The Top 11 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Solutions For Business
Multi-factor authentication ensures only legitimate users can access accounts and applications. Here's our list of the top MFA solutions for business.
Written by Joel Witts
Technical Review by Craig MacAlpine
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Cisco Secure Access by Duo
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a powerful authentication method. It helps to improve business security by enforcing additional authentication methods, such as a text message, or a fingerprint, before users can access accounts that hold sensitive information or controls.
Essentially, with MFA tools in place businesses have an extra layer of security over their accounts. It helps to ensure that everyone who accesses company information is really who they say they are, helping to reduce the risk of account compromise or loss of sensitive data.
MFA software can verify everyone attempting to gain accesses to company information, ensuring robust security and reducing the risk of account compromise. Users typically authenticate using an app, One Time Passcode (OTP), FIDO2 device, or biometrics, such as face recognition or fingerprint scanning.
MFA is deployed as part of a wider workforce identity stack. Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions typically include Single Sign-On (SSO), phishing-resistant passwordless authentication, and user onboarding/offboarding.
MFA deployment does involve additional work for end users, so it’s important to look for a solution that is low friction, as well as being secure.
To help you find the right MFA provider, here’s our shortlist of the Top Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solutions for businesses. We’ll cover what MFA functionality each vendor offers, what customers have to say about the solution, and what the extra benefits of each service are. Many of these solutions will fit into a wider identity management platform, so we’ll also cover any additional features each vendor provides.
JumpCloud’s Open Directory Platform enables teams to securely connect employees to any resource with robust multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO). The platform integrates identity management, access management, and device management into one secure system.
Why We Picked JumpCloud: We appreciate JumpCloud’s ability to unify the identity stack, combining identity, access, and device management into a single platform. This consolidation simplifies management and enhances security.
JumpCloud Open Directory Platform Best Features: Key features include multi-factor authentication with support for push notifications, Universal Second Factor (UTF) keys, Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTPs), and in-device biometrics. The platform also offers single sign-on, phishing-resistant passwordless authentication, and a consolidated view of user privileges for compliance and conditional access policies. Integrations include native support for JumpCloud Protect authenticator app and cloud-based deployment with on-device agent.
What’s great:
- Unifies identity, access, and device management into one platform
- Supports flexible, phishing-resistant passwordless authentication
- Provides a consolidated view of user privileges for compliance
- Enhances user experience with modern, easy-to-use design
What to consider
- Great for enforcing user friendly authentication workflows
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit JumpCloud directly.
Who it’s for: JumpCloud’s Open Directory Platform is best suited for small-to-medium and mid-market organizations looking to streamline identity management and enhance security for remote or hybrid workforces.
ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus is a robust password manager, endpoint MFA, and SSO solution that secures access to various IT resources, including machines, VPNs, applications, endpoints, and Outlook Web Access. It is designed to protect against credential-based attacks by enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and enabling single sign-on (SSO).
Why We Picked ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus: We appreciate its ability to protect multiple access points with secure MFA and SSO, and its integration with Active Directory for easier deployment and user onboarding.
ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus Best Features: Key features include flexible self-service MFA and password management, robust conditional access policies, and support for various authentication factors such as security questions, SMS, email codes, authenticator apps, hardware security tokens, QR codes, fingerprint, and facial recognition. It can be deployed on servers or machines and integrates seamlessly with Active Directory.
What’s great:
- Protects multiple access points with MFA and SSO
- Easy deployment and onboarding via Active Directory integration
- Flexible self-service authentication options
- Supports a wide range of authentication factors
- Enables robust conditional access policies
What to consider:
- Best suited for Active Directory deployments
Pricing: ADSelfService Plus comes in three tiers (Free, Standard, and Professional). The Professional tier, which includes endpoint MFA capabilities, starts at $1,195 for 500 domain users annually.
Who it’s for: ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus is best suited for larger organizations, particularly in industries such as finance, IT, healthcare, and government, that require comprehensive identity security solutions.
