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Auth0Alisha TingleExplainer
Stop Building MFA from Scratch (And What to Do Instead)
Summary
Building multi-factor authentication (MFA) in-house is a much larger project than teams expect, requiring authenticator app integration, QR code generation, secure backup recovery codes, and edge cases like lost phones. Auth0 positions its MFA offerings as a way to offload that work so developers can focus on core product features. The company’s paid plans include MFA directly, with Pro MFA covering standard authenticator apps in B2C and B2B Essentials plans. Enterprise MFA adds WebAuthn, push notifications, SMS, and voice, available as an add-on to B2B Essentials or included in Professional tiers. Auth0 argues that using its MFA helps teams pass compliance, unblock enterprise deals, and avoid weeks of building login infrastructure.
Context
The post is written by a Senior Customer Advocate at Auth0 and is aimed at founders, CTOs, and developers who are considering building MFA themselves. It contrasts the perceived simplicity of building MFA with the actual engineering effort involved, then presents Auth0’s MFA plans as a managed alternative.
Takeaways
Building MFA in-house requires integrating authenticator apps, generating QR codes, handling backup recovery codes securely, and managing edge cases like users losing their phones.
Auth0’s Pro MFA plan covers standard authenticator apps like Google Authenticator and Duo, and is included out of the box in B2C and B2B Essentials plans.
Enterprise MFA supports WebAuthn, push notifications, SMS, and voice, and is available as an add-on to B2B Essentials or included in Professional tiers.
FAQ
What does Auth0's Pro MFA plan include?
Pro MFA covers standard authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator and Duo. It is included out of the box in Auth0's B2C and B2B Essentials plans.
What is included in Auth0's Enterprise MFA?
Enterprise MFA supports WebAuthn, push notifications to an app, SMS, and voice. It is available as an add-on to B2B Essentials and included fully in Professional tiers.
Why does Auth0 say teams should not build MFA from scratch?
Auth0 argues that building MFA in-house is a much bigger project than expected, involving authenticator app integration, QR codes, backup recovery codes, and edge cases like lost phones. This takes developers away from core product work.
Source and freshness
- Source
- auth0.com
- Published
- Added to Yomu
Summaries are generated from the original by a language model. Check the original before relying on it.
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