.java
index 98bf59f141..7f98939dda 100644
--- a/source/java/org/alfresco/web/bean/LoginBean.java
+++ b/source/java/org/alfresco/web/bean/LoginBean.java
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ import org.alfresco.web.ui.common.PanelGenerator;
 import org.alfresco.web.ui.common.Utils;
 import org.apache.commons.logging.Log;
 import org.apache.commons.logging.LogFactory;
+import org.springframework.extensions.surf.site.AuthenticationUtil;
 
 /**
  * JSF Managed Bean. Backs the "login.jsp" view to provide the form fields used
@@ -496,6 +497,10 @@ public class LoginBean implements Serializable
       return outcome;
    }
    
+   public boolean getIsExternalAuthentication(){
+	   HttpServletRequest request = (HttpServletRequest) FacesContext.getCurrentInstance().getExternalContext().getRequest();
+	   return AuthenticationUtil.isExternalAuthentication(request);
+   }
    
    // ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    // Private data