Thales SafeNet Trusted Access is a cloud-based access management solution that provides multi-factor authentication (MFA), adaptive authentication, and single sign-on (SSO) for secure access to cloud and web applications, as well as VPN usage.
Why We Picked Thales SafeNet Trusted Access: We appreciate the solution’s adaptive authentication, which assesses the context of login attempts to detect and respond to anomalous behavior, enhancing security without unnecessary user friction.
Thales SafeNet Trusted Access Best Features: The platform offers multi-factor authentication, adaptive and contextual authentication, integrated single sign-on, and scenario-based access policies. It supports a variety of authentication methods, including traditional passwords, tokens, certificate-based smart cards, Kerberos, SAML, and OIDC. The solution is highly scalable and features a modern admin console with a central policy engine for managing users, groups, and applications.
What’s great:
- Context-based adaptive authentication minimizes user friction
- Centralized policy management simplifies administration
- Supports a wide range of authentication factors
- Highly scalable, enterprise-grade platform
- Granular reporting and policy controls
What to consider:
- Great for larger teams and enterprise level deployments
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit the Thales SafeNet Trusted Access website.
Who it’s for: Thales SafeNet Trusted Access is best suited for mid-sized to large enterprises seeking a robust MFA solution with integrated SSO for securing access to cloud and web-based applications and VPNs.
UserLock provides robust multi-factor authentication (MFA) and access management for on-premise Windows Active Directory environments, extending security to cloud applications. It is designed to enhance security and meet compliance requirements in hybrid and on-premise setups.
Why We Picked UserLock: We appreciate UserLock’s comprehensive approach to MFA and access management, combining ease of deployment with a functional admin console.
UserLock Best Features: Key features include MFA enforcement across Windows logins, remote desktops, VPNs, and cloud apps, with support for mobile push notifications, authenticator apps, and hardware tokens. It also offers single sign-on (SSO), session management, and granular access policies. UserLock supports on-prem and hybrid Active Directory deployments and integrates SAML-based SSO with MFA for cloud application access.
What’s great:
- Deploys in just 20 minutes with minimal ongoing admin work
- Streamlined end-user authentication experience
- Offers up to two MFA methods per user
- Supports a variety of MFA factors including mobile apps and hardware tokens
- Cost-effective per-user pricing model
What to consider:
- Primarily designed for on-premise Windows Active Directory environments
Pricing: UserLock offers a per-user pricing model; contact IS Decisions for specific pricing details.
Who it’s for: UserLock is ideal for organizations with on-premise Windows Active Directory deployments looking to enhance security across both on-premise and cloud applications with minimal administrative overhead.
Cisco Secure Access by Duo
Cisco’s Duo Security is an access management platform that prevents credential-based security risks and aids in meeting regulatory compliance. It offers multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), device visibility, and secure remote access.
Why We Picked Cisco Duo Security: We like Duo’s comprehensive and granular access control policies. Its cloud-based, scalable nature and easy deployment make it an attractive solution for businesses of all sizes.
Cisco Duo Security Best Features: Key features include MFA with support for various factors, such as mobile apps, universal 2nd factor authentication tokens, FIDO-supported hardware tokens, passcodes, U2F USB devices, and device biometrics like FaceID. It also offers SSO, device trust establishment, adaptive authentication policies based on user location and device health, and supports cloud-based, on-prem, or hybrid deployments. Integrations include compatibility with existing environments.
What’s great:
- Seamless and modern user experience with an intuitive mobile app
- Scalable and easy-to-deploy cloud-based solution
- Granular access control policies for enhanced security
- Supports a wide range of MFA factors
What to consider:
- Some organizations may require additional configuration for advanced features
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit Cisco Duo Security directly.
Who it’s for: Cisco Duo Security is best suited for organizations of all sizes looking to enhance their security posture with a robust access management solution. It is particularly effective for businesses aiming to implement a zero trust strategy.
