Multi-factor authentication plays a critical role in securing our digital identity. From online banking and paying bills to managing work and business accounts, remote storage accounts, and cloud services, MFA provides a secure way of protecting identity access and managing it according to industry standards.
What is MFA?
MFA is used throughout most people’s daily lives; it is a proven security measure that requires the user to authenticate access to a specific service using two or more forms of identity. MFA typically requires two forms of identity, but it’s not uncommon for more to be needed for super-sensitive data.
Either way, you need the following authentication factors:
- Something You Know – typically a password or PIN
- Something You Have – usually a unique security token on a smartphone, physical hardware token, or smart card
- Something You Are – this relates to biometric factors, fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, etc.
MFA access requires entering your username and at least one of the security factors mentioned above. Often, you need to provide two-factor authentication, but how much depends on the provider’s security conditional access policies.
What Is an MFA Provider?
An MFA provider is a specialist digital security provider that offers Multi-Factor Authentication solutions to enhance the security of digital systems and user accounts. They provide specific tools and technologies that require users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing their accounts, websites, servers, or applications.
MFA solutions typically include methods such as SMS codes, biometric scans, and software or hardware tokens. By creating user-friendly and easy-to-manage solutions, MFA providers offer security as a service embedded into your IT infrastructure and consumed on demand.
An MFA solution is typically hosted in the cloud, but local installations are still popular despite requiring on-premise servers to access applications and websites. MFA providers aim to provide you with an easy-to-use, plug-and-play security solution.
Top 10 MFA Providers
Here are our top 10 MFA providers. These providers are those that focus primarily on MFA. There are other security products and authentication apps available that incorporate MFA into their offering; however, we have opted for those businesses where Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a core component of the service or application.
#10: Ping Identity
Why Ping Identity Stands Out
Ping Identity is a popular identity and access management provider known for its MFA solutions. The main focus here is identity management. Its MFA solution is available as a consumable cloud service or as an on-premise deployment. It has a number of neat security features built in, such as adaptive authentication that alters the type of authentication challenges based on user the behavior, their location, or the device being used.
Who Can Benefit from Ping Identity
Ping Identity is suitable for almost any size business. It scales well and is very compatible. Ping Identity is a strong choice for organizations seeking a comprehensive and adaptable MFA solution as part of a broader identity management strategy. However, for those needing a simple and cost-effective MFA solution, there are better providers available, but Ping Identity is a good starting point.
Pros
- Deep focus on identity and access management
- Wide range of MFA solutions that work with various platforms and directory services
- Adaptive authentication for a balance between security and convenience
- Strong integrations with existing security tools
Cons
- Can be complex to set up and manage compared to simpler MFA solutions
- Can be costlier than some basic MFA providers
#9: IBM Security Verify
Why IBM Security Verify Stands Out
IBM Security Verify is a great business tool with some great AI-powered features, including the ability to analyze login attempts for high-risk factors and adapt authentication requirements for a more secure and dynamic approach. It works with cloud deployments and on-premise. It is highly compatible with IBM hardware and offers a wide range of authentication methods, including push notifications, fingerprint recognition, and one-time passcodes. This allows users to choose a convenient yet secure authentication method anywhere.
Who Can Benefit from IBM Security Verify
IBM Security Verify is great for small, medium, and large businesses. It has a number of unique compliance standards built in, so it’s a great fit if your business requires regulatory compliance. The AI features are very reliable with good automation capabilities, and IBM has nailed the UI.
Pros
- AI-powered risk assessment for enhanced security
- Supports hybrid cloud environments for flexible deployment
- User-friendly with various authentication methods
- Compliance-oriented features
Cons
- May be complex to set up and manage compared to simpler MFA solutions
- The cost might be a factor compared to some basic MFA providers
#8: LastPass
Why LastPass Stands Out
LastPass is famous for creating an industry-leading password management tool called LastPass. Their MFA tool is integrated into the password management tool and enables and integrates passwordless authentication. It’s a very easy-to-use product, and the MFA tools are very convenient because users can access both password management and MFA through a single platform, which greatly simplifies the login processes. LastPass is available with a free tier, making it an attractive option for individuals or budget-conscious organizations.
Who Can Benefit from LastPass
LastPass targets the consumer market, startups, and smaller businesses. Its monthly fees are very reasonably priced, but it lacks many of its competitors’ key features. For smaller businesses seeking a cost-effective way to add multi-factor authentication to their security posture, LastPass can be a good starting point.
