Verify new users with Plivo

Most business owners know passwords alone aren’t enough to keep your data safe. Between 2004 and July 2024, passwords were the most frequently leaked type of data, with two billion user passwords leaked during this period.

To better combat data breaches, more companies are turning to stronger authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), or two-factor authentication (2FA). 

What do all these acronyms mean, and how can you determine which solution is the right fit for your business? In this guide, we’ll break down each approach's core differences, benefits, and security considerations to demonstrate that combining MFA and SSO in a solution like Plivo’s Verify API is best for most businesses.

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What is single sign-on (SSO)?

Single sign-on (SSO) is a user authentication process that allows someone to log in once with a single set of login credentials and access multiple applications or services without needing to re-enter their username and password for each one. 

Think of SSO as a master key that opens many doors—users sign in once and get instant access to all their work tools without having to remember multiple passwords. This approach reduces login headaches and password fatigue, making it easier for users to stay secure and productive.

How does SSO work?

SSO verifies a user’s identity through a centralized system. When the user logs into an SSO portal, the system checks their login credentials. It then generates a token that grants access to various applications within the network, simplifying access management for authorized users. 

5 key benefits of SSO & why you should use it

Single sign-on offers several benefits, but here are five key reasons why you should consider using SSO:

• It streamlines the user experience: With SSO, users only need to use one password to log into a dashboard and access all connected applications—no more wasted time juggling multiple logins.
• It reduces password fatigue: Less is more. Fewer passwords mean less mental load, reducing the risk of weak or reused passwords and enhancing security.
• It improves productivity: Imagine the time saved when users can instantly access all the tools they need. This quick access means more focus on tasks and drives efficiency.
• It simplifies centralized management: IT teams can use SSO to manage user access from a single dashboard. It makes onboarding and offboarding new users smooth and hassle-free. 
• It lowers help desk costs: Fewer passwords mean fewer forgotten credentials. This leads to a significant drop in password reset requests, reducing the burden on IT support teams and cutting help desk costs.

3 key security risks of SSO you should consider

• It creates a single point of failure: If someone gains access to SSO credentials, they could access multiple services connected together, creating a significant security vulnerability.
• It relies on centralized authentication: If the SSO service experiences downtime or technical issues, users may lose access to all associated applications, causing operational disruptions.
• It becomes an attractive target for cyber attacks: Because SSO systems control access to multiple applications, attackers often target them. A successful breach could expose sensitive data across various systems.

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to verify their identity using two or more forms, adding multiple layers of defense against unauthorized access. Think of it as a security system with multiple locks; even if someone knows your password, they still need other credentials to log in. 

How does MFA work?

A lot of people get confused between 2FA and MFA, but here’s the exact difference: 

2FA (two-factor authentication) always requires exactly two forms of verification, usually something you know (like a password) and something you have (like an OTP or security token). On the other hand, MFA covers two or more forms of verification, adding even more layers of security by incorporating things like biometrics (something you are) alongside what you know and have. 

Imagine overlapping circles in a Venn diagram—2FA is one circle inside the broader MFA circle, which lets you combine different layers for extra protection.

In implementation, it could look like this: after typing in your password, you might also need to enter a verification code sent to your phone or use a fingerprint scan. This layered approach makes it significantly harder for unauthorized users to gain access to user accounts.

3 key types of authentication factors used in MFA

Authentication factors are the methods used to confirm a user’s identity. In multi-factor authentication (MFA), at least two different factors are required to gain access. Here's a closer look at the types of authentication factors:

1. Knowledge factors (something you know):

These are login credentials that only the user knows, such as passwords, PINs, or answers to security questions. Knowledge factors are the most common type of authentication but are also considered the least secure due to the risk of being guessed or stolen through phishing attacks.

2. Possession factors (something you have):

These involve something the user physically possesses, like a smartphone, security token, or smart card. Possession factors are generally more secure than knowledge factors because they require an additional physical item that attackers would need to acquire. Common examples include SMS codes sent to a user’s mobile device or authentication apps like Google Authenticator.

3. Inherence factors (something you are):

These are biological traits unique to the user, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, voice recognition, or retina scans. Inherence factors provide a high level of security because they are unique to each individual and are difficult to replicate. This type of factor is commonly used in high-security environments, such as government agencies or financial institutions.

By using multiple authentication factors, MFA creates a layered defense, making it more challenging for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

5 benefits of MFA & why you should use it 

Here are five important benefits for businesses thinking about using MFA. 

