12.5.2. XACCESS vs. Popular MFA Products

Why XACCESS is Different

Unlike other MFA solutions that operate only at the application level, XACCESS is the only multi-factor authentication product that:

• Integrates with client environments at both the System and Network layers; and
• Protects against Brute-Force attacks on User passwords

System-Level Protections

At the system layer, XACCESS directly modifies user account attributes based on authentication success or failure. Automated actions can be applied that align with client-specific security policies, ensuring that access rights adapt in real time. XACCESS integrates seamlessly with LDAP, Active Directory, and RADIUS, as well as any custom directory system.

Network-Level Protections

At the network layer, XACCESS is the only MFA solution that works natively with all major router brands, including Cisco and MikroTik. It applies just-in-time, self-expiring, stateful firewall and routing rules, tied to the authenticated user’s role and trust level. This ensures precise, real-time control of access to corporate information and resources.

By working across multiple OSI layers, XACCESS ensures that both system accounts and network resources are protected holistically, maximizing corporate security and safeguarding user identity.

MFA Comparison: System & Network Protections

Product	Pro-Active Network Level Protection	Custom System Level Protections
XACCESS
Cisco Duo
Okta Adaptive MFA
Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD MFA)
Ping Identity
AuthX
LastPass MFA
JumpCloud
YubiKey
RSA SecurID
Silverfort

100% Protection Against Password Brute-Force Attacks

Password reuse remains a critical and widespread security vulnerability:

• 60% of users reuse the same password across multiple accounts,
  
• 94% of leaked credentials are reused, and only
  
• 6% are unique.
  

This makes even one compromised account a gateway to many others. Most MFA solutions – including:
Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, Duo, Ping, LastPass MFA, JumpCloud, YubiKey, RSA SecurID, Silverfort, and AuthX – still require the user to enter their username and password before prompting for a secondary factor, which leaves passwords exposed to brute-force or credential stuffing attacks. XACCESS dramatically shifts this paradigm: by requesting the MFA token before any password is entered, it prevents attackers from ever targeting or intercepting the password. While no system is infallible, this architecture significantly strengthens password protection and dramatically minimizes attack surface.

Comparison Table: Token Prompt Position

MFA Product	Token Prompt Position	Protects User Passwords	Notes
XACCESS	Before username/password		Unique flow – token first, prevents brute-force of passwords
Cisco Duo	After username/password		Standard flow. Can combine password+token in some RADIUS scenarios, but password always submitted first.
Okta Adaptive MFA	After username/password		Supports chained authentication methods; password always comes before MFA factor.
Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD MFA)	After username/password		Standard: password → MFA (push, OTP, biometrics).
Ping Identity	After username/password		Username/password collected before MFA challenge.
AuthX	After username/password		Credentials first, MFA second.
LastPass MFA	After username/password		Standard second factor – OTP, push, or biometric after password.
JumpCloud	After username/password		Requires primary credentials before MFA prompt.
YubiKey	After username/password		Hardware token used as second factor after password step.
RSA SecurID	After username/password		Traditionally used as a second factor after primary credentials.
Silverfort	After username/password		Adaptive MFA – integrates with legacy apps, but flow still credentials first.

Sources: Cisco, Cisco Community, Okta Docs, industry MFA guides (2025).

References

Password Reuse & MFA Effectiveness

• Google / Harris Poll (Feb 2019) – Online Security Survey (Password reuse stats)
  
• Google Cloud – Password leak detection & reuse figures (recap of Google/Harris Poll)
  
• Microsoft Security Blog – MFA blocks 99.9% of account attacks
  
• Microsoft TechCommunity – Compromise rate <0.1% with MFA
  

MFA Flow (Password then Factor) – Vendor Documentation

• Duo – Guide to Duo Authentication (user login experience)
• Cisco Community – ISE Device Admin with Duo MFA (primary password + Duo passcode flow)
• Cisco Community – TACACS+ with Duo MFA (password, then Duo)
• Okta – Multifactor Authentication (Classic Engine overview)
• Okta Identity Engine – Authentication method chain (factor order configuration)
• Okta Support – Accept password and security token in the same RADIUS request
• Ping Identity – Authentication flows (first-factor precedes MFA)
• LastPass – Supported MFA options (2nd factor after login)
• Microsoft Entra ID – Authentication flows (interactive sign-in & MFA prompts)