Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can significantly enhance the security of RADIUS, Active Directory, and Microsoft Entra ID by adding a layer of protection during the authentication process.
- RADIUS: MFA can be integrated with a RADIUS-hardened VPN authentication in two ways:
- During the authentication process, users can use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator) where they input a time-sensitive code when they want to use their VPN.
- During the enrollment process, onboarding software can require users to use some form of MFA (like a key, authenticator app, or SMS) to obtain an x.509 Certificate that will give them VPN access.
- Active Directory: MFA can be added to Active Directory to secure VPNs, workstations, servers, on-prem applications, and anything else that needs an extra layer of protection¹². This is because MFA ensures that when a user is logging in to a resource, that resource knows who’s asking for permission to enter and they are who they say they are.
- Microsoft Entra ID: MFA can be enabled for Microsoft Entra ID to prompt users and groups for additional verification during sign-in. Microsoft Entra ID supports various MFA methods such as texts, biometrics, and one-time passcodes.
By requiring multiple forms of identification, MFA ensures that unauthorized access is prevented even if a user’s password is compromised. This makes MFA a critical security tool in today’s remote work and cloud-based environment.