• It enhances security. MFA adds multiple layers of security by requiring more than one form of verification, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access even if one credential is compromised.
• It protects against credential theft. Since MFA provides multiple authentication layers, even if a password is stolen, additional factors like a biometric scan or a verification code sent to a mobile device make it much harder for attackers to gain access.
• It helps comply with regulatory requirements. Many industries have regulations that require strong authentication methods. Implementing MFA helps businesses comply with PCI DSS, GDPR, and HIPAA standards.
• It reduces the risk of data breaches. By adding extra security layers, MFA helps prevent data breaches, which can save the business from costly fines and reputational damage.
• It improves user trust. Users feel more secure knowing that their accounts and data are protected by multiple layers of authentication, enhancing trust in the organization.

Security risks of MFA

• It can pose usability challenges. MFA can sometimes make the login process more cumbersome, potentially leading to user frustration or reduced productivity if not implemented carefully.
• It is vulnerable to phishing and social engineering attacks. Attackers might still use sophisticated phishing tactics to trick users into providing all required authentication factors, bypassing the additional security layers.
• It relies on secondary factors that can be compromised. If secondary authentication methods (like SMS-based codes) are compromised through SIM swapping or interception, attackers could still gain access despite MFA.

SSO vs MFA: the main differences

Here are five core differences between MFA and SSO:

1. Different goals: MFA enhances security by requiring multiple authentication factors to verify a user's identity. SSO focuses on convenience by allowing access to multiple applications with a single set of credentials; instead of remembering multiple usernames, users can easily sign in once and access all authorized applications they need. 
2. Security vs. convenience: MFA offers stronger protection by requiring multiple authentication methods. SSO, on the other hand, focuses on user convenience, which can lead to vulnerabilities if credentials are compromised.
3. User experience: SSO simplifies the login process and reduces password fatigue. Meanwhile, MFA adds extra steps, which can feel like a hassle to some users but adds extra layers of security.
4. Setup complexity: Setting up MFA involves integrating various authentication methods, which can be complex. SSO requires connecting different applications to one central login, which simplifies user access but can be tricky if not done right.
5. Risk management: MFA minimizes the risk of unauthorized access with extra verification layers, while SSO simplifies access control but can become a single point of failure if hacked.

Both SSO and MFA have their place in your security scheme, depending on what’s more important for your business—security or convenience.

SSO vs. 2FA vs. MFA

When securing access to your systems, understanding the differences between SSO, 2FA, and MFA is crucial. Each method can impact your organization’s security, budget, and user experience. Let’s dive into how these authentication methods compare across key factors.

Cost implications

Implementing MFA or 2FA might involve additional costs due to the need for specialized software or hardware (like biometric scanners or security tokens). SSO solutions can reduce password and user support costs but may require investment in a robust identity management system.

Impact on user experience

SSO enhances user experience by reducing the required logins, while MFA and 2FA may introduce additional steps but offer stronger security. The choice depends on balancing convenience against security measures.

Implications for businesses

Businesses need to consider the nature of their operations, regulatory requirements, and user base when deciding on an authentication method. While MFA offers the highest security, SSO can greatly improve productivity and user satisfaction.

4 important things for selecting the right provider for your organization

If you’re looking for an authentication solution for your business, here are the key things you should consider: 

1. Security needs and compliance requirements

To begin with, consider the sensitivity of the data your organization handles and any regulatory requirements, like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS, that might mandate specific authentication methods. For high-security environments, a combination of SSO with MFA can provide a balanced approach. 

With Plivo, you get built-in compliance features that help you adhere to regulations without adding extra costs. Plivo's Fraud Shield, for example, protects against SMS pumping fraud, ensuring your authentication processes remain secure and compliant.

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2. User experience and usability

Your authentication method should strike the right balance between security and ease of use, and seamless integration with your current IT infrastructure is key. Plivo simplifies this by offering a reliable OTP solution that integrates effortlessly with your systems, ensuring users get their OTPs when they need them. 

Whether you're using OTPs as part of a 2FA or MFA setup, Plivo guarantees 99.99% uptime, so users never miss a beat. With support for WhatsApp, SMS, and voice call, Plivo provides flexible, secure options to meet your authentication needs without disrupting your existing workflows. 

3. Cost and budget constraints

It’s important to understand the total cost of ownership for your authentication solution, including all associated fees. 

