Duo Mobile vs RSA Authenticator (SecurID)

Duo Mobile provides two-factor and multi-factor authentication for company and personal data on iOS and Android phones and tablets. Users can approve or deny sign-ins with Duo Push, or enter time-based passcodes generated by the app. It also supports third-party TOTP accounts, biometrics, and passcodes. Duo Restore backs up and restores Duo-protected accounts when a user changes devices, and Security Checkup provides a mobile-device security score through app notifications. For organizations, Duo connects with legacy infrastructure, custom apps, VPNs, SaaS tools, and offline devices. Integration methods include RADIUS, SAML/OIDC, Duo Authentication Proxy, and direct API connections. Adaptive policies can consider user role, location, application, network, and device health. Duo says it keeps private keys on users’ devices in a tamper-proof secure element and does not store passwords. The free plan covers 10 users; paid plans start at $3.00 per month, and a 30-day trial is listed. End users needing enrollment or troubleshooting help are directed to their organization’s Duo administrator.

RSA Authenticator (SecurID) is an authentication system for organizations securing on-premises environments and supporting access to cloud and on-premises applications. It offers hardware and software authenticators, including OTP, MFA, and passwordless options. The mobile app supports push notifications, device biometrics, FIDO, and OTP for applications such as VPNs and Microsoft 365. RSA Authentication Manager provides authentication, access, and management capabilities and can be deployed on a hardened rack-mountable appliance. RSA describes its hybrid approach as intended to maintain access during network disruptions or cloud outages. Integration paths include SAML, RADIUS, and authentication APIs, with named integrations such as Okta and SailPoint. The mobile app can manage up to 30 credentials, but they cannot be backed up or restored; device-bound passkeys also cannot be exported or restored. Version 4.7 requires Android 10.0 or later or iOS 16.0 or later. RSA states that it uses FIPS 140-2 or FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules for data at rest and in motion across mobile apps, cloud, and on-premises.