How to Enable Multi-Factor Authentication for Cisco VPN?

To understand how to protect your network security with Cisco Anyconnect MFA we must first understand what 2FA is. Two-factor authentication is a security process that verifies if a person is who they say they are. The process requests users to provide two types of authentication such as:

  • Something you know (like a password, or your mother’s maiden name),
  • Something you have (like a mobile phone, or a physical hardware token), and
  • Something you are (biometric or behavioral attributes).

The standard way of signing in with a 2FA solution usually involves a username and password, and then another method like a bypass code, or push notification. Two-factor authentication is a tool that’s used to deter companies away from thinking that a username and password is still effective. 2FA is made with the intent that you’re providing an extra layer of protection for your company and your users. Adding an extra layer of protection to your Cisco Anyconnect VPN is the best way to ensure you have the most secure two-factor authentication process.

How exactly can you protect your network access security?

There are several ways that you may want to consider when trying to secure your login:

  • Knowledge factor: This is information that the user knows; a password, passcode, or personal identification number (PIN).
  • Possession factor: This is something the user has or owns; a driver’s license, identification card, or an authenticator app on their phone.
  • Inheritance factor: This is something the user has, similar to a biometric factor. This includes fingerprints, facial and voice recognition, and even behavioral biometrics like keystrokes and speech patterns.
  • Location factor: This generally includes the location in which a user tries to authenticate themselves. Organizations can limit their employees’ devices to only be able to log in from a certain location or IP address.
  • Time factor: As an administrator, you can request specific times when users are allowed to log in to a service. All attempts outside this time frame will be blocked.

How Exactly Does Two-factor Authentication Work and How is It Enabled to Ensure Maximum Security?

The two-factor authentication process starts when a user logs in to their accounts using their credentials until they’ve successfully been granted access. The 2FA authentication process is usually similar across the board and doesn’t have much change from platform to platform. Here is an example of how a two-factor authentication process works:

  • Step 1: The user opens their application and types in their login credentials.
  • Step 2: The user types in their login credentials, normally a username and password. The website then verifies if this initial authentication process is correct.
  • Step 3: The user is then prompted to use a second authentication factor. Normally it is with the possession factor, which is something you have. This plays out to be either a one-time passcode to the user’s device or a push notification if using an authenticator app.
  • Step 4: If the user’s login does not request password credentials, then the user will be generated a security key to validate the initial request of logging in.
  • Step 5: The user enters the code or accepts the request (from step 3) and if approved, will be granted access to their system.

For the two-factor authentication process to work, you’ll likely need some sort of authentication app, and there are many available in today’s new cyber world. If you do have the option of activating your 2fa internally through your system, then you can just toggle it through your settings. The great thing about your two-factor authentication with your Cisco Anyconnect VPN is that there are many ways to protect and secure access to all of your cloud-based applications.

When you protect your network connection with two-factor authentication, you’re creating a work environment that isn’t vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks. This sense of security will make your employees more comfortable working from home or anywhere that isn’t the office.

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