What is our primary use case?
I work in a FinTech-based organization that primarily deals with card payments and payment orchestration solutions. As a FinTech company, we are required to maintain a high level of security for secure data and transactions occurring through our systems and servers. For our authentication process, we were using OpenLDAP and were searching for a solution that could be implemented with OpenLDAP to create a robust multi-factor authentication system within our infrastructure. This allows us to authenticate securely, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the infrastructure and servers based on their identity.
We use this authentication mechanism exclusively for internal purposes and do not expose it to the public. Cisco Duo is deployed on my cloud servers.
What is most valuable?
The multi-factor authentication features of Cisco Duo have been particularly valuable to us. One key feature is Duo Unix, which can be implemented directly on Linux servers for SSH access. Additionally, we use Duo Authentication Proxy, which can be separately integrated with other tools such as OpenLDAP for server authentication. We also integrate Cisco Duo with various tools that have dashboards, such as Grafana, to enable secure login capabilities. We primarily use Duo Unix and Duo Authentication Proxy.
After searching through many tools, we found that Cisco Duo can work without requiring PAM modules and can integrate with the other services and tools we were already using. I believe we are fully reliant on Cisco Duo; it is completely reliable with our system, and we use it primarily for the authentication process. Without Cisco Duo, we cannot operate effectively. Cisco Duo is so integral to our core operations that we cannot perform any task without it.
What needs improvement?
I cannot speak extensively on this point because we are not using Cisco Duo to its full extent, as we are still in the initial phases and exploring its capabilities. So far, I have not found anything that requires improvement. I am satisfied with all the services I am currently using.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Duo for approximately one and a half years.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The only issue I encountered was related to the expiration of Duo Unix versions below 2.0.3 on February 3rd. Before the expiry date, the Duo Unix module began behaving inconsistently. Sometimes it did not prompt for authentication, allowing us to log into the server without verification. On other occasions, it responded appropriately, but there were instances when it started malfunctioning. Even though version 2.0.3 was in use during that time, it should have worked without errors. After upgrading to a version prior to that specific version, everything has functioned properly.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I have not tested Cisco Duo's scalability or examined anything related to it. However, I would like to rate it based on its flexibility, which I would rate between eight and nine out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
I have not experienced any difficulty connecting with customer support or any other support specialist. The documentation provided proved to be sufficient. By reviewing the documentation and blogs available, one can easily find solutions and processes for integration and usage. The documents are comprehensive and thorough.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
As I mentioned earlier, we were using another multi-factor authentication tool, but it was not compatible with our Active Directory solution. We were searching for a solution that would be compatible with our Active Directory and the other services we were using, which included dashboards and portals for logging into systems. After evaluating many tools, we discovered Cisco Duo MFA.
How was the initial setup?
Initially, I was uncertain about how to implement Cisco Duo MFA. However, through the blogs available on Cisco Duo's page and the manuals and documentation provided, I gradually learned how to implement it and integrate it with our system and other tools. The documentation and blogs were nearly complete and provided me with sufficient knowledge on the implementation process.
What about the implementation team?
I was the one who started implementing Cisco Duo.
What was our ROI?
I have not implemented Cisco Duo's end-to-end phishing resistance with capabilities such as proximity verification at this time.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I cannot speak to the financial planning of the organization, but I can confirm that Cisco Duo falls within the security budget that has been allocated to us.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
After searching through many tools, we selected Cisco Duo because it can function without PAM modules and can integrate with the other services and tools we were already using.
What other advice do I have?
We have not experienced any issues regarding phishing attacks.
I have not deployed Duo Directory, but I have created many users in the user section of the Cisco Duo admin portal. We manage user authentication, their devices, and everything else directly from the portal.
Regarding the use of Cisco Duo for our requirements, I would rate it a nine. Overall, I would rate this product an eight.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.