Duo Zero Trust Security

Duo's zero trust security solution addresses the core challenge of ensuring that only authorized users and devices access sensitive applications and data, despite the increasing complexity of modern IT environments.

The technical architecture of Duo's zero trust solution is built around four key functional requirements: establishing trust, enforcing trust-based access, continuously verifying trust, and responding to changes in trust. Duo authenticates users through phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) and verifies device health through posture checks, ensuring that only trusted devices and users gain access to applications.

Duo's approach involves integrating with various identity providers and applications using SAML and OIDC protocols, allowing for centralized Single Sign-On (SSO) experiences. This integration enables administrators to set granular, adaptive access policies based on user role, location, device type, operating system, and device health status. The solution also includes risk-based authentication, which adjusts security requirements in real-time based on risk signals, and provides continuous monitoring through AI-driven analytics and Trust Monitor, which alerts on unusual login patterns.

Operational considerations include the need for comprehensive device visibility, which Duo achieves by compiling a full device inventory and enforcing adaptive access policies at every login. This ensures that security standards are consistently met. Additionally, Duo's solution is designed to be scalable and easy to deploy, with features like user self-service for enrollment and password management, which can reduce IT helpdesk overhead.

From a technical perspective, Duo's solution supports a wide range of applications, including cloud, on-premises, custom applications, VPNs, RDPs, and remote servers. It is also compliant with strict federal security standards, including FedRAMP, NIST 800-63-3, and FISMA, making it suitable for public sector organizations. The solution is FIPS-capable and supports various secure authentication methods such as FIDO2 Security Keys and Verified Duo Push, ensuring robust security without compromising user productivity.