Why UserLock? Compare UserLock alternatives
UserLock MFA integrates with on-premise and hybrid AD environments. Compare UserLock alternatives for cloud-based or non-AD environments.
Published June 1, 2023)
UserLock is an access management and multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution created by IS Decisions. It offers IT teams enhanced protection, control, and visibility over user access in Windows Active Directory and cloud environments.
UserLock provides a solution for key zero-trust concerns such as unauthorized access and data breaches. Easy to install, it integrates seamlessly with on-premises and hybrid Active Directory environments, extending security capabilities without replacing existing user account policies.
A quick look at UserLock’s main functionalities shows why it’s a popular solution:
Robust security using multiple MFA methods
Optional single sign-on (SSO)
Granular MFA and contextual access management to streamline security
Strong monitoring, alerts, and response for system admins
Meets several compliance requirements
If you’re currently in the market for an MFA solution, you know how challenging it can be to sift through the many options. Of course, the best MFA/two-factor authentication (2FA) solution will depend on the security needs of your unique environment. Here, we explore the features, benefits, and limitations of UserLock alternatives.
Product | UserLock | Okta | Duo Security by Cisco | Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Cloud-based) | Thales Safenet Trusted Access | Auth0 | Rublon | ADSelfServicePlus from ManageEngine | Authy | IBM Security Verify |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Authentication type | 2FA/SSO | 2FA/SSO | 2FA/SSO | 2FA/SSO | MFA | 2FA/SSO | 2FA/SSO | 2FA | 2FA | 2FA/SSO |
Encrypted backup | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cloud sync | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Active Directory easy installation | Very easy, designed for Active Directory | On-premise and legacy apps use RADIUS to authenticate on-premise connections with Okta cloud service | Requires additional software | Via additional software | Manual integration needed | Via additional software | Additional software needed | Manual integration needed | No | Requires additional software |
Multiple account support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Custom MFA control | Yes, Granular controls | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Group and application policies | Yes (in upgraded packages) | No | Yes |
Active Directory sync | Every 5 minutes | Manual scheduling | Scheduled user sync of full directory runs twice a day, every 30 minutes for administrators | Every 30 minutes by default | Every 20 minutes by default | Manual scheduling | Unknown | Every 10 minutes | No | Manual sync setup for on-premise and legacy apps protected by IBM user registry in the cloud |
MFA without internet access | Yes | Via workaround | Yes | Yes | No | No | Via Rublon mobile app | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Contextual restrictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited for on-premises AD | Yes | Limited | By group and OU level only for on-premises AD | No | Yes |
Second-factor choices | Authenticator apps, hardware tokens, push notifications | Hardware tokens, push notifications, authenticator mobile apps, SMS, phone calls, security questions | Push notifications, authenticator apps, biometrics, hardware tokens | Hardware tokens, push notifications, authenticator apps, SMS, voice call | Hardware tokens, authenticator apps, push notifications | Push notifications, hardware tokens, authenticator apps, SMS, voice calls, biometrics, email | Push notifications, hardware tokens, authenticator applications, SMS, email | Push notifications, authenticator apps, biometrics, hardware tokens, SMS, email | Authenticator app, voice call, SMS | Email, SMS, voice call, authenticator app, push notifications, hardware tokens |
Price | See the UserLock pricing page to create a plan that fits your needs | MFA from $3 per user per month | MFA from $3 per user per month | From $6 per user per month | Unknown | Varies depending on the plan and user numbers | From $2 per user per month | Pricing begins at $595 – several features are also offered as add-ons | From free | Prices vary based on the number of users and features |
Okta is an identity and access management (IAM) solution that operates in the cloud. It offers secure and user-friendly authentication and is available with MFA and SSO add-on solutions.
With a variety of verification methods available, Okta MFA can be configured at either the application or organizational level
Okta has integrations with numerous cloud and SaaS application providers
Contextual access management enables administrators to simplify MFA procedures
The Okta Admin Console provides comprehensive monitoring and auditing features
To work with on-premise and legacy applications, Okta’s cloud-based service must synchronize via additional software
Administrators cannot establish designated login hours for their users, nor can they restrict them
Users frequently report a delay between accepting a push notification and successfully logging in
Your team's Okta credentials (username and password) are stored by Okta. This widens your attack surface significantly.
