Cisco Duo launches revamped identity security platform to tackle AI-era cyber threats

Cisco has unveiled a major upgrade to its Duo Security platform, introducing a next-generation Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution designed specifically for the challenges of the AI era. With identity breaches now accounting for the majority of security incidents worldwide, Cisco’s new offering promises to deliver stronger, more resilient protection without compromising user experience.

The newly launched Duo IAM builds on the company’s widely trusted multifactor authentication (MFA) system and introduces a comprehensive approach to securing digital identities. The solution is designed to guard against increasingly sophisticated attacks, many of which are now powered by AI-driven social engineering and automation. According to Cisco’s 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, nearly one-third of companies globally cite identity security as their top challenge, yet traditional IAM tools have often fallen short in prioritising security.

Cisco’s updated IAM suite includes a new User Directory for managing credentials such as usernames, emails, and roles, streamlining how organisations store and control user access. It also integrates with third-party identity systems through a new Identity Routing Engine, enabling Duo to act as an identity broker or secondary provider depending on the setup. This flexibility allows organisations to modernise their identity infrastructure without needing to replace their existing systems.

Security is embedded by default throughout the new solution. Duo now offers full passwordless authentication, allowing users to log in securely without remembering passwords. A new Proximity Verification feature uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to confirm that a user’s mobile device is physically near their login device, reducing the risk of remote access fraud. Additionally, updates to Duo Passport eliminate the need for browser cookies, offering better protection against session theft and hijacking.

In terms to provide deeper visibility and control, the new IAM platform integrates with Cisco Identity Intelligence. This connection brings together data from across Cisco’s Security Cloud, enabling security teams to detect anomalies, monitor behavioural patterns, and take targeted actions, such as terminating sessions or isolating compromised accounts. With AI-powered analytics and real-time risk response, the system offers continuous monitoring that adapts to evolving threats.

Cisco’s revamped Duo IAM is being positioned as a security-first, user-friendly alternative to traditional identity solutions, which often focus more on access than on protection. And, by combining ease of use with enterprise-grade defences, the company aims to make high-assurance identity security both accessible and scalable, without the need for costly hardware keys or complex deployment processes.