Multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions are designed for large companies – that’s what more than 60 per cent of businesses believe anyway. But WatchGuard Technologies is hoping to change that narrative with its latest MFA solution.
The network security solutions firm recently launched AuthPoint, a cloud-based MFA solution hand-crafted for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). WatchGuard says all the complex integration processes, up-front expenses and on-premises management requirements have been eliminated and replaced with new apps and cloud-based management.
Today’s businesses, large and small, need MFA to protect themselves, said Alex Cagnoni, director of authentication at WatchGuard.
“In the absence of MFA, cyber criminals can utilize a variety of techniques to acquire usernames and passwords, such as spear phishing, social engineering, and buying stolen credentials on the dark web, to gain network access and then steal valuable company and customer data. With AuthPoint, we’re breaking down long standing barriers between SMBs and MFA adoption with a solution that is affordable, easy to deploy, and vastly scalable,” he said in a statement.
AuthPoint’s key features include:
- AuthPoint App – Once downloaded and activated on a user’s smartphone, WatchGuard’s AuthPoint app lets users view and manage any login attempts – by way of push notifications, one-time passwords or QR code entries for those in offline scenarios. Additionally, the app is equipped to store third-party authenticators such as Google Authenticator, Facebook access, Dropbox, and more.
- Mobile Device DNA – This app distinguishes cloned login attempts from legitimate ones. The AuthPoint app creates personalized “DNA” signatures for users’ devices and adds them to the authentication calculation. The result is that authentication messages not originating from a legitimate user’s phone will be rejected.
- Cloud-based Management – As a cloud-based solution, the AuthPoint service comes with a convenient interface for businesses to view reports and alerts, and configure and manage deployments. Enabled from the cloud, AuthPoint requires no on-premises equipment.
- Third-Party Integrations – WatchGuard’s ecosystem includes dozens of third party integrations with AuthPoint. This allows companies to mandate that users undergo the authentication process before accessing sensitive cloud applications, VPNs and networks. Moreover, AuthPoint supports the SAML standard, allowing users to login once to access a full range of applications and services.
A spokesperson for WatchGuard told CDN the company is relying on a number of Canadian channel partners to sell AuthPoint, including MS Geslam, MicroAge Drummondville, Groupe Access, and F12 Networks.