Why a security-first approach to IAM matters more than ever
When it comes to securing your organization, one thing is clear: identity and access management (IAM) is no longer just an IT task. It’s a critical component of your security strategy. Yet, for many organizations, IAM solutions have fallen short of delivering security as a foundational feature.
In a recent Cisco survey of 650 IT and security leaders, 73% revealed that security is often an afterthought in identity infrastructure decisions, while 75% identified complexity in identity infrastructure as a key security challenge. In other words, security is taking a backseat in current solutions at the very same time that IAM is getting more difficult to secure. No wonder Cisco Talos found identity at the center of 60% of breaches.
It’s time for a new approach, one that prioritizes security as fundamental. At Duo, we believe in security-first IAM, built from the ground up to simplify identity management, secure workflows, and prevent identity-based attacks.
The problem with traditional IAM
Traditional IAM tools were designed in a different era, a time when IAM was treated as an IT function with security bolted on later—if at all. This approach often leads to:
Increased complexity: Configuring and deploying security controls in many IAM solutions is clunky and frustrating—a hurdle that many administrators don’t want to deal with - creating gaps in security.
Added cost: Security features are frequently treated as premium add-ons, making them inaccessible for many organizations.
Outdated protection: Even when security features are available, they typically haven't been updated to defend against modern threats, leaving organizations exposed to new attacker techniques.
As highlighted in a recent open letter from the CISO of JPMorgan Chase, fierce competition among software providers has prioritized rapid feature development over robust security. The result? A focus on revenue driving functionality—with insufficient security baked in.
Duo's security-first IAM philosophy
At Duo, we take a different approach. Security isn’t an afterthought—it’s foundational. We make security attainable, not a luxury or an upcharge. This philosophy informs everything we do, from design to deployment. Here’s what we mean by security-first IAM:
Robust security in base offering
Security functionality should not be a way to nickel & dime customers. Organizations that choose Duo will get everything they need to secure their workforce in our base package. This includes:
MFA everywhere, by default: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a cornerstone of security. Duo enables MFA for all use cases—devices, applications, servers—without additional costs or complicated configurations. It’s not a separate SKU, and it’s not harder to turn on for some users than others.
Device trust out-of-the-box: Device trust means you can easily enforce policies that restrict access to corporate resources based on device security posture. Whether you want to allow only managed devices or block unpatched systems, Duo makes it simple.
Totally passwordless options: Passwords are a major security vulnerability. With Duo, you can eliminate them entirely. From enrollment to authentication, users can go completely passwordless, reducing phishing risks and improving user experience.
Built for modern organizations
Duo’s approach to IAM isn’t just secure—it’s also flexible and simple.
Flexibility: Whether you’re starting fresh or integrating with an existing directory, Duo can adapt to your needs. Use Duo Directory as your primary directory or leverage its capabilities to enhance your existing identity infrastructure. Features like Routing Rules and Custom Attributes make it easier to use Duo in conjunction with existing identity infrastructure.
Simplicity: From AI-driven assistance to admin-friendly migration guides, we make deployment easy. Duo’s tools are designed to save you time and reduce frustration, so you can focus on what matters most: protecting your organization.
Security for the modern world
As organizations face an ever-growing landscape of identity-based attacks, a security-first approach to IAM is no longer optional—it’s essential. Duo redefines IAM by embedding security at the core, not as an afterthought.
Whether you’re looking to modernize your IAM strategy or adopt a solution built for today’s challenges, Duo delivers everything you need to secure identities without compromising on budget, ease of use, or flexibility.
Ready to put security first? Learn more about Duo’s security-first IAM solutions on the Duo Directory product page.