What’s the Best Authentication App for Businesses?

1. Microsoft Authenticator

Seamlessly integrates with businesses using the Microsoft ecosystem (Office 365, Azure)

Key Features:

• Push Notifications: Users can approve or deny login attempts directly from their phones without entering a code.
• Passwordless Login: Supports password-free sign-ins for Microsoft accounts using biometrics.
• Cloud Backup: Allows for backup and restoration of authentication data across devices.
• Multi-Account Support: Supports non-Microsoft platforms as well.

2. Google Authenticator

Offers simplicity and integrates well with a wide range of platforms.

Key Features:

• Offline Functionality: Works without an internet connection, making it highly reliable.
• Time-Based Codes: Simple time-based one-time passwords for multiple accounts.
• Additional Features: it is not offered, meaning that you must manually copy and paste the 6-digit code
• No Cloud Backup: If the phone is lost or reset, accounts need to be manually re-added.
• Data Collection: Personal data collection is not enabled

3. Authy

Great for businesses that require seamless cross-device synchronisation and reliable backup solutions.

Key Features:

• Cloud Backup: Encrypted cloud backup ensures that users can restore their 2FA tokens on new devices.
• Multi-Device Support: Enables access to codes on multiple devices, including desktop, mobile, and tablet.
• PIN/Password Protection: Provides an extra layer of security for accessing your authentication codes.
• Offline Support: Codes work even without an internet connection.

Authy is compatible with a wide range of services and platforms, including applications like Slack, AWS, and Salesforce.

4. Duo Mobile (by Cisco)

Created for businesses prioritising enterprise-level security and compliance.

Key Features:

• Push Notifications: Simple login process via push approvals, reducing the frequency of entering codes.
• Biometric Authentication: Supports fingerprint or facial recognition as a factor.
• Device Health Monitoring: Verifies devices to ensure users log in from secure sources.
• Administrator Controls: Admins can enforce security policies, customise access controls, and monitor user authentication activity.

Duo is popular with businesses for its comprehensive security features and compliance capabilities.

5. 1Password (with built-in 2FA)

Preferred by businesses that need secure password management along with 2FA.

Key Features:

• Integrated Password Manager: Combines password management with 2FA codes, reducing the need for multiple apps.
• Team Access: Allows easy sharing of credentials and access permissions across team members.
• Backup and Sync: Encrypted backups and sync across devices, ensuring access to both passwords and 2FA codes.
• Time-Based Codes: Generates time-based one-time passwords for supported accounts directly inside the password manager.

1Password integrates well with hundreds of services for password management and 2FA.

6. LastPass Authenticator

Ideal for businesses already using LastPass for password management.

Key Features:

• Push Notifications: Supports push-based authentication for a simplified login process.
• Backup: Allows backup and recovery of authentication credentials when linked to a LastPass account.
• Biometric Support: Provides fingerprint and face recognition for enhanced security.

Integrates well with LastPass Enterprise, which is popular with businesses for managing both passwords and 2FA codes.

7. Yubico Authenticator

Best for businesses requiring hardware-based authentication solutions (e.g. YubiKey)

Key Features:

• Hardware-Backed Security: Supports the use of a YubiKey for generating time-based one-time passwords.
• Offline Support: Works without a network connection.
• Device Security: Requires physical access to the YubiKey to generate codes, offering a very high level of security.
• Multi-Account Support: Allows managing multiple accounts with one device.

Yubico is ideal for businesses that prioritise security through the use of hardware tokens. Integrates with services like Google, Microsoft, and AWS, as well as other applications.

8. Okta Verify

Best for businesses using Okta for identity and access management.

Key Features:

• Push Notifications: Users can approve or deny login attempts via push notifications.
• Device Security: Offers device- verification to ensure users log in from secure sources.
• Integration with Okta SSO: Provides seamless integration with Okta’s single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions.
• Custom Policies: Businesses can enforce security policies, such as requiring 2FA based on the user’s location.

It works best for businesses already using Okta for centralised identity and access management, allowing for easy administration and monitoring.