Cisco AnyConnect vs Duo Security: What are the differences?

Introduction

Cisco AnyConnect and Duo Security are both security solutions that provide authentication and access control for organizations. However, they have key differences in terms of deployment, features, and integration capabilities.

1. Deployment: Cisco AnyConnect is a client-based VPN solution that requires the installation of software on the user's device. It provides secure remote access to corporate resources. On the other hand, Duo Security is a cloud-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution that does not require any hardware or software installation. It offers MFA for various applications and resources, including VPNs.

2. Authentication Methods: Cisco AnyConnect primarily relies on username-password authentication for accessing VPNs, with the option to integrate additional authentication methods such as certificate-based authentication or SMS-based one-time passwords. In contrast, Duo Security offers a wide range of authentication methods, including push notifications, phone calls, SMS-based codes, hardware tokens, and biometric authentication. This provides organizations with more flexibility and options for authenticating users.

3. Integration Capabilities: While Cisco AnyConnect is mainly focused on providing VPN access control, it does have the ability to integrate with other security solutions, such as firewalls and endpoint protection systems, to provide a comprehensive security posture. Duo Security, on the other hand, offers extensive integration capabilities and supports a wide range of applications and services, including VPNs, cloud services, on-premises applications, and even custom integrations through its APIs. This makes it more versatile and adaptable to different environments.

4. User Experience: Cisco AnyConnect provides a dedicated VPN client that users need to install and connect to access corporate resources. It offers a consistent user experience across different platforms, but requires additional software maintenance and updates. In contrast, Duo Security offers a more user-friendly and seamless experience. Users can simply authenticate themselves through their chosen method, such as a push notification on their mobile device, without the need for installing any additional software.

5. Scalability: Cisco AnyConnect is designed to handle large-scale deployments and can support a high number of concurrent users, making it suitable for enterprise-level organizations. Duo Security, being a cloud-based solution, is highly scalable and can easily accommodate growing user bases and changing business needs.

6. Costs: Cisco AnyConnect typically involves upfront costs for licensing and infrastructure setup, as well as ongoing maintenance and support expenses. In contrast, Duo Security operates on a subscription-based model, which can be more cost-effective for smaller organizations or those with a dynamic user base as they only pay for the number of users they need to authenticate.

In summary, Cisco AnyConnect and Duo Security differ in their deployment models, authentication methods, integration capabilities, user experience, scalability, and cost structures. While AnyConnect is primarily focused on VPN access control, Duo Security offers a broader range of authentication options, extensive integration capabilities, and a seamless user experience, making it a versatile and scalable solution for multi-factor authentication needs.