Deciphering Cisco Duo Pricing: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Cisco Duo Security?

In today's interconnected digital world, cybersecurity remains an ever-present concern for organisations seeking to safeguard their sensitive data and systems from relentless cyberthreats. Cisco Duo Security enhances enterprise security by verifying user identities, establishing device trust and securing connections to company networks and applications through Multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA provides much greater security for businesses. If one security factor is breached, such as a password, there are extra layers in place to protect the network and establish user identity.

 

Cisco Duo Security features & benefits  

Cisco Duo stands at the forefront of fortifying digital security. Its primary security benefits lie in the reinforcement of authentication mechanisms through multifactor verification, which significantly diminishes the susceptibility to credential theft and phishing attacks. By adding layers of authentication, Cisco Duo ensures a robust defence against unauthorised access attempts, bolstering overall security measures while simultaneously providing a seamless user experience—a crucial balance in the modern cybersecurity landscape.

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) -

   Multi-factor authentication (MFA) significantly boosts security by adding extra layers of verification, ensuring that only authorised users gain access to sensitive accounts or information. This approach makes it considerably more difficult for cybercriminals to breach security measures, even if they manage to obtain login details.
   
   In a real-world example, suppose a user logs into their email account using only a password. If hackers somehow acquire or guess that password, they can easily access the user's emails, potentially compromising sensitive data or even using the account to send fraudulent messages.
   
   However, if the email service implements MFA, upon entering the correct password, an additional verification step is required. This could involve a unique code sent to the user's phone or generated by an authentication app. Even if the hackers have the password, they would be unable to complete the login without this second verification, effectively preventing unauthorised access.
   
   Another instance could involve online banking. If a user's banking portal utilises MFA, a password alone won't suffice for accessing the account. In addition to the password, the user might need to provide a fingerprint scan, a one-time code sent to their registered phone number or a physical token. Even if someone knows the password, they wouldn't be able to access the account without this extra layer of authentication. More insights on MFA in 5 Ways Multi-Factor Authentication Can Protect Your Business.
   
   

2. Endpoint Visibility and Security -

   Cisco Duo offers comprehensive visibility and control over endpoints, which are critical devices or points of access in a network. Securing endpoints is crucial in the modern threat landscape due to the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks targeting these entry points.
   
   The platform offers a clear view of all endpoints attempting to access the network or sensitive resources. It provides insights into the types of devices, their health status, and the context of access attempts. This visibility extends across various platforms and operating systems, including laptops, mobile devices, and IoT gadgets. By gaining this visibility, organisations can identify potential vulnerabilities or anomalous behaviour, enabling proactive threat mitigation.
   
   

3. Adaptive Access Policies -

   The key to implementing a successful cybersecurity policy is to allow flexible access policies based on user requirements. The ability to adapt policies according to various user contexts increases security while allowing a more seamless user experience. This adaptive approach provides numerous benefits, striking a crucial balance between stringent security measures and user convenience.

• Contextual Flexibility:
  Adaptive access policies consider a range of contextual factors, such as user location, time of access, device type, and user behaviour. For instance, allowing different levels of access based on whether a user is connecting from within the company premises or remotely enhances security by adjusting permissions according to the perceived risk level. These policies can also take into account the type of device being used or the sensitivity of the data being accessed, providing tailored security measures for different scenarios.
  

• Enhanced Security:
  By dynamically adjusting access policies based on user context, adaptive policies bolster security measures. For example, if a user typically logs in from a specific location during business hours but suddenly attempts access from a different country or at an odd time, adaptive policies might trigger additional verification steps, such as requiring multifactor authentication. This proactive approach helps detect and mitigate potential security threats in real-time, reducing the risk of unauthorised access due to compromised credentials or suspicious behaviour.
  
  
• Improved User Experience:
  

  While the primary focus is on strengthening security, adaptive policies achieve this without sacrificing user experience. By intelligently analysing user behaviour and contextual factors, these policies minimise unnecessary authentication hurdles for trusted users and devices. For instance, if a user consistently logs in from a known device and location, the system can grant smoother and quicker access, reducing friction in the authentication process. This streamlined approach fosters productivity and user satisfaction without compromising security.