Plivo offers a cost-effective approach: you only pay for the SMS and voice services you use, not for authentication fees. Plus, with Plivo’s pre-registered phone numbers and no monthly rental fees, you can keep operational costs low and predictable.

4. Scalability and flexibility

As your organization grows, your authentication solution should scale with you, accommodating more users, devices, and applications without a hitch. 

Plivo’s solutions are designed to be scalable, supporting global delivery and providing real-time delivery reports so you can track and optimize performance as your needs evolve.

Simplify your MFA rollout with Plivo

Whether you're securing internal systems or protecting customer data, SSO and MFA are crucial for your business. SSO simplifies user access, reducing password fatigue and enhancing user experience, while MFA provides robust protection against unauthorized access by requiring multiple authentication steps.

In today’s digital world, combining SSO with MFA offers the best of both worlds—convenience and robust security. Providers like Plivo make it easy to set up and integrate both, helping you protect your data without sacrificing user experience. 

Request a trial with Plivo.  

Okta will sunset its SMS and voice verification service on September 15, meaning all Okta users need to bring their own provider (BYOP) to continue offering one-time passcode (OTP) verification using these channels. Okta will focus on password-less options like FastPass or FIDO2 WebAuthn. 

While FastPass and WebAuthn undeniably offer advanced security features, we believe SMS and voice authentication methods remain relevant in enterprise environments. There are compelling reasons enterprises should continue using Plivo with Okta for SMS and voice OTP authentication. Not only that, but Plivo makes it easy to integrate with Okta and make sure your customers never experience a delay, miss an OTP, or get frustrated trying to log in. 

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Here are some key benefits and considerations that make these channels both a viable and valuable choice for businesses today.

6 SMS and voice OTP advantages

1. Universal accessibility and compatibility

The wide user reach makes SMS and voice verification a good option for global enterprises. SMS and voice authentication methods are not limited by the type of device a user has. Whether someone is using a basic feature phone or a high-end smartphone, SMS and voice work seamlessly across all mobile devices. Users don’t need to install specific applications, possess hardware tokens, or have smartphones.

Using multiple channels for OTPs also creates redundancy that fosters greater reliability.  SMS and Voice OTPs serve as reliable backup methods when primary authentication methods fail or are unavailable due to technical issues or user device problems. This redundancy ensures continuity and reduces the risk of access interruptions.

Did you know? Plivo also supports WhatsApp, with email and RCS messaging coming soon!

This inclusivity ensures users can participate in secure authentication processes regardless of their technological capabilities or resources.

2. Ease of integration

On the business side, most enterprises already support SMS and voice OTPs, making these methods easy to maintain and expand. This established infrastructure reduces the need for significant investment in new systems, allowing businesses to continue leveraging their existing resources. Plivo’s Verify API integrates seamlessly, allowing developers to slash implementation time by 90%.

3. User familiarity and convenience

Because OTPs enjoy global reach, the process is straightforward and familiar to most users. The simplicity of receiving and entering a code into a system makes SMS and voice OTPs convenient for users of all ages and technical proficiency levels. This familiarity reduces the need for extensive training and support, enabling smoother adoption and fewer usability issues.

For developer teams, unlike advanced authentication methods that may require setup, enrollment, or understanding of new technologies, SMS and voice authentication can be deployed immediately. Plivo’s Verify API is ready to go in just one sprint.

4. Support for non-corporate users

Not all users interacting with an enterprise's systems have corporate-managed devices or can install apps like FastPass or use WebAuthn’s advanced features. Contractors, remote workers, and temporary workers still need a way to secure their accounts without requiring corporate IT involvement. OTPs allow for secure authentication without complex device management policies, making them ideal for BYOD and hybrid work scenarios.

5. Affordable and scalable

OTPs have low initial investment costs: enterprises do not need to purchase and distribute hardware tokens or ensure all users have compatible devices. This reduces the upfront costs associated with more advanced authentication methods.

SMS and Voice services can be easily scaled up or down based on demand, allowing businesses to adjust their authentication capabilities without significant additional costs or logistical challenges. Plivo offers flexible pricing models, enabling organizations of all sizes to adopt these methods economically. Plus, Plivo Verify comes with:

• Zero authentication fees
• Fraud Shield for free
• No regulatory overhead
• No need to purchase numbers
• Reduced technical support costs
• No monthly phone number rental fee

Supporting advanced authentication methods can increase technical support needs due to issues like setup, device compatibility, or app installations. SMS and voice-based methods, however, are simple and intuitive, requiring little to no user guidance and reducing the burden on IT support.

