Empower IT Solutions is excited to announce a reseller partnership with Duo, a first-grade secure access platform. This partnership gives Australian organisations holistic defenses against the most dangerous cyberthreats in 2020 and beyond.
New technology invites new threats, and as businesses implement mobile devices and cloud computing, traditional security measures are no longer sufficient. Duo ensures only authorised users and devices have access to sensitive apps and data. It offers a bevy of features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), user-centric security dashboards, and much more.
Superior multi-factor authentication
Duo’s MFA features essentially double your security by adding another identity verification factor on top of passwords to your accounts. These factors can range from time-based one-time SMS passcodes to fingerprint scans. Implementing MFA means cybercriminals can’t hack your accounts unless they have access to all authentication factors. Even if your passwords are compromised, cybercriminals will still need biometric data or passcodes — both of which are incredibly difficult to steal.
In addition to increased security, Duo MFA is flexible and easy to deploy. It can be enabled for devices, websites, custom applications, VPN services, and cloud platforms like Office 365. Meanwhile, deploying it is as simple as installing the Duo app and choosing the environment on which you want to enable MFA. The platform also supports a variety of authentication methods, including:
- Phone callback verification
- Fingerprint and facial recognition
- One-time activation codes sent via SMS
- Temporary passcodes generated by hardware tokens
- One-tap authentication button from Duo’s mobile app
These authentication methods can be customised per user, app, or device, so you can effectively protect your digital assets.
Seamless single sign-on (SSO)
Although MFA adds extra steps in the login process to increase security, Duo’s SSO features streamline it. SSO means employees only have to log in once to gain access to all the apps they’re authorised to use for work. This not only saves you a lot of time from logging in to each work application separately, but it’s also far more secure.
Managing dozens of passwords often causes mistakes that increase the likelihood of data breaches. Users might forget passwords, set generic ones, or recycle them for multiple accounts. SSO ensures this never happens by limiting the number of login credentials users have to remember and manage to one.
There’s also less work on the administrative side. SSO centralises authentication and access controls across different apps so you have complete control over the company’s security. Plus, since employees only need to remember one password, you can dramatically reduce the calls to IT about password resets.
Adaptive access management
The great thing about Duo is you can set dynamic access policies to minimise security risks. For example, you can restrict access to certain apps based on a user’s (or department’s) specific role in the company. This way, front-of-house employees won’t be able to access critical apps and data that should be exclusive to senior managers. You can even customise what authentication methods are requested depending on the user attempting to log in to the system.
Duo can also be programmed to grant or block login attempts based on the user’s location and network address. If you have policies that forbid users from accessing sensitive documents in airports and cafés with public Wi-Fi (as you should), Duo is the solution.
What’s more, Duo evaluates the security exposure of user devices before granting access to accounts. This means it checks the device’s firewall, operating system (OS), patch version, and anti-malware status. If the device is deemed unsafe, Duo then prevents users from accessing critical applications and services through that device.
Comprehensive endpoint security
When you connect to apps and data using poorly secured devices, you inadvertently leave your company vulnerable to malware attacks and data breaches. Duo prevents your devices from becoming such a liability with endpoint visibility and remediation capabilities.
Endpoint visibility lets you track and report on users and devices from a single dashboard. It produces actionable insights on user behaviour and scores the overall security of company devices. Duo then flags risky devices, such as those with outdated software and jailbroken features, and limits access privileges until they’ve passed safety checks.
If there are any vulnerable devices, Duo’s self-remediation features provide action items so you know how to secure them. It allows you to inform users of outdated software and provide them with a link to install the latest patches. You can even warn users they’ll be denied access to applications if they don’t update software promptly.
More than ever, Australian organisations must defend against cyberthreats. With Duo’s authentication and access controls, you can rest easy knowing your most sensitive assets and business are safe and sound. Call Empower IT Solutions to enjoy the countless benefits of Duo today!
