In short: Cisco Duo is Cisco's identity security service. It adds multi-factor authentication, passwordless login, single sign-on and device trust checks to cloud apps, VPNs and on-premises systems. Within Cisco Secure it works with Secure Access, ISE and Identity Intelligence, and it is a core part of the User Protection Suite.
What Cisco Duo does
Duo confirms that the person logging in is who they claim to be, and that their device is healthy enough to trust, before granting access. It covers multi-factor authentication, passwordless login, single sign-on and device trust, and is licensed per user.
How Duo fits Cisco Secure
- Cisco Secure Access: Duo provides the identity and device checks for zero trust access to private apps
- Cisco Secure Client and Secure Firewall: Duo adds MFA to remote access VPN
- Cisco Identity Intelligence: identity threat detection, included in Duo Advantage and Premier
- Cisco ISE: network access control that can respond alongside Duo when an identity looks compromised
- User Protection Suite: bundles Duo Advantage with Secure Access and Secure Email Threat Defense, adding Secure Endpoint and ISE in the Advantage tier
Duo editions and pricing
Duo comes in four editions: Duo Free (MFA for up to 10 users), Duo Essentials, Duo Advantage and Duo Premier. Rather than repeat the detail here, see our Cisco Duo editions and pricing guide or start with Duo Advantage, the edition that adds Identity Intelligence. Pricing is per user: ask us for a quote.
Where to go next
Visit Cisco Duo UK for features, integrations, editions and roll-out guides. If you are buying Duo as part of a wider Cisco project, contact us here and we will cover both together.
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Contact usFrequently asked questions
Is Cisco Duo part of Cisco Secure?
Yes. Duo is Cisco's identity security product and part of the Cisco Secure portfolio. It integrates with Secure Access, Secure Client, ISE and Identity Intelligence, and Duo Advantage is included in the User Protection Suite.
Can I buy Duo on its own?
Yes. Duo is sold per user as a standalone product, or as part of the User Protection Suite with other Cisco security products.
Does Cisco Secure Access include Duo?
Cisco's Secure Access data sheet says Secure Access customers receive limited-use Duo licences at no extra cost, for authentication to Secure Access. Full Duo editions, with features such as device trust and Identity Intelligence, are licensed separately or through the User Protection Suite.
Where can I compare Duo editions?
Our specialist site cisco-duo.co.uk compares the Duo editions and explains how Duo pricing works.