6. Meet compliance standards  

In some industries, such as finance and healthcare, and in certain regions, SMS and voice OTPs are recognized and accepted methods for multi-factor authentication. These methods help enterprises meet regulatory requirements without the need to adopt newer technologies that may not yet be standardized.

Plivo is HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS compliant, with SOC 2 and ISO 27001:2022 certification.

Get started with Plivo

While modern authentication methods like FastPass and WebAuthn offer enhanced security, SMS and voice OTPs remain relevant and valuable for all businesses. Their universal accessibility, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and role as a reliable backup make them indispensable in various enterprise contexts.

Okta users can integrate Plivo in five minutes or less. Our off-the-shelf API is designed to “go live in one sprint.” With a 95% OTP conversion rate and the lowest costs per conversion, Plivo’s Verify API is well suited for businesses of all sizes. Learn more to ensure secure, inclusive, and resilient access for all users, regardless of their technological capabilities.

There’s no question that cyber security is a prevalent and growing threat to businesses. However, few business owners are aware of how many confirmed breaches are due to human error—specifically, weak or compromised passwords. This simple, effective defense mechanism is often ignored, and therefore frequently exploited by hackers and cybercriminals.

In addition to practicing strong password hygiene, one of the most powerful steps you can take to improve enterprise security and resilience is implementing multifactor authentication (MFA). 

MFA significantly increases the obstacles for any potential attackers, making the company’s accounts less appealing as a target for cyber attackers.

In this blog post, we will share how multifactor authentication works, types of MFA solutions available, features to look for in an MFA provider, highlight three critical questions to ask your MFA providers, and finally, a list of the best MFA providers.

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How does MFA work? 

MFA is like adding an extra lock on your front door to keep your home safe. It’s a security measure that requires users to provide more than just a password to access their accounts. 

After a user enters their password, they might need to verify their identity with something they have (like a code sent to their phone) or something they are (like a fingerprint).

This added layer of security makes it much harder for someone to break in and access a user’s account, even if they’ve somehow gotten hold of their password. It’s a smart, straightforward way to keep your information and your community safe. 

The main types of MFA solutions 

There are several types of multifactor authentication solutions available, each adding an extra layer of security to your login process. 

Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:

1. SMS-based authentication: This is one of the simplest MFA formats. The user, after entering a password, is sent a one-time code via a text message that needs to be input to complete the login process. It's convenient but less secure if an SMS is intercepted.
2. Email-based authentication: This method delivers to the user a particular code or a link through email. The user will have to input this code or open the link to get verified. It is easy to use but suffers from the same sort of vulnerabilities as the SMS-based methods.
3. Authenticator apps: Google Authenticator, Authy, and Microsoft Authenticator are some of the applications generating time-based codes; the user inputs such a code after his or her password. These codes have a lifespan of only 30 seconds each.
4. Biometric authentication: This method involves the use of something unique to the user, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice. Biometric authenticators are popular on mobile devices, since they are hard to copy or duplicate. 
5. Hardware tokens: These physical devices generate authentication codes. USB tokens, key fobs, or another piece of hardware are very secure, but not practical to keep track of or carry around. 
6. Push notifications: The user receives a push notification on their mobile device, asking if they are trying to log in. They only need to approve the request. It's easy for any user to do so.
7. Smart cards: These are physical cards with an inserted chip put into a card reader, usually combined with a PIN. It's often used in corporate environments for secure access.

You can mix and match these solutions depending on how much security you need and how much convenience you'd like to allow your users. The goal is to ensure that even if someone has your password, they can’t get into your account without passing that second layer of defense.

How to find the best MFA solution for your business

If you’re looking to invest in a multifactor authentication solution for your business, there are a few key factors you should keep in mind. 

Easy set-up and fast time to market

First things first: The multifactor authentication solution itself should be straightforward and easy to use, with a clear, intuitive interface—for both the team managing it and your customers. Your customers should have no trouble completing the authentication process, whether they’re using an app, SMS, or another method. 

On the backend, your team should be able to easily set up and manage the authentication flow from your security management platform or authentication provider. 

For example, Plivo offers a well-documented API to help you set up MFA. Plivo’s API uses standard HTTP verbs and status codes, which makes it easy to integrate into your existing systems. Whether your development team prefers Python, Ruby, Node, PHP, Java, .NET, Go, or even cURL, the setup process is consistent and streamlined. 