While Okta provides MFA solutions for Windows and remote desktop connections (RDP), it is not their primary focus. By partnering with UserLock, organizations can achieve on-premise MFA without connecting to a cloud IP provider. This allows you to keep your attack surface smaller, and within your full control. UserLock’s integration with Active Directory simplifies the setup process for on-premise MFA, making it more efficient to manage.
Duo is used by both individuals and organizations to provide employee and customer access security. This software provides secure access control and MFA utilizing various methods, including push notifications, biometrics, tokens, and passcodes.
Duo is a flexible solution that can be used for a huge variety of tasks
Duo is used by many organizations for its functionality, integrations, and flexible pricing
Many SaaS and cloud platforms use Duo’s mobile app to provide access
Customers have noted slow response times from the support service
End-users who are less technically proficient may find the configuration process challenging
Users have reported instances of MFA timing out
Users experience delays with push notifications, which are also subject to a 30-second expiry
While both provide secure access controls, UserLock offers a smoother on-premise MFA setup process for existing Active Directory environments. Duo has a broader range of verification methods and is widely used with many existing SaaS and cloud platforms. Existing clients have mentioned that UserLock’s solution provides cost-effective security for their existing Active Directory compared to Duo.
Azure AD (now Microsoft Entra ID) is a cloud-based service from Microsoft that offers IAM solutions for cloud and hybrid applications, including Microsoft Office 365, Azure, and various other Microsoft products. It lets administrators manage user identities and access rights across various applications and services, with optional features like MFA.
Entra ID features adaptive policies for conditional access control
Admins get real-time visibility into user context, device, and location
Optional SSO functionality
Native integration with many Microsoft products allows for easy user provisioning and management
Expensive compared to other MFA solutions
New users can find the depth of features and options overwhelming
Integrations with non-Microsoft products can be tricky
While Entra ID features excellent integrations with other Microsoft and cloud-based products, UserLock excels in working with on-premises or hybrid Active Directory environments. Entra ID could be a good choice if you’re already using Microsoft products, are moving to the cloud, and aren’t concerned about budget.
Thales is a cloud-based authentication solution that offers SSO and MFA capabilities, with monitoring and reporting tools for enhanced control and visibility. It integrates with popular SaaS applications and can be rapidly deployed to secure user access to cloud-based applications.
Cloud-based authentication platform that enhances security for online identities and cloud accounts
A broad range of authentication methods are available
Context-based authentication streamlines user logins
The Thales policy engine provides administrators with customization opportunities
Thales requires additional software to work with on-premise and hybrid Active Directory
SafeNet Trusted Access SSO is a different product, making deployment challenging
At present, Thales does not provide administrators with the ability to restrict concurrent user logins, which could cause regulation concerns
While Thales STA provides essential protections, its one-size-fits-all approach may not suit all environments. UserLock offers strong granular MFA and contextual access controls that let you tailor security to your environment’s needs.
Auth0, from Okta, improves identity management by providing secure access to cloud-based applications. The Auth0 Identity Platform offers customization options, enabling admins to tweak many settings.
Lots of features mean there are endless options for customization
The toolset is geared toward DevOps environments to protect new platforms
Third-party identity extensions can be easily integrated into the product
Some reviews say the platform could be more user-friendly
On-premises environments require additional software for compatibility
Other options may be better suited to organizations looking for simple implementation of MFA
UserLock is an on-premise solution that provides improved control and visibility over user access in both Active Directory and cloud environments. Auth0 is a cloud-based service that allows organizations to grant secure access to any user for any application. Its primary focus is arguably on building customized access controls for developers instead of existing on-premise systems.
Rublon is an MFA solution. It can provide enhanced security for user logins through a combination of authentication factors. Its methods include passwords, biometric data, and hardware tokens, giving admins options for defending system vulnerabilities.