Cisco Secure Access by Duo
IBM Security Verify
IBM Security Verify is an enterprise access management solution that helps security teams govern access to data and applications. It is an identity-as-a-service platform designed for enterprise-level deployments, offering a flexible hybrid solution for those transitioning to cloud IAM.
Why We Picked IBM Security Verify: We like its contextually aware authentication processes that support efficient and secure workforce IAM. IBM’s SSO component supports both cloud and on-prem apps, enhancing its versatility.
IBM Security Verify Best Features: Key features include user management, single sign-on, passwordless authentication, and adaptive MFA. It supports user lifecycle orchestration with no-code workflows managed via a consolidated control panel. The solution continuously monitors user risk with ML-powered contextual analysis and enforces contextual access policies. Identity and risk scanning provides a comprehensive view of potential vulnerabilities, and templates for consent management ensure data privacy compliance. Supported factors include email and SMS OTPs, time-based OTPs, and the IBM Verify Authentication mobile app. Deployment options are cloud-based or on-premises, in a virtual or hardware appliance.
What’s great:
- Contextually aware authentication enhances security and efficiency
- Supports both cloud and on-prem apps with SSO
- No-code workflows simplify user lifecycle management
- Comprehensive identity and risk scanning
- Flexible deployment options
What to consider:
- This is a strong enterprise solution for complex environments
Pricing: For pricing details, contact IBM directly.
Who it’s for: IBM Security Verify is best suited for large enterprises looking to deploy a comprehensive access management suite, particularly those transitioning to cloud IAM or requiring a hybrid solution.
IBM Security Verify
Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) is a cloud-based Identity and Access Management platform that provides secure access to thousands of integrated SaaS applications, as well as internal and custom cloud applications. It leverages Microsoft credentials to enforce access controls on both internal and external resources.
Why We Picked Microsoft Entra ID: We like that Entra ID is easy to deploy for organizations integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It offers seamless user authentication and single sign-on for enterprise apps.
Microsoft Entra ID Best Features: Key features include user-friendly multi-factor authentication, single sign-on for enterprise applications, conditional access policies, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365. Supported authentication methods include Microsoft Authenticator app, Windows Hello for Business, FIDO2 Security Keys, OATH tokens, SMS codes, and voice calls.
What’s great:
- Easy deployment for Microsoft 365 users
- Straightforward user authentication and single sign-on
- Flexible multi-factor authentication options
- Robust conditional access policies
What to consider:
- Primarily designed for Microsoft 365 environments
Pricing: For pricing, visit the Microsoft Entra ID website directly.
Who it’s for: Microsoft Entra ID is best suited for organizations using or planning to use Microsoft 365, seeking to enhance security with user authentication and single sign-on for enterprise applications.
Microsoft Entra ID
Okta Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication
Okta’s MFA solution provides robust security for business accounts with comprehensive Identity and Access Management (IAM) across all enterprise accounts and devices. It integrates seamlessly with internal and external applications to enforce adaptive, conditional MFA for each login attempt.
Why We Picked Okta: We appreciate Okta’s focus on secure, simple, and intelligent service delivery, particularly their easy-to-use admin portal that enforces MFA across the organization with contextual, risk-based policies.
Okta MFA Best Features: Key features include contextual, risk-based authentication policies based on device, network, location, and user behavior, device management capabilities, and restrictions on access from unsecured and unmanaged devices. Okta’s Access Gateway enables pre-built integrations with on-prem and cloud-based apps from a single platform. Supported MFA factors include Okta FastPass, Fido2 WebAuthn keys, smart cards, security questions, SMS, voice & email OTPs, a mobile app, and biometrics. Deployment options are cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid.
What’s great:
- Reduces authentication time and security breaches by 50%
- Contextual, risk-based authentication policies
- Comprehensive device management and access restrictions
- Wide range of supported MFA factors
- Seamless integration with on-prem and cloud-based apps
What to consider:
- OKTA is a market leader in the enterprise identity and access management (IAM) space
Pricing: For pricing details, visit Okta directly.
