Two-factor authentication (2FA) solution

Two-factor authentication solution

Strengthen identity security with secure and adaptive two-factor authentication (2FA).

Passwords remain one of the most common targets in modern cyberattacks. According to Verizon, 22% of data breaches begin from credential abuse. This highlights the growing need for stronger identity verification methods beyond traditional password-based authentication.

As organizations expand access to cloud applications, VPNs, endpoints, and remote work environments, relying solely on passwords creates significant security risks. Even strong passwords can be compromised through phishing campaigns, malware, or reused credentials, making password security a critical priority for modern businesses.

Implementing 2FA or multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity using additional authentication factors in addition to from the standard username and password. These methods help reduce the risk of account compromise and unauthorized access.

Organizations can strengthen identity security across both on-premises and cloud environments using Active Directory 2FA to secure endpoints, including enterprise applications, VPNs, and remote desktops from unauthorized access.

ADSelfService Plus: A comprehensive two-factor authentication solution

ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus is an enterprise authentication platform that helps organizations secure user access across endpoints, applications, and remote access systems via:

• 2FA for Windows, macOS, and Linux logons
• 2FA for VPN authentication
• 2FA for remote desktop access
• 2FA for Outlook Web Access (OWA)
• 2FA for enterprise applications
• Offline 2FA

ADSelfService Plus supports a wide range of identity verification methods, including:

• Phishing-resistant FIDO2 passkeys
• Established and custom TOTP providers
• Push notification
• Biometric authentication
• RADIUS authentication
• Hardware tokens
• Smartcards
• SMS and email verification

The 21 authenticators supported by the solution helps organizations prevent phishing attacks and secure the hybrid workforce identity across environments.

Common 2FA bypass techniques

Attackers continuously look for ways to bypass authentication protections. Some of the most common techniques include:

• Phishing proxies: Fake login pages capture usernames, passwords, and authentication codes in real time.
• Manipulator-in-the-middle attacks: Attackers intercept authentication sessions or tokens through compromised networks or browsers.
• SIM swapping: Attackers take control of a victim’s mobile number to receive SMS authentication codes.
• Malware attacks: Malicious software on a compromised device can capture OTPs, session tokens, or authentication prompts.
• Push fatigue attacks: Repeated push requests are sent until a user mistakenly approves one.

To reduce these risks, organizations should combine user awareness training with stronger authentication methods, adaptive access policies, and phishing-resistant security controls designed to defend against credential theft, password reuse, and social engineering attacks.

Phishing-resistant and passwordless two-factor authentication

Traditional authentication methods that rely on passwords and SMS OTPs remain vulnerable to phishing, credential theft, and social engineering attacks. As organizations strengthen identity security, many are adopting phishing-resistant and passwordless authentication methods that reduce dependency on passwords and shared secrets.

ADSelfService Plus supports modern authentication standards such as FIDO2 and WebAuthn, enabling secure passwordless login experiences across enterprise environments. These authentication methods use cryptographic verification to help protect against phishing attacks, credential replay, and unauthorized access while also simplifying the login experience for users.

Seamless authentication with TOTP and push notification

Authenticator apps provide a more secure, yet approachable alternative to knowledge-based authentication by generating TOTPs directly on a user’s device.

ADSelfService Plus supports popular authenticator applications including:

• Google Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator
• Zoho OneAuth
• Other custom TOTP apps

The platform also supports push notification authentication, allowing users to approve login requests with a single tap securely.

Biometric 2FA

Biometric 2FA allows users to verify their identity using fingerprints or facial recognition alongside another authentication factor. By using unique inherence factors for identity verification, biometric authentication helps strengthen security, improve user convenience, and reduce risks associated with credential theft and password reuse.

Zero Trust security and adaptive authentication

Modern organizations increasingly follow Zero Trust security principles, where every login request must be continuously verified regardless of the user's location or network.

ADSelfService Plus supports Zero Trust initiatives through adaptive access policies that evaluate contextual risk factors before granting access.

Administrators can enforce authentication policies based on:

• Device trust
• User location
• IP address
• Time of access
• Failed authentication attempts

Based on the level of risk, the 2FA system can automatically require stronger identity verification methods, trigger additional authentication steps, or block suspicious login attempts entirely.

This adaptive approach helps strengthen unauthorized access prevention while reducing unnecessary authentication prompts for trusted users.

Benefits of ADSelfService Plus as a 2FA solution

• Stronger protection against modern cyberattacks

  Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security that helps protect against phishing, credential theft, password reuse, and social engineering attacks across endpoints, applications, and remote access systems.

• Secure and convenient user authentication

  Supports flexible identity verification methods such as biometrics, authenticator apps, push notifications, FIDO2 passkeys, and hardware security keys to balance strong security with a seamless login experience.

• Adaptive authentication for lower user friction

  Adaptive access policies can evaluate device trust, login behavior, and user location to apply additional verification only when necessary, improving both security and user convenience.

• Reduced password-related risks

  Combined with advanced password policies and self-service password reset capabilities, 2FA helps reduce password vulnerabilities.

• Flexible deployment options

  Deploy ADSelfService Plus in cloud-based or on-premises environments based on organizational infrastructure and security requirements.

• Simplified access management

  Combines single sign-on (SSO) and 2FA to streamline application access while maintaining strong identity security across enterprise environments.

• Compliance and audit readiness

  Supports regulatory and security requirements with centralized authentication logs, audit trails, and secure identity verification workflows.