Pros
- Convenient integration with password management
- Free tier available for basic MFA functionality
- User-friendly interface available as a web app or locally installed application
Cons
- Limited Features compared to dedicated MFA providers
- There have been some past security incidents involving LastPass, which may raise concerns for some users.
- LastPass does not cater to the complex needs of larger organizations with stricter security requirements.
#7: Authy
Why Authy Stands Out
Authy is a very popular choice in the DevOps sector. It offers mobile apps for various platforms, allowing users to gain access to their MFA tokens on various devices. Best of all, you can sync across numerous devices, so you are not tied to a single mobile phone or laptop. Authy offers a free tier with unlimited devices, making it an attractive option for personal use or small teams.
Who Can Benefit from Authy
Authy targets individual users, startups, and small businesses. It’s popular because it offers a fully featured free tier, a user-friendly interface, and no annoying security questions. The mobile app is simple to use and responsive and works on Android and iOS. Authy’s combination of accessibility, simplicity, and versatility makes it an ideal choice for individuals seeking reliable authentication solutions.
Pros
- Free tier for personal use
- Cross-platform accessibility with mobile apps for various devices
- Multi-device sync for redundancy and convenience
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited Features for Businesses such as advanced security options or administrative controls.
- Some have questioned Authy’s reliance on SMS verification, a method potentially vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks.
- Authy’s core functionalities might not cater to the stricter compliance requirements or complex needs of large enterprises.
#6: AuthO
Why AuthO Stands Out
Auth0 provides a comprehensive suite of tools for user authentication, authorization, and access to modern identity management. The MFA provider features streamline identity management for organizations and provide a more consistent user experience. Developers love AuthO, which has really powerful API integration. It offers lots of customization out of the box for authentication workflows that can be adapted to your own security policies.
Who Can Benefit from Auth0
Auth0 is great for growing businesses like startups and for organizations with in-house development teams; Auth0’s developer-friendly tools can simplify the integration of MFA into existing applications. Businesses with a growing workforce or complex security requirements can benefit from Auth0’s scalability and customization options.
Pros
- Comprehensive IAM platform with MFA as a core feature
- Developer-friendly tools for easy integration
- Scalable and customizable to fit your needs
Cons
- Cost! Auth0 is an expensive solution, especially for organizations only needing basic MFA functionality.
- Setting up and managing a comprehensive IAM platform can be more complex than implementing a basic MFA solution.
#5: Google Authenticator
Why Google Authenticator Stands Out
Google Authenticator is one of my personal favorite MFA tools. Its major selling point is its simplicity, its ease of installation, the app’s ease of use, and, of course, it just works. You get 2FA and Time-based one-time passwordless authentication out of the box – and it works offline. It’s highly compatible and works on servers and in the cloud. Best of all, it’s completely free.
Who Can Benefit from Google Authenticator
Google has targeted the authenticator at absolutely everyone: anyone who uses online accounts with sensitive information (banking, email, social media) and who prioritizes online security and wants an additional verification step.
Pros
- Makes your accounts more secure by adding an extra layer of protection.
- Works even without internet access.
- Compatible with many online services.
- Free and easy to use.
Cons
- Losing your phone can cause problems if you don’t have backups.
- Requires an extra step to log in compared to just a password.
- Lacks some advanced features of other authenticator apps.
#4: Microsoft Entra ID (AzureAD)
Why Microsoft Entra ID Stands Out
I’ve never understood Microsoft’s fascination with renaming their products. Most likely know this product as Azure AD, a cloud-based authentication service for managing user access and identities. It works at a global scale and provides access to various Microsoft Services like Microsoft 365 (Microsoft Office), the Azure cloud console, and, of course, Active Directory resources. It also works seamlessly with 3rd Parties; for example, I can log into numerous cloud apps using Entra ID. It offers multi-factor authentication, conditional access, and identity protection.
Who Can Benefit from Microsoft Entra
Azure AD [sorry], Entra ID is suitable for businesses of all sizes with features for on-premises and cloud environments. It’s the perfect fit for businesses using Microsoft cloud services (Office 365, Azure) that need centralized user access identity management features; it works on-premise with other cloud providers and is superb at hybrid setups (perhaps you have on-prem Active Directory). If you are planning on migrating to the cloud, EntraID has lots of really useful tools to get you into the Microsoft cloud ecosystem.
