By seamlessly integrating multi-factor authentication (MFA) into the Windows login process, Cisco Duo adds an additional layer of protection. When users attempt to log in to their Windows accounts, Cisco Duo prompts them to provide a second verification factor, such as a one-time passcode delivered to their registered device. This dynamic authentication process ensures that only authorised users can access the system, even if their credentials have been compromised meaning Windows login events are shielded from potential threats.

Internal servers are critical components of an organisation’s IT infrastructure, often holding sensitive data. As such, they are prime targets for cybercriminals looking to infiltrate and exploit vulnerable systems. However, by implementing Cisco Duo MFA, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches.

Fortifying essential equipment such as firewalls is paramount, Firewalls are an organization’s first line of defense against cyber threats, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access. Due to their crucial role in network security Firewalls are a prime target for cybercriminals. By compromising firewalls, cybercriminals can gain unauthorized access to a network, providing them with a pathway to launch further attacks, such as data breaches, ransomware infections, or other forms of cybercrime.

Traditional MFA adds an extra layer of protection by forcing users to provide a one-time passcode or another type of authentication in addition to their regular credentials. These types of MFA are frequently used during website or application sign-ins. This method improves safety for internet accounts, but it doesn’t address the device’s general security. In contrast, Cisco Duo elevates MFA by protecting the entire device during the Windows sign-in process. This proactive security method drastically lowers the possibility of unauthorised access and compromises at the device level, providing a more thorough and effective security mechanism.

Fortifying essential equipment such as firewalls is paramount, Firewalls are an organisation’s first line of defence against cyber threats, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorised access. Due to their crucial role in network security Firewalls are a prime target for cybercriminals. By compromising firewalls, cybercriminals can gain unauthorised access to a network, providing them with a pathway to launch further attacks, such as data breaches, ransomware infections, or other forms of cybercrime.

Cisco Duo utilises RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) servers as a crucial component to enhance the security of firewalls. RADIUS is a widely used networking protocol that provides centralised authentication, authorisation, and accounting for users attempting to access network resources. By incorporating RADIUS servers into the authentication flow, Cisco Duo ensures that firewall access is only granted to authorised users who have successfully completed the multi-factor authentication process. Cisco Duo with RADIUS servers provides an extra layer of security to firewalls, making it more challenging for cyber attackers to breach the network and gain unauthorised access to critical resources. This helps organisations fortify their network security and defend against various cyber threats.

In an era of increasing cyber threats, relying solely on traditional username-password authentication is no longer sufficient. By deploying Cisco Duo, organisations can safeguard critical resources. The ability to enhance security without compromising user experience makes Cisco Duo a crucial and effective layer in today’s complex cybersecurity landscape. If you are interested in exploring the capabilities that Cisco Duo can offer, ADM would be delighted to organise a personalised demo.

If you would like to increase the security of your organisation using Cisco Duo, please contact ADM Computing for further assistance.

Alternatively, please feel free to register for our upcoming events, where we will be covering a host of best-practice security topics – including Multi-Factor Authentication and Conditional Access/Geo-Fencing.

Upcoming events:

In this session, Isaac Ford-Wilson and Nathan Brown will be providing an overview of the core layers of cyber security that every business should be thinking about. This event also includes a live technical demo, showcasing MFA, Intune policy management, and email security in action.

Layered Cyber Security and AI: A seminar for business owners & IT managers

ADM also have the following offline resources available on-demand:

Webinar recordings: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb_5YevhyjW1wA9Qj4rqiAg
Blogs: https://www.adm-computing.co.uk/blog/