Who it’s for: Okta’s MFA solution is best suited for mid-market and larger enterprises looking for a market-leading authentication and IAM platform that is quick, easy, and highly secure.
Okta Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication
Ping Identity Multi-Factor Authentication
PingOne is a leading workforce IAM platform that supports cloud authentication for all users on any device. It enables passwordless MFA, SSO, and user directory services for all employees and users.
Why We Picked PingOne: We like Ping’s focus on easy integrations for enterprise customers, using APIs, SDKs, and integration kits to streamline implementation with existing infrastructure. Its context-based adaptive authentication enhances user experience and security.
PingOne Best Features: Features include passwordless MFA, SSO, and user directory services. It supports adaptive, risk-based authentication based on geolocation, IP address, and time since last verification. It offers a directory of over 1,800 pre-built IAM integrations for scalable deployment, and a modern, user-friendly admin console with flexible policy-based control. Supported factors include mobile app push authentication, QR codes, OTPs via SMS, email or voice, TOTP authenticator apps, magic links, FIDO2 biometrics, and security keys. It is cloud-based and can be deployed into your own applications for customer authentication.
What’s great:
- Adaptive authentication improves security and user experience
- Over 1,800 pre-built IAM integrations for easy deployment
- Flexible policy-based control in a user-friendly admin console
- Supports a wide range of authentication factors
- Can be deployed into your own applications
What to consider:
- May require additional setup for complex integrations
Pricing: For pricing details, visit Ping Identity’s website.
Who it’s for: PingOne is best suited for mid-sized to enterprise organizations looking for a secure, easy-to-deploy, and scalable identity-as-a-service solution.
Ping Identity Multi-Factor Authentication
RSA SecurID
RSA SecurID is an enterprise-focused multi-factor authentication (MFA) and access management solution designed for on-premises deployments. It enforces risk-driven authentication policies across organizations using physical authentication devices.
Why We Picked RSA SecurID: We appreciate RSA’s range of hardware authenticators and its support for cloud protocols like one-time passwords (OTPs) and passwordless authentication. The modern admin console allows for easy management of contextual access policies, users, and groups.
RSA SecurID Best Features: RSA SecurID supports hardware and software authenticators, including their own range of hardware keys, OTPs, and passwordless options. It offers policy-driven, phishing-resistant MFA with easy-to-manage physical authentication keys. RSA is designed for both cloud and on-prem use cases, supporting over 500 cloud and on-prem applications, as well as custom-built internal apps. RSA can be deployed in on-prem, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments.
What’s great:
- Policy-driven, phishing-resistant MFA
- Supports a wide range of authentication factors
- Modern admin console for easy management
- Comprehensive support for cloud and on-prem applications
What to consider:
- Primarily designed for enterprise cloud and on-premises deployments
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit RSA’s website directly.
Who it’s for: RSA SecurID is best suited for mid-sized to large enterprise organizations, particularly those in sectors requiring strict compliance regulations such as healthcare, finance, and government.
RSA SecurID
SecureAuth Arculix
SecureAuth provides a comprehensive Workforce IAM platform that enhances security through adaptive multi-factor authentication (MFA) while maintaining a seamless user experience. The solution supports various deployment options, including on-premise, hybrid, and cloud-based, catering to the needs of SMBs, mid-market, and enterprise organizations.
Why We Picked SecureAuth: We appreciate SecureAuth’s flexibility with over 30 authentication methods and its adaptive MFA that adjusts to real-time risk assessments based on device health, IP reputation, and user behavior.
SecureAuth Best Features: Key features include adaptive and continuous risk checks, support for over 30 authentication methods such as biometric and passwordless options, granular admin controls for policy management, and compliance reporting. Deployment options are flexible with on-premise, hybrid, or cloud-based solutions.
What’s great:
- Enhances security with adaptive, conditional MFA
- Supports a wide range of authentication methods
- Offers detailed admin controls and compliance reporting
- Simplifies user onboarding with self-service options
What to consider:
- A flexible MFA solution for companies of all sizes
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit SecureAuth directly.