Rich features for better engagement 

When it comes to integrating MFA into your applications and scaling delivery globally, having the right features in place can make all the difference. 

Plivo supports real-time delivery report notifications so you can track how your messages are performing globally. This gives you valuable insight into your delivery rates and understanding the effectiveness of your messaging strategy. 

We also provide pre-approved templates optimized for conversions. These ready-made message templates comply with industry regulations and are designed to maximize engagement and drive conversions. 

These templates can save time and effort compared to creating messages from scratch. Instead, focus on what really matters—connecting with your audience.

Built-in security and data compliance features

When you’re looking for an multifactor authentication solution provider, consider the built-in regulatory and data compliance features it offers. Look for specific fraud protection tools that can protect your customers. 

Plivo, for instance, provides Fraud Shield, a powerful solution designed to help reduce the risk of fraud like SMS pumping fraud and account token takeover. 

Fraud Shield provides two key features: Geo Permissions and Fraud Thresholds. Geo Permissions let you control which countries your SMS traffic can reach, blocking and not charging for messages sent to unapproved countries. 

Fraud Thresholds allow you to set a limit on the number of messages sent per hour to approved countries, helping prevent issues if the limit is exceeded.

Low operational costs 

Cost is often one of the biggest concerns for companies vetting MFA tools. While there’s a wide range of tools with multiple pricing plans, it all boils down to your specific requirements and how much you use a particular service. 

With Plivo, you only pay for what you use. There’s no authentication fee— we only charge for SMS and voice services. Plus, you can save even more with customized pricing and committed spend contracts tailored to your needs.

You won’t have to worry about purchasing or renting phone numbers either. Plivo’s pre-registered phone numbers are available for use without any monthly rental fees, streamlining your setup and reducing costs.

Compliance can often bring extra costs, but not with Plivo. There are no additional fees for regulatory compliance, so you can eliminate the overhead typically associated with compliance registrations.

And when it comes to protecting your messaging with Fraud Shield, there’s no extra cost involved. Plivo includes Fraud Shield at no additional charge, helping to prevent SMS pumping fraud without impacting your budget.

3 key questions to ask multifactor authentication solution providers

Ask potential partners these three questions to figure out which provider is the best fit for your MFA needs.

What authentication methods do you support?

A good MFA provider should be able to support a wide variety of authentication methods—including SMS, email, call, and hardware tokens. 

The more choices you have, the more flexibility you can ultimately offer your customers. For instance, while SMS-based authentication may be easy and quick for some users, others will want to feel more secure using a method like biometrics. This is a case where more is more: the more authentication methods you can offer, the more convenience and security you can offer your customers. 

How do you guarantee data safety and compliance?

With regulations like GDPR and HIPAA in play, you need to be confident that your provider is handling sensitive information properly. Ask about their encryption standards, their storage, and what kind of certifications they have.

For example, if the provider stores any authentication data, it must be  encrypted both in transit and at rest. Ask about how they would handle a possible breach of your data and what controls are in place to prevent such a breach from happening.

Does your platform integrate with our existing tech? 

Ultimately, an MFA’s efficacy is dependent on how well it integrates with your current infrastructure. You’ll want to know how easy it is to integrate MFA with your current tech stack—whether it’s your CRM, ERP, or any custom applications you use. 

Ask about their support for popular platforms and whether they offer APIs or SDKs for custom integrations. For example, is there a native integration with Salesforce, or will you need to build a custom solution? Be sure to consider SSO and other identity management tools. A provider with strong integration capabilities will help you implement MFA efficiently, saving you time and resources in the long run.

At a glance: the 5 best MFA solutions for businesses

Here’s a quick comparison of the five most popular MFA solutions on the market today. 

5 Best MFA solutions for businesses

1. Plivo

Reviews and ratings 

G2: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

Plivo is an easy-to-use, flexible option to implement communication APIs that will suit MFA. It is highly-rated for strong API documentation and great service, making Plivo a good option for developers looking for scalable solutions.

Key features 

• Pre-approved message templates for maximum conversions
• Support for global SMS and voice messaging
• Real-time alerting for delivery reports
• No need to purchase or rent any numbers; use pre-registered numbers
• No compliance fees or extra fees for Fraud Shield

Limitations 

• Does not support some specific advanced authentication methods, like biometric authentication.

