Akamai to Combat Multi-Factor Authentication Security Gaps with Phish-Proof Push

Rhea-AI Summary

Akamai Technologies has launched Akamai MFA, a phish-proof multi-factor authentication solution utilizing FIDO2 standards. This innovation enables enterprises to implement secure authentication without managing hardware keys, lowering costs and complexity. The solution operates through a smartphone app, enhancing user experience while ensuring robust security. Deployed on the Akamai Intelligent Edge Platform, Akamai MFA integrates with major identity providers and is available now, allowing organizations to activate a 60-day trial for evaluation.

Positive

• Launch of Akamai MFA enhances security for enterprises by utilizing FIDO2 standards.
• Elimination of hardware security key management reduces costs and complexity.
• Integration with leading identity providers like Microsoft Azure AD and Okta.

Negative

• None.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKAM), the world's most trusted solution for protecting and delivering digital experiences, today announced the launch of Akamai MFA, a phish-proof solution designed to enable enterprises to quickly deploy FIDO2 multi-factor authentication (MFA) without the need to deploy and manage hardware security keys. Akamai MFA uses a smartphone application that transforms existing smartphones into a hardware security key to deliver a frictionless user experience.

Current MFA approaches that do not use FIDO2 can be easily manipulated and replayed by attackers using phishing or man-in-the-middle attacks. FIDO2 is the industry standard for delivering secure MFA and is the starting point for passwordless and userless authentication. To obtain this level of security, enterprises currently need to distribute and manage hardware keys, which adds additional costs and increases complexity.

Akamai MFA is designed to deliver a phish-proof easy-to-use experience for employees using the strongest standards-based authentication method available and via a smartphone application in place of a physical security key. The solution leverages FIDO2, which provides end-to-end cryptography and a sealed challenge/response flow, allowing enterprises to get the best multi-factor security without additional costs, and provides a simple upgrade path as their authentication needs evolve.

"Standard second factor push notifications are easily compromised unless enterprises deploy and manage hardware security keys, which adds significant complexity," said Rick McConnell, President and General Manager, Security Technology Group, at Akamai. "Akamai MFA delivers all of the benefits of FIDO2 standards and uses a phish-proof push on a smartphone that enables enterprises to move to the next-level of MFA security without the need for hardware security keys."

"When it comes to MFA technologies, push is king; nothing is easier, and adding the phish-proof FIDO2 protection makes it secure," said Jay Bretzmann Program Director, IDC Security Products. "Akamai understands the need for low-friction authentication approaches because it's at the forefront of identity and access technology and increasingly lending expertise to workplace implementations as we all deal with COVID-19 remote employee realities."

Deployed on the Akamai Intelligent Edge Platform, Akamai MFA can be activated and managed centrally via Enterprise Center with global reach and scale for resilience and performance. The service integrates with market-leading identity providers, including Microsoft Azure AD, Okta, and Akamai's own Enterprise Application Access. Additional integrations are supported for Secure Shell (SSH) and Windows Login use cases.

Akamai MFA is available now. For more information on Akamai MFA and to activate a 60-day trial, please visit the website here. To learn more about other web and enterprise application solutions, please visit Akamai's security suite.

About Akamai

Akamai secures and delivers digital experiences for the world's largest companies. Akamai's intelligent edge platform surrounds everything, from the enterprise to the cloud, so customers and their businesses can be fast, smart, and secure. Top brands globally rely on Akamai to help them realize competitive advantage through agile solutions that extend the power of their multi-cloud architectures. Akamai keeps decisions, apps, and experiences closer to users than anyone — and attacks and threats far away. Akamai's portfolio of edge security, web and mobile performance, enterprise access, and video delivery solutions is supported by unmatched customer service, analytics, and 24/7/365 monitoring. To learn why the world's top brands trust Akamai, visit www.akamai.com, blogs.akamai.com, or @Akamai on Twitter. You can find our global contact information at www.akamai.com/locations.

Media Contacts:

Helen Yang
Media Relations
hyang@akamai.com
858-404-1436

Tom Barth
Investor Relations
tbarth@akamai.com
617-274-7130

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SOURCE Akamai Technologies, Inc.

FAQ

What is Akamai MFA?

Akamai MFA is a phish-proof multi-factor authentication solution that allows enterprises to quickly deploy FIDO2 authentication using smartphones instead of hardware keys.

When was Akamai MFA launched?

Akamai MFA was launched on March 17, 2021.

How does Akamai MFA enhance security?

Akamai MFA enhances security by leveraging FIDO2 standards, providing a phish-proof user experience with strong cryptographic methods.

What platforms does Akamai MFA integrate with?

Akamai MFA integrates with identity providers such as Microsoft Azure AD, Okta, and supports Secure Shell and Windows Login use cases.

Is there a trial available for Akamai MFA?

Yes, organizations can activate a 60-day trial of Akamai MFA to evaluate its capabilities.