Identity and access management solutions like Okta and Duo are extremely valuable for maintaining organizational data security. Each of these vendors provides solutions for identity management, but not all of their features may be optimal for addressing your organization’s access and security requirements. This article will review the features and capabilities of each IAM platform so that you can choose the best solution for your organization.
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What is Okta?
Okta is an identity management service solution that provides software features to address identity and security challenges. It enables organizations to connect securely with the right people and technologies while protecting their data.
What is Duo?
Duo is an access security solution that provides security to users with complete device visibility, intuitive authentication and comprehensive coverage.
Okta vs. Duo: Feature comparison
| Feature | Okta | Duo |
|---|---|---|
| Remote access security | Yes | Yes |
| Identity verification options | Yes | Yes |
| Knowledge-based support | No | Yes |
| Security analytics and monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Document-based proofs | Yes | No |
Head-to-head comparison: Okta and Duo
Remote access security
Okta enables secure access for remote users. In addition to collaboration tools to assist communication among remote teams, users can utilize cloud and on-premises services through deployment on a single sign-on solution.
Okta’s remote users can further secure their internal network with remote use by adding multi-factor authentication as a supplementary layer of security. MFA can be used to connect on-premises applications and access servers remotely. Additionally, users may integrate VPS solutions with SSO providers to support MFA.
Duo provides secure remote access for remote workforces that can be used without a VPN. Users can integrate the Duo’s secure remote access to protect on-premises and cloud environments without needing VPN connectivity.
The Duo Network Gateway is Duo’s remote access proxy which can streamline secure remote access for organizational members. The Duo Network Gateway enables access to all applications based on permission controls. Other flexible options for remote access include adding extra protection to existing VPNs with MFA.
Identity verification
Okta performs identity verification by enabling users to self-verify with knowledge-based or document-based proofs. Document-based proofs can include actions like providing driver’s licenses, whereas knowledge-based proofs can involve users answering questions to verify their identity. Enabling self-verification options for users can protect user security and reduce fraud risk.
Another way that Okta users can verify their identity is through SSO security and integrations . Authorized users can use the system’s IAM controls to verify users’ identities before allocating their level-based access to the organization’s systems and information.
Duo’s primary process for identity verification involves two-factor authentication, which requires users to perform two methods to verify their identity. This element of their zero trust security model protects against security threats that target passwords and accounts.
Duo’s 2FA platform combines the knowledge factor of identity verification with the possession factor of authentication to ensure security for their users and address threats such as keylogging, brute-force attacks, social engineering, stolen passwords and phishing attempts.
Security analytics and monitoring features
Okta’s security analytics enables users to gain visibility of their monitored security data. Their security monitoring widget allows users to view their organization’s metrics and suspicious activity reported by users. These metrics are automatically updated each time the widget loads.
Okta’s HealthInsight feature audits organization security settings and displays ways to increase security, while the ThreatInsight feature provides information about IP threats logged or blocked within the previous seven days. Together they support suspicious activity reporting. In addition, Okta’s integrations with other security analytics solutions contribute to security visibility and response.
Duo’s Trust Monitor surfaces security events to administrator users. It leverages up to 180 days of historical data to create a baseline of normal user and device behavior through analysis and modeling. It then scores deviations from the baseline behavior. This monitoring feature assesses the risk of the effect of each component and creates threat models to evaluate them.
Choosing between Okta and Duo
To find the best IAM solution for your needs, consider whether each solution’s features can adequately support your organization’s data security. For example, Duo’s two-factor authentication can be a more easily accessible solution for users that do not wish to utilize document-based proofs; Okta’s security analytics features may benefit organizations seeking insights and suggestions on improving their organizational security.
Leading IAM Solutions
1 Twingate
Twingate helps fast-growing companies easily implement a Zero Trust secure access solution without compromising security, usability, or performance. We believe that “Work from Anywhere” should just work. Twingate’s secure access platform replaces legacy VPNs with a modern Identity-First Networking solution that combines enterprise-grade security with a consumer-grade user experience. It can be set up in less than 15 minutes and integrates with all major cloud providers and identity providers.
2 ManageEngine ADManager Plus
ADManager Plus is a unified AD, Exchange, Teams, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365 management solution to simplify tasks such as provisioning users, cleaning up stale accounts, and managing NTFS and share permissions. It offers 200 built-in reports, including reports on inactive user accounts, Microsoft 365 licenses, and users' last logon times. You can build a custom workflow for ticketing and compliance, delegate tasks to technicians, automate AD tasks such as restore and backup AD objects.
3 Semperis
For security teams charged with defending hybrid and multi-cloud environments, Semperis ensures integrity and availability of critical enterprise directory services at every step in the cyber kill chain and cuts recovery time by 90%. Purpose-built for securing hybrid Active Directory environments, Semperis’ patented technology protects over 50 million identities from cyberattacks, data breaches, and operational errors. Expose blind spots. Paralyze attackers. Minimize downtime. Semperis.com
4 Dashlane
Dashlane secures your data with a patented security architecture and AES256-bit encryption, the strongest method available. Employees can securely share encrypted passwords with individuals or groups- instead of sending them unsecurely over email or Slack. Try Dashlane Business for free
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