Pricing 

• Offers pay-as-you-go model
• The committed-spend contracts for committed volumes help save some money

Who is it best for?

Plivo is ideal for developers and businesses that are looking for the easiest and most cost-effective way to integrate MFA into their applications, thereby avoiding hassle with compliance management and fraud prevention. 

2. Cisco Secure Access by Duo 

Reviews and ratings 

TrustRadius: 9.4 out of 10 stars

Cisco Duo is highly regarded for its comprehensive security features and ease of use, particularly for businesses of all sizes. It’s often recommended for organizations looking to build a zero-trust security framework.

Key features 

• Almost every authentication method is supported, including biometrics.
• Passwordless authentication with push notifications and OTP.
• Seamless service integration with platforms like Office 365 and Fortinet.
• FIDO2, SOC 2, and HIPAA standards are supported.

Limitations 

• Push notification delays may happen, according to several users.
• Certain issues with multi-device login support.

Pricing 

• Starts at $3 per user per month
• 30-day free trial available

Who is it best for?

Cisco Duo is ideal for organizations of all sizes, especially those looking for a reliable, scalable solution to secure user access and integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

3. Okta Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication

Reviews and ratings 

Gartner: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Okta’s MFA solution is a leader in the market, especially with its adaptive policies Okta allows better strength in security without frustrating users. It is highly favored by larger enterprises with a need for flexible and scalable identity management.

Key features 

• Context- and behavior-aware adaptive authentication
• Integrations with a vast number of apps and services, including AWS and Slack
• Support for biometric authentication and the ability of users to log in without a password
• The product complies with all major standards, including PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR

Limitations 

• Costlier than some other MFA solutions available in the market
• Some users find the setup too complex 

Pricing 

• Starts at $2 per user per month for businesses
• 30-day free trial available

Who is it best for?

Okta is best for medium-sized enterprises and large corporations that are on the lookout for a fully functional identity management solution with top-notch security management and high integration capabilities.

4. Onelogin Workforce Identity 

Reviews and ratings

G2: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

OneLogin is one of the most popular MFA providers out there. It’s appreciated for its extensive app integrations and ease of use. In particular, users like OneLogin’s workforce identity and access management features deployed in the cloud or on-premises.

Key features 

• Huge app catalog with over 6,000 integrations
• Multiple-directory identity management synchronization
• Adaptive MFA and SSO for internal and external users
• User and application lifecycle management

Limitations 

• Users sometimes complain of integration and implementation difficulties
• Can be too complex for smaller businesses

Pricing 

• Pricing varies according to deployment and usage needs
• 30-day free trial available

Who is it best for?

OneLogin is a great fit for SMBs and enterprises looking for a comprehensive workforce identity solution that includes robust MFA, SSO, and extensive app integrations.

5. Microsoft Entra ID

Reviews and ratings 

G2: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Microsoft Entra ID is great for businesses that are already operating within the Microsoft 365 environment. The MFA provider is said to be relatively easy to set up and manage for enterprise businesses.

Key features 

• Different ways of authentication from Windows Hello to FIDO2 to SMS
• Thousands of SaaS applications and internal applications can be integrated
• Conditional access policies dependent on the user and device risk
• Easy to use by both the user and admin, especially in Microsoft environments

Limitations

• Best suits organizations that offer their services through Microsoft services
• Will ultimately require you to purchase licenses for advanced capabilities 

Pricing 

• Part of Microsoft 365 pricing; additional charges may apply for advanced features
• 30-day free trial available

Who is it best for?

Microsoft Entra ID is best for organizations heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, offering seamless integration and strong security features that enhance the overall identity management experience.

Take your security to the next level with a modern MFA solution provider

Regardless of the size of your customer base, MFA is one of the most fundamental security tools you can incorporate into your infrastructure. 

The use cases for it are versatile: whether it's customer logins, storing sensitive data, or accessing your internal systems, MFA provides a strong, nimble layer of security. It's critical to preventing unauthorized access, reducing breach risk, and ensuring adherence to industry regulations. Besides, MFA demonstrates to customers that you take their security seriously. 

Considering the digital environment and its associated emerging risks, including MFA is not merely a desirability but a prerequisite. And with providers like Plivo, setting up MFA is pretty easy and very affordable. All businesses, regardless of their size, can provide good security without sacrificing the user experience. Be it protection of global communications, user authentication, or compliance management, Plivo's versatile features prove very handy in securing your platform effectively.

Request a trial with Plivo.