The Internet development changed the way our society operates. The majority of data is stored on the servers and is accessed through the network regardless of time or location. Such convenience, however, is compromised due to a low level of Internet security, which leads to detrimental data breaches. However, Aiming to protect databases, businesses are looking for advanced solutions to protect their systems from intrusion and keep control over all the movements within the company’s structure. Also, One of the best ways to introduce a higher level of safety is a multi-factor identification system (MFA). Also, Let’s learn the benefits it offers and the best providers to choose to implement MFA into the system of the company’s functioning.

What Is Multi-factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a user identification method, which includes several checkpoints. While the traditional method requires a username and a password, the MFA strengthened with one-time passwords, key fobs, USB-based key generators, smart cards, and biometric identification. There are three common factors used for identification and authentication:

1. Knowledge – requires something the user knows, like the answer to the question or a password.
2. Possession – something the user has, like a token or a security key.
3. Inherence – something related to unique characteristics — behavioral patterns, unique biometrics, voice recognition, etc.

Multi-factor authentication includes a subcategory – two-factor authentication, which requires the input of two verifying factors. Also, The are two common ways to provide the 2-factor authentication – on-premise and on-cloud:

1. On-Premise 2FA – an utmost type of protection that enables every business to a full control over their systems, databases, sensitive data, and daily operations. Also, It is installed locally and requires no Internet connection.

2. On-cloud authentication – an out-of-the-box solution that provides every business client with a top layer of data security. However, Unlike on-premise authentication, it functions as a SaaS, thus, there is no need for equipment and a team of professionals to implement it.

While both types provide a required level of security for their users, on-premise 2FA is mainly chosen by big enterprises and businesses, which typically have an isolated network due to big volumes of data; on-cloud 2FA is typically the choice of smaller businesses.

The Best Two-Factor Authentification Solutions

Protectimus

Ptotectimus is a leading Two-Factor Authentication Vendor that offers best-in-class security solutions for its clients. Also, They can incorporate the 2FA into the company’s structure, or provide the cloud solutions. However, One of the top benefits of Protectimus is their usage of unique DSPA – dynamic strong password authentication, which provides cover-it-all system protection directly in Active Directory, LDAP, and databases. Protectimus simplifies management routine, as several projects can be managed from a single account, and the administrator gets access to the data regarding the service’s functioning (successful and unsuccessful logins, financial data, etc.). Apart from being a powerful protective solution, it also offers a well-designed application and user-friendly layout, which simplifies the period of implementation and adjustments. The pricing policies and the services are rather flexible, which makes their services completely user-oriented.

Authy

Authy is one of the noticeable security providers on the market, which offers decent 2FA software. Among its main features are an easy setup and implementation, and a user-friendly design for managing data easily. Authy employs the SHA2 Algorithm and 256-bit encryption to ensure the passwords are fully protected. Authy is compatible with desktop and mobile applications; besides, it allows its extension to Chrome, making the whole user experience even more convenient.

Google Authenticator

An omnipresent Google covers all the needs of network users, including those related to security. Google provides a two-factor verification available across all devices, its setup is relatively easy and goes as a part of a Google account. The application is available for any type of operating system; moreover, it helps to track all suspicious activities and logging attempts. Although Google provides a  relatively high security level, it still lacks some essential features like security lock, backup, and synchronization. Therefore, it should only considered as a basic-level authenticator.

NordPass Business

NordPass is a high-quality solution that is chosen by companies that crave a top level of security. It uses the XChaCha20 encryption, zero-knowledge validation, and biometric identification to level up the safety dimension. Among its numerous features are password autofill, credit card, and login details, single-click saving, the ability to scan and detect data breaches, file attachments, and weak password detection. NordPass improves both the security of the company’s functioning and its operational efficiency.

Duo

Duo is a decent choice for big enterprises. It offers easy (one-tap) authentication, account backup and restoration, and multiple authentication controls like passcodes, notifications, and biometrics. Duo allows its users to manage ten free accounts with basic features; the extensive features go with the subscription plans. Duo offers remote access and a high level of flexibility, which provides relatively easy deployment in any type of environment.

The Bottom Line

The security issue is one of the most critical issues nowadays, as all the aspects of business functioning performed and controlled through the global network. Since single-factor authentication doesn’t meet the modern needs of Internet security, developers created a more advanced form of security measure – two-factor authentication, which adds an additional layer of security to all the systems within the company’s structures, and thus, provides its seamless functioning.