Who it’s for: SecureAuth is ideal for SMBs, mid-market, and enterprises seeking a flexible and robust MFA solution that simplifies deployment and enhances security without compromising user experience.
SecureAuth Arculix
Other User Authentication Services
Provides hardware security keys for strong authentication.
A software-based authenticator that generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP).
A mobile app that provides TOTP and cloud-based backups for MFA.
Cloud-based MFA and access security solutions.
Offers a range of MFA methods, including hardware tokens, software authenticators, and biometrics.
Provides software-based authentication and strong authentication for privileged access management.
Why Trust This Shortlist?
This article was written by the Content Director at Expert Insights, who has been covering cybersecurity, including identity and access management, for over 6 years. This article has been technically reviewed by our CEO and founder Craig MacAlpine who has over 25 years’ experience in the cybersecurity industry.
Research for this guide included:
- Conducted first-hand technical reviews and testing of several dozen leading identity providers.
- Interviewed dozens of executives in the identity and access management and user authentication industry for first hand insight into the challenges and strengths of different solutions.
- Researched and demoed over 50+ IAM solutions in several categories over several years.
- Spoken to several organizations of all sizes about their MFA challenges and features.
- Read multiple third-party and customer reviews from multiple outlets including paid industry reports.
This guide is updated at least every 3-months to review the vendors included and ensure features listed are up to date.
When considering multi-factor authentication solutions, we evaluated providers based on the following criterion.
Features: Based on conversations with vendors, end customers, and our own testing, we selected the following key features :
- Employee experience: Support for multiple authentication methods, ease of use when authenticating, speed, and simplicity.
- Admin policies & dashboards: Support for granular admin policies to enable access controls and deploy zero trust frameworks. Dashboard should be easy to use and show reporting and analytics.
- Adaptive authentication: Using contextual data to identify and block malicious login attempts by enforcing additional authentication controls.
- Passwordless authentication: Ability for admins to eliminate password usage in the organization, e.g. biometric authentication.
- Phishing-resistance: MFA which cannot be phished via the use of stolen credentials or session tokens.
- IAM capabilities: Additional IAM capabilities and further support for authentication features such as enterprise single sign-on.
Market Perception: We reviewed each vendor included on the Shortlist to ensure they are reliable, trusted providers in the market. We reviewed their documentation, third-party analyst reports, and where possible we have interviewed executives directly.
Customer Usage: We use market share as a metric when comparing vendors and aim to represent high market share vendors and challenger brands with innovative capabilities. We have spoken to end-customers, and reviewed customer case studies, testimonials, and end user reviews.
Product Heritage: Finally, we have looked at where a product has come from in the market. We have looked at when companies were founded, their leadership team, their mission statements, and their successes. We have also considered product updates and how regularly new features are added. We have ensured all vendors are credible leaders with a solution we would be happy to use ourselves.
Based on our experience in the identity and broader cybersecurity market we have also considered several other factors, such as the benefit of consolidating multiple features into a single platform, the quality of the admin interface, the customer support on offer, and other use cases.
There are over 400 vendors in the user authentication market. This list is designed to be a selection of the best providers. Many leading solutions have not been included in this list, with no criticism intended.
How to Choose the Right MFA Solution?
Selecting the right Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solution involves aligning the tool with your organization’s security requirements and user needs. Consider these key steps to make an informed choice:
- Assess Your Security Needs: Evaluate the types of applications, devices, and users (employees, contractors, customers) requiring MFA, and identify key risks like credential theft.
- Define Integration Requirements: Factor in your existing systems (e.g., Microsoft Azure AD, Google Workspace), budget, and compliance needs (e.g., GDPR, PCI DSS) for seamless deployment.
- Prioritize Scalability: Choose a solution that supports your current user base and can scale to accommodate growth or new use cases.
Focus on critical features to ensure robust security and user convenience:
- Diverse Authentication Methods: Look for support for multiple factors like biometrics, push notifications, SMS, and hardware tokens to suit varied user preferences.
