Introduction to Duo Security

Duo Security is a cybersecurity company that provides two-factor authentication and access management solutions. The company was founded in 2010 in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is now owned by Cisco Systems. Duo Security aims to protect organizations against breaches by verifying users’ identities.

Duo’s Products

Duo Security offers several products and services focused on verifying user identities and securing access. Some of Duo’s key offerings include:

• Duo Access – Provides two-factor authentication using methods like biometrics, security keys, mobile push notifications, SMS passcodes, and phone calls.
• Duo Beyond – Offers passwordless authentication by utilizing biometrics on modern devices.
• Duo Insight – Delivers contextual access management by analyzing user behavior and access patterns.
• Duo Network Gateway – Protects on-premise and cloud applications without client software.

Benefits of Duo Security

There are several advantages to using Duo Security’s solutions:

• Enhanced security – Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection beyond just passwords.
• Convenience – Users can authenticate without using extra hardware tokens.
• Flexibility – Duo integrates with hundreds of applications and supports modern authentication methods.
• Insight – Duo provides visibility into access patterns to identify potential threats.
• Compliance – Helps organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements around access control.

Duo Security’s Growth and Acquisition

Since its founding in 2010, Duo Security experienced rapid growth as organizations sought to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. According to Duo, it went from no customers to over 10,000 in just 4 years. In 2018, Cisco announced its intent to acquire Duo Security for $2.35 billion. This allowed Cisco to add world-class two-factor authentication and access management to its portfolio.

Today, Duo Security operates as a subsidiary of Cisco. Its solutions continue to help protect organizations against breaches by verifying user identities before granting access. Duo serves customers across a wide range of industries including healthcare, finance, retail, education and more.

Duo Security’s Approach

Duo Security takes a user-centric approach focused on making security seamless and frictionless. Rather than rely solely on passwords, Duo aims to verify user identities through multiple factors of authentication. This enhances security without hampering the user experience.

Duo’s solutions allow organizations to implement adaptive and risk-based authentication. User behaviors and access patterns are analyzed to provide step-up authentication only when necessary. This balances security and convenience.

Implementation and Integration

Implementing Duo’s solutions is straightforward for organizations. The company focuses on an easy setup process to get customers up and running quickly. Duo offers detailed deployment guides, configuration support, and extensive documentation.

In addition, Duo is designed to integrate seamlessly with hundreds of applications and services. This allows customers to add identity verification across their existing software investments. Duo supports integration with VPNs, cloud applications, directories, EMRs, and more.

Customer Success Stories

Many major companies and institutions rely on Duo Security for identity and access management. Here are a few customer success stories:

• Facebook – Over 15,000 Facebook employees use Duo two-factor authentication to secure access.
• NASA – NASA replaced its RSA SecurID system with Duo to improve security and the user experience.
• Toyota – Toyota uses Duo for 55,000+ global employees and contractors across multiple locations.
• Penn Medicine – Penn deployed Duo for 23,000 employees to meet healthcare security regulations.

Awards and Recognition

Duo Security has earned numerous awards and recognition for its innovative approach to authentication and access management. For example:

• Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader for Access Management (2021)
• Forrester Leader in Modern Authentication (2021)
• SC Media 2021 Trust Award for Best Multifactor Authentication Solution
• Cyber Defense Magazine’s Global InfoSec Award for Multi-Factor Authentication (2021)

This industry recognition further demonstrates Duo’s impact in transforming identity and access management through its user-friendly solutions.