Rublon integrates with many cloud-based and SaaS platforms
Many different authentication options are available
User-friendly functionality, with self-service capabilities
End users can add MFA methods at any time
Well-received customer support services
With no integration with Active Directory, users and groups must be created manually.
No offline MFA can be a blocking point for organizations that need to ensure MFA in all conditions for compliance or to prevent a breach.
A lack of granularity on when to prompt for MFA (only remembered devices for X days or hours)
No possibility to temporarily disable MFA, just a manual change to "bypass," which must then be manually changed back.
The Rublon Windows installer must be installed on machines to be protected, but no deployment is possible from the console, and there's no visibility on which machines have it installed.
Rublon is purely an MFA solution. It’s versatility lies in integrating with many different cloud-based systems and applications. It’s a good UserLock alternative for organizations that need to check the "MFA" box for a certain group of users. For Active Directory environments looking to prevent a breach or meet tight compliance requirements, UserLock’s customizations, granular MFA combined with contextual access restrictions and SSO can be a better fit.
ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus is an identity security solution that primarily serves as a password management system. It provides IT teams with additional features like MFA. ManageEngine also gives users self-service password change capabilities.
ADSelfService Plus saves helpdesks time by empowering users with some everyday security tasks, like password resets
MFA can be rolled out for cloud applications
The platform offers several add-on features, such as additional MFA methods and SSO capabilities, to extend security further
ADSelfService Plus has multiple editions available, letting organizations choose the best fit for their systems
The pricing model for ManageEngine may be confusing and too expensive for smaller organizations
Some key features are only offered in premium versions
Integrating with existing on-premise or hybrid systems can be a manual and time-consuming process
Customization options for on-premise or hybrid users are limited, with a lack of per-user granular control
ManageEngine offers several network security solutions. The ManageEngine ecosystem might be a good choice for organizations looking to implement several different products to address several different use cases. For others, the simplicity and comprehensive solution UserLock offers might be a better fit.
Twilio Authy is a cloud-based MFA solution and mobile app. It enhances the security of user and customer logins through methods such as one-time passwords or biometric factors. Authy is user-friendly and integrates easily with different systems and applications.
Authy lets users synchronize their 2FA across multiple devices
Features such as TouchID and encrypted backups enhance security
Authy generates a single-use token on the user’s cell phone, making the login experience simple
Limited options for MFA methods compared with other solutions
Lack of customization and granular controls
May not be suitable for the more complex needs of medium, large, or regulated organizations
Authy is an excellent app for implementing a second authentication factor for user logins. The key to Authy’s success is its simplicity and easy integrations with cloud platforms. For IT teams requiring deeper control, more MFA methods, and on-premise integration, a solution like UserLock will be a better fit.
IBM Security Verify is a widely used IAM solution for both workforces and consumers. The platform provides several MFA methods for verifying users on VPN connections, web applications, and other endpoints.
Seamless integration with other IBM products to protect cloud-based identities
Adaptive access functionality enables administrators to fine-tune MFA permissions and settings
IBM Security Verify offers a variety of MFA methods, including its own iOS and Android mobile app
Administrators can define high-risk incidents and configure alerts, improving data security
Complex documentation makes it difficult for users to troubleshoot common issues
The solution can be challenging to deploy, especially in on-premise environments
Reporting capabilities are limited without integrating a third-party solution
Admin-level users have reported a lack of strong session management and API access controls
Organizations already within the IBM ecosystem will find Security Verify an excellent choice. While it is a comprehensive UserLock alternative for securing cloud apps, protecting on-premise Active Directory connections requires redirecting authentication to a cloud service, unlike with UserLock.
UserLock integrates seamlessly with Active Directory environments, providing secure on-premise and remote access authentication. It can also be combined with SSO for access to SaaS applications without sending user authentication to the cloud. And, since UserLock is an on-premise, agent-based solution, there's no third-party AD credential storage — limiting your attack surface to what you control.
Overall, UserLock’s cost-effective pricing, granular controls, and contextual access restrictions make it a straightforward choice to defend against cyber threats.