- Adaptive Authentication: Prioritize solutions with risk-based policies that adjust authentication requirements based on user behavior or context.
- Seamless Integration: Ensure compatibility with cloud and on-premises applications, identity providers, and VPNs for broad coverage.
- User Management Tools: Verify features like self-service enrollment and policy configuration to streamline administration.
Balance security with usability to maximize adoption and efficiency:
- User-Friendly Experience: Avoid solutions with complex login processes that frustrate users, opting for intuitive interfaces and quick authentication flows.
- Vendor Support Quality: Select providers with responsive support and comprehensive documentation to resolve issues promptly.
- Testing and Trials: Use demos, free trials, or independent reviews to validate performance and fit before committing.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Our guide to the leading Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solutions offers a comprehensive overview of platforms designed to enhance business security by protecting against unauthorized access. The article evaluates solutions based on features like diverse authentication methods, adaptive policies, seamless integration, and user management tools, catering to organizations of all sizes. It underscores the importance of balancing strong security, scalability, and user experience to safeguard sensitive data and meet compliance requirements in a dynamic threat landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Robust Security Options: Top MFA solutions provide multiple authentication methods and adaptive policies to prevent credential-based attacks
- Scalability and Integration: Choose platforms that integrate with existing systems and scale with your organization’s growth.
- User-Centric Design: Prioritize intuitive interfaces and reliable support to ensure high adoption and minimal disruption.
What Do You Think?
We’ve explored the leading MFA solutions, highlighting how these tools empower organizations to secure access and protect against credential theft with ease. Now, we’d love to hear your perspective—what’s your experience with MFA platforms? Are features like diverse authentication methods, adaptive policies, or seamless integrations critical for your organization’s security strategy?
Selecting the right MFA solution can transform how you safeguard your systems, but challenges like user resistance or integration complexity can arise. Have you found a standout platform that’s strengthened your security posture, or encountered hurdles with scalability or usability? Share your insights to help other organizations navigate the MFA landscape and choose the best tool for their needs.
Let us know which solution you recommend to help us improve our list!
FAQs
The Best MFA Solutions For Business: Shortlist FAQs
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a critical security process which adds an additional layer of protection to user authentication.
Most sensitive data breaches are caused by compromised accounts. MFA helps to gain access securely to accounts by enforcing an additional authentication methods check during the login process.
MFA is now standard practice for many consumer apps. But business adoption has been slower due to difficulties in management for admins and end users.
We recommend all organizations have a strong multi-factor authentication solution in place. Typically, we would recommend investing in a platform which also includes identity and access management, identity governance, and further authentication capabilities, such as single sign-on.
MFA works by requiring users to provide two or more independent verification factors to authenticate their identity before granting access to systems, applications, or data. Unlike single-factor authentication (e.g., just a password), MFA combines factors like something the user knows (password), something they have (smartphone for push notifications), or something they are (fingerprint). This multi-layered approach significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
When a user attempts to log in, the MFA system prompts them to complete the required authentication steps. For example, after entering a password, they might receive a push notification on their phone or scan a fingerprint. The system verifies each factor against stored credentials or policies, granting access only if all factors are valid. Adaptive MFA may adjust requirements based on context, like location or device.
MFA integrates with identity providers, email platforms, or VPNs, ensuring compatibility with tools like Microsoft Azure AD or Google Workspace. Many solutions offer self-service options, allowing users to manage their authentication methods, which enhances security without compromising convenience.
Workforce MFA solutions enforce MFA across all enterprise SaaS applications, custom applications, on-premises applications, and end-user endpoints.
- End users: Solutions featured in this list enforce credential-based authentication via hardware and software. This may include asking an end user for a password, alongside the use of a credential keys, facial recognition, or a one-time passcode delivered to a smart device.
- Admins: Enterprise MFA solutions also enable network administrators to gain better visibility into users connected to their network and enforce protection across all users, with detailed reporting dashboards and policy controls. For this reason, MFA is seen as a fundamental step in achieving zero trust principles for organizations.
