Top 5 Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for Businesses in 2024

Multi-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security by requiring two or more authentication methods to verify a user's identity. In addition to passwords, frequently used second factors include one-time passwords produced by hardware tokens or authenticator apps, text messages, email links, app notifications, and security keys.

Due to the increasing number of single-factor credential breaches, implementing MFA has become essential for business security. Businesses can prevent unwanted access attempts even if a username and password are compromised by implementing additional verification procedures. They are significantly better off overall against fraud, phishing, and hacking thanks to MFA.

Solutions for centralised MFA management simplify deployment for a variety of apps, systems, and user devices. They enforce uniform security policies across the entire organisation and automate the provisioning of new users. All login logs are fully visible through central admin controls, making anomalies easy to spot. Centralised multi-factor authentication (MFA) facilitates employee sign-ins while maintaining enterprise-wide access controls when paired with single sign-on (SSO).

Safely confirming identities from any location is essential as workforces increasingly combine remote and office work. On any network or device that staff members use, central MFA platforms boost productivity while facilitating compliance. This article explores the top solutions meeting today's changing authentication needs for hybrid work.

#1 - Duo Security

Duo Security is an incumbent leader in unified MFA and access security. Its wide-ranging platform support covers employee access to virtually any application or service.

Key features include:

• Supports push notifications, phone calls, SMS, security keys, and other 2FA methods.

• Automates workflows through extensive APIs and integrations.

• Granular policy controls enable customised roles, risk factors, and access rules.

• A centralised dashboard provides full visibility into authentication logs.

• Seamless SSO options through SAML and other standards.

• Robust admin permissions for delegated control and detailed reporting.

Duo excels at securing hybrid workforce access due to its expansive coverage of networks, desktops, and mobile environments. Pricing scales to all business sizes.

Its extensive audit trails, session management and flexible onboarding make Duo an editorial choice for robust centralised MFA protection.

Pricing starts from the free plan and goes up to $9/user/month with the premier offering.

#2 - Okta

Okta sets the standard for identity and access management (IAM) through its cloud-based Single Sign-On platform. MFA is tightly integrated within its comprehensive suite.

Key benefits include:

• Central authentication portal for all accounts, SaaS apps, and custom systems.

• Conditional access policies restrict devices and locations.

• Seamless integrations automate complex provisioning workflows.

• Adaptive authentication adjusts strength based on risk factors.

• A universal directory synchronises users across networks.

• Self-service password and account management portals.

Okta is unmatched in automating complex IAM capabilities across sprawling computing ecosystems. Its mobile SSO also streamlines authentication on the go.

Okta MFA has two different pricing options with $3 and $6 user per month.

For organisations with intricate workflows and thousands of applications to secure cohesively, Okta's unified platform makes centralised identity and access management effortless at scale.

#3 - Yubico

Yubico pioneered hardware-based strong authentication with its line of YubiKey USB and NFC security keys. Used by many top companies and government agencies, they deliver the gold standard for verifying users.

Key advantages include:

• FIDO2 and WebAuthn support passwordless logins to websites.

• It works across operating systems on desktop and mobile.

• Tamper-proof design enforces the physical presence factor.

• PIV/FIPS certification meets high-security standards.

• OpenPGP smart card mode adds a layer of encryption.

• A simple enrollment and usage model requires no standalone app.

Yubico seamlessly supplements other MFA methods with its keys. Options like its Enterprise Server integrate hardware verification into existing authentication architectures through a single portal.

When the strongest certainty of user presence is required, such as for controlled access zones or privileged accounts, Yubico delivers top security through certified physical keys.

Credit: Yubikey

#4 - RSA SecurID

RSA SecurID established token-based one-time passwords (OTPs) for strong authentication decades ago and remains steadfastly reliable. Its latest offerings modernise proven security.

Key capabilities:

• Hardware and soft tokens generate time-based OTPs via the app.

• It works on any device, with modular apps for each ecosystem.

• Tight LDAP/Active Directory integration automates provisioning.

• Optional risk engines add context to conventional OTPs.

• Detailed reporting on login audit trails and SSO events.

• Custom workflows are configurable through extensive APIs.

While competitors tout seedier form factors, SecurID delivers dependable assurances from the vetted technology underpinning critical infrastructure worldwide. For mission-critical applications requiring absolute certainty of user validation, RSA SecurID tokens satisfy the highest authentication standards through resilient OTPs.

#5 - Microsoft Azure AD

As digital transformation expands Microsoft environments, Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) seamlessly extends its identity and access capabilities.

Advantages include:

• Native support for all Azure services and Office 365.

• Conditional access policies govern sign-ins based on risk.

• Passwordless authentication via Windows Hello and authenticator apps.

• SSO and identity synchronisation across Windows devices.

• Self-service password reset portals reduce the help desk burden.

• Role-based access control down to the permission level.

Azure AD manages billions of identities and integrates tightly with other key Microsoft technologies. For organisations standardised on these solutions, it provides unified identity management without third parties. Seamless out-of-box protection for native workloads and best-in-class Azure P2 licences make Azure AD a top MFA option for Microsoft shops seeking scalable identity governance.

Conclusion

In summary, Duo Security, Okta, Yubico, RSA SecurID, and Microsoft Azure AD offer fully-featured centralised MFA management for today's distributed and cloud-reliant workforces. Key factors for any organisation to consider include costs, application and platform coverage, policy controls, reporting capabilities, and integration needs.

Looking ahead, passwordless authentication standards like FIDO2 and WebAuthn will continue to gain momentum thanks to solutions like Yubico that securely enable users to bypass passwords entirely. SSO and contextual multi-factor technologies will also blend authentication seamlessly into workflow productivity.

For organisations that have shared work accounts and want to keep security a top priority, Daito should also be included as an additional tool. Daito provides transparent 2FA for shared login scenarios without requiring user changes. It seamlessly strengthens access in environments where credentials are shared out of necessity but high security remains crucial, like in MSPs and agencies with multiple users who have access to one account.

As the threat landscape evolves rapidly, centralised, policy-based MFA will remain crucial for verifying only legitimate user access, no matter where or how employees connect to do their jobs productively in hybrid work models.