Understanding Cisco Duo Pricing Models

Cisco Duo offers different pricing models to allow business owners to choose the right product for their organisation. When considering the benefits of Cisco Duo, it’s important to consider which level of cover is right for your organisation. Orixcom offer no commitment, monthly plans, from a little over AED 12 per month for basic level protection, up to AED 42 per month for comprehensive, managed protection.

Duo Essentials

Duo Essentials is the foundational tier offering core features essential for implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) and basic access security. It includes functionalities like MFA, adaptive authentication, and device visibility. This tier is suitable for businesses starting their MFA journey and looking to implement a solid foundation for securing access to their applications and data.

Duo Advantage

Duo Advantage expands upon the Essentials tier by providing additional features such as endpoint remediation, stronger access controls, and advanced reporting capabilities. It offers improved visibility into device health and compliance posture, allowing organisations to enforce more robust security policies. Duo Advantage is suitable for businesses seeking enhanced security measures and detailed insights into their access environment.

Duo Premier

Duo Premier is the highest tier in the Cisco Duo offerings, providing a comprehensive set of features and functionalities. It encompasses all the capabilities of Essentials and Advantage while adding features like single sign-on (SSO), zero-trust security controls, and integrations with other security tools and platforms. Duo Premier is suitable for enterprises with complex security needs, seeking a comprehensive solution for securing access across multiple applications and environments.

Case Studies

A wide range of businesses in the GCC have already taken the step to protect their business and implemented Cisco Duo on their network. The Chedi Hotel in Muscat, Oman, owned by Hotels Management Company International S.A.O.G, implemented Cisco Duo with Orixcom.

During the Pandemic, as remote working became more established, more and more businesses realised they needed a way to add additional security to their existing infrastructure. The Chedi Muscat implemented Cisco Duo Premier and have reaped the benefits. Remote workers and devices are now fully protected, management have full visibility of activity and all devices on the network and the risk of a data breach and loss is significantly reduced. Read the full customer success story here.

Impact of Cisco Duo on Real-World Cybersecurity Challenges

Cisco Duo's multifaceted features directly tackle prevalent real-world cybersecurity challenges, providing concrete solutions to mitigate risks. Take, for instance, the rise in credential theft and phishing attacks—an all-too-common threat in today's landscape. Duo's multifactor authentication (MFA) protects against this by requiring additional verification beyond passwords. This simple yet powerful feature significantly mitigates the risk of unauthorised access, skewering the heart of these malicious attacks.

Moreover, the adaptive authentication mechanisms within Cisco Duo dynamically adapt security protocols based on real-time user behaviour and context. This ability to adjust authentication requirements in response to varying circumstances provides a critical defence against evolving threats, such as sophisticated phishing schemes targeting specific times or locations. Duo's device visibility and control further combat challenges such as device vulnerabilities. By offering insights into endpoint health, it enables businesses to enact policies that prevent compromised devices from accessing critical resources, effectively stopping potential malware infiltration and unauthorised access attempts.

Key Factors to consider when selecting a Cisco Duo Plan

When evaluating Cisco Duo pricing plans, several key factors should be considered to align the chosen plan with your organisation's specific needs and security requirements:

Scalability and Business Size: 

Consider the scale of your business and future growth projections. Different pricing plans may cater to small businesses, mid-sized enterprises, or large corporations. Ensure the chosen plan can accommodate your current user base and easily scale as your organisation expands.

Required Features and Functionality:                                                               

Evaluate the features offered in each plan. Determine which functionalities are essential for your organisation's security needs. Features like multifactor authentication (MFA), device visibility, adaptive authentication, single sign-on (SSO), integrations and reporting capabilities vary across Duo's pricing tiers.

Compliance and Security Requirements:                                                   

Consider any industry-specific compliance mandates or security standards your business must adhere to, such as GDPR, HIPAA or PCI DSS. Ensure the chosen plan offers the necessary features and controls to meet these requirements.

Integration and Compatibility:                                                                       

Assess the compatibility of the Cisco Duo plan with your existing IT infrastructure, applications and systems. Determine if the plan supports integrations with your current technology stack and provides seamless implementation across various platforms.

Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs):                                           

Review the support options and service level agreements provided by each pricing plan. Consider factors like customer support availability, response times, and access to resources like documentation, training and troubleshooting assistance.

Budget and Cost Considerations:                                                                   

Understand the pricing structure of each plan, including any additional costs for extra users, features, or support services. Ensure the chosen plan aligns with your budget constraints while still offering the necessary security features.

Trial and Demo Options:                                                                                   

Try out our 14-day free trial version or get a demo to test the functionalities and assess how well the plan meets your business’s needs before making a commitment. Get in touch with an Orixcom expert to learn more.

 

 

 

 

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Business

In order to select the Cisco Duo plan that works for a specific industry or enterprise, the following factors need to be considered.

• Industry-Specific Compliance:

  Different industries have specific regulatory compliance requirements. For instance, healthcare organisations require adherence to a variety of regulations depending on the country they operate in, while financial institutions must comply with regulations like GDPR, PCI DSS or SOX. Select a Cisco Duo plan that offers features and controls designed to meet these industry-specific compliance standards.
  
  

• Customised Security Features:

  Certain industries face unique security threats. Tailor the Duo plan by prioritising security features that directly address these industry-specific threats. For example, in the financial sector, emphasis might be placed on stringent access controls or real-time monitoring to prevent data breaches.
  
  

• Scalability and User Management:

  Consider the scale and user management needs specific to the industry or business. Some sectors, like education or retail, might experience fluctuating user counts based on seasons or academic calendars. Ensure the selected plan allows for easy scalability and efficient user management to accommodate these fluctuations.
  
  

• Integration with Industry Tools:

  Different industries often rely on specialised software or tools. Select a Cisco Duo plan that seamlessly integrates with industry-specific applications or security solutions commonly used within that sector. This integration ensures compatibility and ease of implementation.
  
  

• Support and Training:

  Tailor the support and training options to suit the specific needs of the industry or business. For instance, organisations dealing with sensitive patient data in healthcare might require specialised training on maintaining patient privacy and handling data securely. Ensure the chosen plan provides appropriate training and support resources.
  
  

• Budget Allocation:

  Consider budget allocations based on industry-specific priorities and needs. Some sectors may prioritise security spending more than others due to the sensitivity of data or regulatory requirements. Align the budget with the critical security measures needed to safeguard against industry-specific threats.
  

By customising Cisco Duo pricing plans to cater to the specific nuances of an industry or enterprise, businesses can optimise their security measures, ensure regulatory compliance and address the unique challenges prevalent within their sector. Easily deploy Duo's solutions to protect every user and get an overview of your device security hygiene.

FAQs

• Is Cisco Duo Security safe? And how does it enhance security beyond traditional authentication methods?

  Yes, Cisco Duo is considered a secure authentication solution. It goes beyond traditional methods by using multifactor authentication (MFA), requiring users to provide multiple verification factors for access. This added layer of security, such as passwords and a mobile device, helps prevent unauthorised access and protects against threats like phishing and credential theft. Additionally, Cisco Duo's adaptive authentication adjusts security based on user behaviour and context, enhancing security by responding to potential risks in real-time. Overall, Cisco Duo significantly strengthens security measures beyond typical authentication methods.
  
  

• Can Cisco Duo be seamlessly integrated with existing IT infrastructure?

  Yes, Cisco Duo can be easily integrated with existing IT infrastructure. It offers versatile integration options and supports a wide range of systems and applications commonly used in businesses. With clear documentation and APIs, implementing Duo into your current setup is straightforward and doesn't disrupt your workflows.
  
  

• What factors should organisations consider when selecting a Cisco Duo pricing plan?

  Organisations should consider their current user base size, required features such as multifactor authentication (MFA) or single sign-on (SSO), scalability for future growth, compliance needs, integration capabilities with existing systems, available support and service levels, and budget constraints when selecting a Cisco Duo pricing plan. Aligning these factors with the specific security needs and operational requirements of the business ensures choosing a plan that best suits their unique needs and budget.