Enterprise MFA solutions are often delivered as part of a wider identity and access management platform, which can include wider authentication features such as single sign-on, privileged access management, and directory management.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solutions enhance security by requiring multiple verification methods to access systems or applications. Key features include diverse authentication methods (e.g., biometrics, push notifications, SMS), adaptive authentication based on risk, seamless integration with cloud and on-premises systems, and user management tools for easy enrollment and policy configuration. These features ensure robust protection tailored to organizational needs.
The benefits of MFA are significant. It reduces the risk of unauthorized access by adding layers of verification, protecting against credential theft and phishing attacks. MFA supports compliance with regulations like GDPR, PCI DSS, and HIPAA, helping avoid penalties. It also improves user trust and operational efficiency through streamlined access management, making it essential for businesses securing sensitive data and applications.
By combining security with usability, MFA solutions minimize disruptions while safeguarding critical assets. Many platforms offer analytics to monitor authentication trends, enabling proactive security adjustments. This makes MFA a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity strategies for organizations of all sizes.
MFA relies on three primary types of authentication factors to verify a user’s identity, ensuring stronger security than passwords alone. These factors are combined to create a multi-layered authentication process:
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Knowledge Factor (Something You Know): This includes information only the user should know, such as a password, PIN, or answers to security questions. It’s the most common factor but vulnerable if used alone due to phishing or weak credentials.
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Possession Factor (Something You Have): This involves a physical device or item the user possesses, like a smartphone for push notifications, a one-time passcode (OTP) via SMS or app, or a hardware token. It adds a layer of security that’s harder to compromise remotely.
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Inherence Factor (Something You Are): This uses biometric data unique to the user, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice patterns. Biometrics offer high security and convenience but require compatible hardware and careful privacy considerations.
Combining these factors (e.g., password + push notification) ensures robust protection, as attackers would need to compromise multiple elements to gain access.
Choosing an MFA solution requires evaluating your organization’s security, usability, and operational needs. First, assess the types of applications and users (employees, partners, customers) requiring MFA, as well as the risk of credential-based attacks in your industry. Consider compliance requirements like GDPR or PCI DSS to ensure the solution meets regulatory standards.
Key features to prioritize include:
- Flexibility: Prioritize flexibility in deployment and supported authentication solutions. Ensure that solutions do not add friction to end user login workflows – this will lead to additional support tickets. Ask vendors what happens if a user loses their authentication method or cannot access their account.
- Policies: Conditional access is a way for admins to control who has access to what systems. Plan out your requirements and test solutions against them.
- Integrations: It’s important that the system you use can enforce authentication across all applications, devices, SaaS services, and custom architecture needed, and that deployment is scalable and easy to manage.
- Compliance: Many organizations are looking to roll-out MFA for compliance or insurance purposes. Make sure to check for compliance features such as auditing and reporting.
- Prioritize Users: Clearly define your specific requirements, use cases, and challenges before choosing a solution. Consult with company leaders and managers to ensure a fit for all teams to mitigate against friction during onboarding.
Evaluate vendor reliability, including responsive support and trial options to test performance. Balance security with cost, ensuring the solution fits your budget without compromising critical features. By focusing on integration, usability, and compliance, you can select an MFA solution that strengthens security while maintaining operational efficiency.
Written By
Joel Witts is the Content Director at Expert Insights, meaning he oversees all articles published and topics covered. He is an experienced journalist and writer, specialising in identity and access management, Zero Trust, cloud business technologies, and cybersecurity. Joel is a co-host of the Expert Insights Podcast and conducts regular interviews with leading B2B tech industry experts, including directors at Microsoft and Google. Joel holds a First Class Honours degree in Journalism from Cardiff University.
Technical Review
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA cloud, an email security provider acquired by Ziff Davies, formerly J2Global (NASQAQ: ZD) in 2013, which has now been rebranded as VIPRE Email Security. Craig has extensive experience in the email security industry, with 20+ years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with innovative information security and cyber security solutions.