Top 5 Authenticator Apps for Businesses in 2024
Two-factor authentication (2FA) has become a crucial layer of security for businesses, protecting both their internal systems and customer-facing online services. 2FA adds a barrier to unauthorised access by requiring confirmation through a second verification factor in addition to a password. By doing this, security against credentials being compromised is strengthened without unduly impairing the user experience.
One of the most common second factors utilised in 2FA is a time-based one-time password (TOTP) generated by an authenticator app. These applications use RFC 6238 and other standards to continuously generate six-digit codes that are unique to each user and sync with authentication providers. Users need to enter their password and the most recent TOTP code from the authenticator app to log in.
Authenticator apps combined with 2FA prevent almost all account takeovers, even if username and password details are compromised. Passwords alone can be stolen through data breaches or phishing schemes. If an attacker does not also take the actual authenticator device, their codes are worthless.
Authenticator apps, as opposed to hardware tokens or physical security keys, offer a more affordable and user-friendly option for enterprises deploying 2FA on a large scale across numerous user accounts and systems. The top five authenticator apps that are appropriate for businesses wishing to easily enhance authentication will be examined in this article.
#1 Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is arguably the most well-known 2FA authenticator app due to its wide compatibility and ease of use. It is free to use and generates TOTP codes in a simple yet secure manner.
Scan a QR code or manually enter the secret key shown by the services you want to use to complete the setup process. iOS and Android smartphones can both download the free app. Once set up, it creates and shows rolling 6-digit codes automatically, synchronising with the linked web account.
A major advantage of Google Authenticator is that it works with a vast selection of providers, including Google, Dropbox, Facebook, and many others. This makes it a good initial choice for organisations using various SaaS tools.
End users can self-manage 2FA on their accounts with the app's features, even though there are no administrative controls. It also gives users the option to manually jot down backup codes in case they misplace their device.
Google Authenticator is still the best option for a quick and straightforward 2FA deployment because of its extensive compatibility, simplicity in setup, and ease of use. Multifactor authentication provides an ideal mix of security and usability for most businesses that are just starting out with it.
#2 Microsoft Authenticator
The Microsoft Authenticator app easily incorporates 2FA into the current user ecosystem for businesses that have a significant investment in Microsoft services. It works directly with Azure Active Directory (AD) to provide push-based authentication for accounts linked to a user's Microsoft identity.
Some key features include:
Simple setup that links to a Microsoft account during the initial sign-in process. No manual key entry is required.
Push notifications sent directly to the app prompt users to approve or deny login attempts in real-time, adding an extra layer of protection beyond TOTP codes.
Support for multiple personal and work accounts from Outlook, OneDrive, Office 365, and other Microsoft services.
Easy administration of authenticator enrollment, settings, and account access directly within Azure AD user profiles for business/school accounts.
Cross-platform availability on iOS, Android, and Windows makes it usable across employee-owned and corporate-managed devices.
Because of Authenticator's tight integrations, end users in heavily Microsoft- and cloud-invested organisations can enjoy a seamless and comfortable 2FA process. Central management within an active directory that they already use is advantageous to administrators.
#3 Duo Mobile
Popular authenticator app Duo Mobile was created especially for companies and organisations needing high levels of security.
Some key features include:
Robust administrative controls allow customising account rules, access policies, and risk-based conditional access across user groups from a central dashboard.
Real-time push notifications and inline prompts provide frictionless authentication, while administrators can monitor login attempts.
Detailed logging and reporting help security teams detect anomalies or compromised accounts quickly through behavioural analytics.
Multi-factor enrollment goes beyond just TOTP, supporting security keys, SMS passcodes, and telephone call verification for various identity assurance levels.
Seamless single sign-on integration with leading SaaS and on-premise applications via supported connectors.
Despite being limited to paid subscription plans, Duo Mobile is a more feature-rich configuration tool with more policy controls, making it ideal for larger organisations with intricate environments and regulatory requirements.
It is a top option for businesses managing thousands of users across hybrid on-premises/cloud IT systems and apps due to its ease of administration and sophisticated analytics.
#4 Okta Verify
Okta Verify is the built-in authenticator app powered by the Okta identity platform. It makes use of the more comprehensive access management and single sign-on (SSO) features offered by Okta.
Key features include:
Seamless enrollment process that works directly within the Okta user database and SSO portal.
Works across the full Okta integration ecosystem, including thousands of supported apps.
Push notification approvals remove friction for users, while administrators can require certain verification methods.
Leverages Okta's other identity services like social login, adaptive authentication, Lifecycle management, etc.
Granular policy controls to customise MFA factor use, conditional access, and integration with existing directories.
Advanced directory management, reporting, and APIs are suitable for enterprises.
Verify is an obvious choice for a built-in authenticator for businesses that have already made significant investments in Okta's identity platform. Larger corporate settings benefit from its robust yet seamless MFA experience, which is made possible by its centralised user management and SSO integrations.
Although it is limited to paid Okta plans, it allows users to fully utilise their identity and access management system.
#5: Daito 2FA Authenticator
While not as well-known as some top choices, the Daito Authenticator app stands out for its ability to help businesses share access to accounts between team members securely.
Key features include:
A shared vault that allows multiple authorised users to access the same 2FA codes for an application or service.
Granular permissions control which team members can access specific accounts.
Activity logs and notifications keep admins informed of login attempts across all shared accounts.
Codes can be viewed on any device via mobile or web apps without needing a physical phone present.
It works with all major providers supporting TOTP tokens.
For smaller business contractors,ors or teams that need to securely share access across devices and locations, Daito provides a unique solution. Its shared vault model streamlines account takeovers without compromising security, like forwarding SMS codes.
Daito delivers an effective collaborative 2FA experience for tight-knit workgroups who share work accounts and MSPs managing client environments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of authenticator apps has grown to be essential for establishing robust two-factor authentication in business systems and applications. They enable users to increase security beyond passwords alone without experiencing undue difficulty.
While Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator are popular choices due to widespread compatibility and easy deployment, alternatives like Authy and Okta Verify offer advanced features that may be preferable for larger enterprises. Platform and provider integrations, administrative control requirements, policy requirements, and previous identity infrastructure investments are a few things to take into account when making a decision.
By preventing account takeovers even in the event that usernames and passwords are compromised, all of the highlighted authenticator apps offer strong security. One best practice for protecting customer and business data across online systems is to use an authenticator app on a regular basis in conjunction with strong, unique passwords.
Multifactor authentication has become a basic security hygiene requirement for both enterprises and individual users, as modern threats such as data breaches are regrettably a reality. Authenticator apps for all business sizes provide defences in an approachable manner.