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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? MFA is a security access management solution that verifies a user's identity at login with two or more verification factors. By providing a layer of protection to a user or company’s data, MFA helps to prevent malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks. With Cisco Duo, MFA is easier than ever to integrate, implement, and use.

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What Does Duo's Multi-Factor Authentication Do?

Duo's MFA product combines multiple factors of authentication to provide robust security that is flexible for users but rigid against threat. The interface provides a fast, non-disruptive and simple authentication experience, helping users focus their time on what matters most.

A pie graph and a monitor demonstrating multiple graphs demonstrates the Duo MFA administrator interface

MFA Integration

Duo is highly scalable and can be easily integrated with most major apps and custom applications, enabling a secure access solution that can be implemented with minimal IT involvement.

A user authenticates by use of physical MFA tokens like u2f keys

Customized Set-Up

Duo multi-factor authentication offers a range of powerful authentication methods to choose from and combine, such as biometrics, tokens, passcodes, the Duo Push mobile app, and more.

An MFA and 2FA user works from home with secure access tools with their MFA or 2FA app

User-Friendly Authentication

Implementing MFA is quick and easy for users with Duo's MFA mobile app. By streamlining the authentication process with easy verification from mobile devices, the Duo app not only reduces your total cost of ownership but also helps users adopt MFA with ease.

A protractor and electrical blueprint demonstrate the evaluation of multi-factor authentication solutions with Duo

What is the Best Multi-Factor Authentication?

Not every MFA solution is the same. Some vendors only provide the bare minimum needed to meet compliance requirements — and include lots of hidden costs required for deployment, operation, and maintenance. Plus, many traditional solutions are clunky and error-prone, and require extensive user training and support.

Check out our free eBook to learn how to find an MFA solution that works for you and your business, and get started on the road to better data security now!

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Duo Named Best 2FA App

Duo Mobile has been named the best two-factor authentication (2FA) app by the New York Times Wirecutter! Stay secure and in control with optional backups and onboarding.

Check out what they had to say about Duo!

The New York Time Wirecutter says that Cisco Duo is the best 2FA app

What are the Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication With Duo?

Frustrate Attackers, Not Users

We're the easiest MFA solution for users and administrators. Duo Mobile and Verified Duo Push are just two examples of the convenient, user-friendly MFA methods that we support. All a user has to do is download the Duo Push application onto their smartphone and voila: they’re ready to authenticate!

Get Adaptive Authentication

Duo's adaptive authentication is an advanced type of MFA that lets you create custom access policies based on contextual factors like role, application, geographic location, network, and device health.

Build a Foundation for Passwordless

Duo Passwordless Authentication builds on MFA to verify user identity with login tools like biometrics, security keys, and the Duo Push mobile app. Users only have to verify once in a timeframe set by administrators, making it simpler than ever to log on securely.

Scale MFA as You Grow

Because Duo functions like a gateway for your existing and future IT infrastructure, it’s the perfect solution for growing businesses of any size. Set up new users and support new devices at any time, and protect new applications almost instantly — without impacting legacy technology.

Deploy MFA Quickly and Easily

Finally—a multi-factor authentication solution that isn’t a pain in the neck to roll out. Duo can be added to any existing environment or platform, and its self-enrollment feature makes it easy for users to get set up.

Expand Your Coverage

Duo natively integrates to secure any application or platform, so whether you're adding two-factor authentication (2FA) to meet compliance goals or building a full zero trust framework, Duo is the perfect addition to your security portfolio with tools like:

  • Multi-cloud, hybrid, or on-premises environments

  • Software as a service (SaaS) tools, critical infrastructure, custom applications, even secure shell (SSH)

  • Secure remote access and VPN clients, bring your own device (BYOD), and even offline devices

Trust radius 2025

Duo named 2025 Buyer’s Choice by TrustRadius

Our users have spoken! Awarded based on real user reviews, we’re thrilled to receive this honor for our standout capabilities, value, and customer dedication.

Read About Our TrustRadius Accolades

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