Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Azure Multi-Factor Authentication VS SimpleSAMLphp

Compare Azure Multi-Factor Authentication VS SimpleSAMLphp and see what are their differences

Azure Multi-Factor Authentication logo Azure Multi-Factor Authentication

Azure Multi-Factor Authentication helps safeguard access to data and applications while meeting user demand for a simple sign-in process.

SimpleSAMLphp logo SimpleSAMLphp

SimpleSAMLphp is an OAuth authentication application written in native PHP.
  • Azure Multi-Factor Authentication Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-19
  • SimpleSAMLphp Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-07

Azure Multi-Factor Authentication features and specs

  • Enhanced Security
    Azure MFA adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Flexible Authentication Options
    It supports various authentication methods such as phone calls, text messages, app notifications, and hardware tokens, providing flexibility for users.
  • Integration with Microsoft Services
    Seamless integration with other Microsoft services and Azure Active Directory ensures a cohesive security solution across different Microsoft platforms.
  • Compliance Support
    Helps organizations meet compliance requirements by providing an additional layer of security that is often mandated by regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, etc.
  • User-friendly
    Designed to be straightforward for end-users, reducing the friction typically associated with multi-factor authentication processes.
  • Conditional Access Policies
    Enables the configuration of conditional access policies to enforce MFA for specific scenarios, balancing security needs and user convenience.

Possible disadvantages of Azure Multi-Factor Authentication

  • Cost
    While some features are available for free, comprehensive usage of Azure MFA can incur additional costs depending on the Azure AD licensing model.
  • Setup Complexity
    Initial setup and configuration can be complex, especially for organizations without a dedicated IT team.
  • Reliance on Internet Connectivity
    Most verification methods require an internet connection, which can be a drawback in environments with unstable or unreliable internet access.
  • Potential User Resistance
    Some users may find the authentication process cumbersome or may resist changes to the login process, requiring additional user education and support.
  • Dependency on External Devices
    Authentication methods like text messages or app notifications depend on users having access to their mobile devices, which can be problematic if a device is lost or stolen.
  • Integration Challenges with Non-Microsoft Services
    While Azure MFA integrates well with Microsoft services, integration with third-party or non-Microsoft applications may require additional configuration and support.

SimpleSAMLphp features and specs

  • Interoperability
    SimpleSAMLphp offers broad compatibility with different identity providers and service providers, making it an ideal choice for implementing SAML-based single sign-on (SSO) solutions across diverse systems.
  • Extensibility
    The platform supports custom modules and extensions, allowing developers to enhance its functionality and tailor it to specific authentication or integration requirements.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source solution, SimpleSAMLphp allows organizations to implement and customize the software without licensing costs, fostering a collaborative improvement environment through user contributions.
  • Comprehensive Documentation
    The software is well-documented, which facilitates easier implementation, configuration, and maintenance for administrators and developers.
  • Wide Adoption
    SimpleSAMLphp is widely adopted within the community, which means there is a wealth of community support and resources available for troubleshooting and best practice sharing.

Possible disadvantages of SimpleSAMLphp

  • Complex Configuration
    Setting up SimpleSAMLphp can be complex, particularly for users who are new to SAML or do not possess extensive experience with PHP, potentially leading to a steep learning curve.
  • Security Management
    Administrators must be diligent about applying security updates and configuring the system correctly, as improper setup could introduce vulnerabilities in the authentication process.
  • Performance Overheads
    The software can introduce performance overheads, especially in high-traffic environments, necessitating careful consideration of system resources and optimization practices.
  • Limited Protocol Support
    While it excels at SAML, SimpleSAMLphp has limited support for other authentication protocols such as OpenID Connect or OAuth2, which might be a limitation for some use cases.
  • PHP Dependence
    Being PHP-dependent, the platform may face limitations related to PHP's scalability and performance in large-scale enterprise environments, compared to other languages.

Analysis of Azure Multi-Factor Authentication

Overall verdict

  • Azure Multi-Factor Authentication is a reliable and effective solution for enhancing security within Microsoft environments and beyond. It is widely recognized for its comprehensive features and seamless integration capabilities, making it a strong choice for organizations looking to implement MFA.

Why this product is good

  • Azure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is considered good due to its robust security features, ease of integration with existing Microsoft services, and its ability to support a wide range of verification methods such as phone calls, text messages, and authenticator apps. It enhances security by requiring two or more pieces of evidence to verify a user's identity, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Additionally, it offers flexibility and scalability, making it suitable for various organizational needs.

Recommended for

    Azure Multi-Factor Authentication is recommended for organizations using Microsoft's cloud services, such as Azure and Office 365, as well as for businesses that prioritize security and need to protect sensitive information and access against unauthorized use. It is particularly suited for enterprises that require a scalable and versatile MFA solution.

Azure Multi-Factor Authentication videos

How to register for Azure Multi-Factor Authentication

SimpleSAMLphp videos

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Azure Multi-Factor Authentication and SimpleSAMLphp)
Identity And Access Management
Identity Provider
47 47%
53% 53
Two Factor Authentication
SSO
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SimpleSAMLphp should be more popular than Azure Multi-Factor Authentication. It has been mentiond 4 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Azure Multi-Factor Authentication mentions (2)

  • MFA for Outlook Online on cell phone
    This is the answer, more detail: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/concept-mfa-howitworks. Source: about 3 years ago
  • What do you do if you lost your phone with Microsoft Authenticator?
    Make sure that you back-up the active app-configuration, this way you have an easier way to recover; make sure you are allowed to verify using more than an authenticator, more here. Source: about 4 years ago

SimpleSAMLphp mentions (4)

  • Weekly "ask anything" thread
    Https://simplesamlphp.org and you can use azure oauth2 or saml2. Source: over 3 years ago
  • How to connect PHPBB forum to existing database
    IDP - Identity Provider - A small program that attaches to your current user database. This is what gets your software to talk with other SAML2 systems. Simplesamlphp is a good plugin. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Why I'm working on Open Source full time
    I've long been impressed by https://simplesamlphp.org/ which is led by UNINETT, a state-owned company responsible for Norway's National Research and Education Network. It's a serious competitor to Shibboleth in the SAML space. - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
  • Are there PHP-based SSO / OAuth / SAML / CAS providers that I can easily self-host and manage graphically on cPanel shared hosting ?
    I only know SimpleSAMLphp, which is written in PHP. I personally use Keycloak because it is incredibly powerful, extensible and easy to manage. As for your services, you always have to check if they support OAuth 2 / OpenID Connect or SAML 2.0. But that should not be a problem for most of them. Source: about 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Azure Multi-Factor Authentication and SimpleSAMLphp, you can also consider the following products

Google Authenticator - Google Authenticator is a multifactor app for mobile devices.

Keycloak - Open Source Identity and Access Management for modern Applications and Services.

Authy - Best rated Two-Factor Authentication smartphone app for consumers, simplest 2fa Rest API for developers and a strong authentication platform for the enterprise.

Shibboleth - standards based, open source software for web single sign-on across or within organizational...

Duo Security - Duo Security provides cloud-based two-factor authentication. Duo’s technology can be deployed to protect users, data, and applications from breaches, credential theft, and account takeover.

CAS - Apereo CAS - Enterprise Single Sign On for the Web