Okta new multi-factor authentication solution uses intelligence and rules engine

Cloud identity management firm Okta is introducing Adaptive MFA, a new multi-factor authentication (MFA) system that uses intelligence and a rules engine to determine when to ask for a second form of identification, according to a report by Techcrunch.

If the system senses that the individual is accessing the company’s sensitive data in an atypical way, it will ask the user for a second form of identification such as a code it sends to their smartphone, fingerprint or the use of a Yubikey USB device, depending on the company and its requirements.

In doing so, the MFA solution provides numerous options and enables the customer to decide how to implement the system.

“You can no longer solve for a small number of users. You need this capability everywhere,” said Okta chief product officer Eric Berg.

With Okta’s new MFA solutio, users are able to set the rules for when they are prompted to use a second factor after initially entering a username and password.

The solution intelligently learns and understands the user’s normal behavior over time, and may prompt the user for a second factor, even when the rules engine did not require it.

Okta is able to work with desktop computers and cloud applications, enabling it to be integrated into a mixed environment.

Earlier this week, Okta announced it raised $75 million to bring its total funding to $230 million.

The company said it has more than 2,500 customers, including professional networking site LinkedIn Corp., casino operator MGM Resorts International and money-transfer firm Western Union Co.

Previously reported, KeyLemon announced it is now providing access to its face and speaker recognition web service via the Okta dashboard.

Article Topics

behavioral biometrics  |  biometrics  |  Cloud Security  |  identity management  |  multi-factor authentication