Pros
- Centralized management: simplifies user access control across multiple services.
- Enhanced security: offers robust security features to prevent unauthorized access.
- Scalability: adapts to businesses of various sizes and needs.
- Flexibility: works with cloud and on-premises environments.
Cons
- Complexity: setting up advanced features might require technical expertise.
- Microsoft-centric: primarily focused on managing access to Microsoft services.
#3: Cisco Secure Access by Duo
Why Cisco Secure Access Stands Out
Cisco Secure Access by Duo is a cloud-based security solution that focuses on two-factor authentication (2FA) and access control. It’s built upon the zero-trust approach; that is, every login attempt forces verification. The 2FA is one of the best in the industry and offers various authentication methods beyond passwords, like push notifications and security keys.
Who Can Benefit from Cisco Secure Access
Cisco’s target Duo is small, medium, and large businesses, but it is mostly used by enterprise-size business users. It’s a great tool for securing an entire business’s online activity and is vital to protecting against data breaches and unauthorized access.
Pros
- Enhanced security: zero-trust approach and strong 2FA minimize unauthorized access.
- Improved remote access: secures access for remote workers from any device.
- Device visibility: provides insights into device health for better security posture.
- Simple user experience: user-friendly authentication methods like push notifications.
Cons
- Cost: requires a subscription for the service.
- Potential Integration Challenges: may require additional configuration for some applications.
- Management Complexity: managing access policies for various users and devices might require training.
#2: RSA SecureID Access
Why RSA Secure Access Stands Out
At number two is RSA Secure ID Access, a cloud-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution designed to secure user access to applications and resources. RSA was one of the first providers to offer MFA and the first to widely use hardware security tokens for its users. It features risk-based authentication and adaptive authentication that changes authentication policies based on the user’s behavior. RSA supports various MFA methods like software tokens, hardware tokens, and biometrics.
Who Can Benefit from RSA Secure Access
RSA Secure ID offers industry-leading protection for organizations that need tough security measures in place. Businesses that are heavily regulated will benefit from the protections on offer. The initial configuration is complicated and requires thought and consideration, but it simplifies the login process while maintaining strong security.
Pros
- Intelligent security: tailored authentication based on risk level for optimal security.
- Flexible authentication: offers multiple MFA options to suit user preferences.
- Easy to use: streamlines the login process for a positive user experience.
Cons
- Cost: requires a subscription for the service.
- Potential integration complexity: may require configuration for specific applications.
- Management overhead: managing user access policies and authentication methods might require training.
#1: Okta
Why Okta Stands Out
At number one is Okta, a cloud-based platform for managing user access and identities across various applications and services. Okta uses a simple-to-use, single sign-on process combined with MFA to give access to practically any application you want. Users are granted access via a control panel using group permissions; once configured, you simply assign the user to the group, and Okta then handles the automated onboarding of the user. It’s such a seamless process that users love the simplicity, and administrators have a much easier task of managing new starter accounts.
Who Can Benefit from Okta
Okta is suitable for almost all businesses, but it’s a great fit for medium-sized and start-ups. Businesses needing to move fast and grow quickly. If you have a diverse application set, Okta makes the whole process of authorizing access to applications simple, and it absolutely improves the user experience.
Pros
- Streamlined access: SSO simplifies logins for users and reduces password management burden.
- Centralized control: manages user identities and access from one location.
- Robust security: offers various features to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Improved user experience: reduces login hassles and allows easy access to authorized applications.
Cons
- Cost: requires a subscription with pricing based on features and user count.
- Complexity: setting up advanced features might require technical expertise.
- Learning curve: users may need some training to adapt to new authentication methods.
Atantic.Net Multi-Factor Authentication Managed Services
Password security is a vital layer of defense in every network. Complex passwords are now standard, and Atlantic.Net’s Multi-Factor Authentication service adds further protection to ensure your environment is hardened against external threats.
Our multi-factor authentication service feature integrates with most on-premise and cloud apps, such as Office 365, Salesforce, Box, Dropbox, Google, Slack, and DocuSign. Export our SDK to project management apps, including Confluence, Jira, Splunk, and Drupal, and client libraries, such as Python, Ruby, Classic ASP, and Java, to further safeguard your information.
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of validated authentication, making it more challenging for unauthorized users to break in. This service protects your sensitive information and systems behind numerous security checkpoints.
Want to know more? Contact our customer support team for more information.
