How to Build Your Own Cisco Duo
Replace Cisco Duo with a custom build. Complete Identity Security & MFA Solutions
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 22 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 22 features
Authentication(5 features)
Authenticate securely and eliminate passwords entirely using Duo Mobile and FIDO2 standards for a completely passwordless login experience
Improve productivity without compromising security by making the first login the only login, securely reducing frustrating extra authentications
Built-in authenticator application available free to all users for managing MFA tokens
Verify users and devices behind the scene at every access attempt to stop attackers in their tracks with end-to-end phishing resistance
Enable users to securely log in to multiple applications with one set of credentials, reducing the need to manage multiple passwords
Device Management(5 features)
Comprehensive device trust with endpoint protection checks for complete Zero Trust access verification
Check device security posture before granting access and provide visibility into security health of devices trying to gain access
Identify at-risk devices and prevent unauthorized access by verifying device security posture before granting access
Limit device access to applications based on presence of an endpoint protection product
Check if device is registered or managed before allowing access to applications and resources
Threat Detection(3 features)
Cisco Identity Intelligence gives you the power to know who's logging in, what's risky, and what to do next with unified visibility and AI-driven analytics
Detect, analyze, and respond to identity-based threats, both proactively and reactively across your entire identity infrastructure
Dynamically adjust authentication requirements in real time based on risk signals and threat indicators
Integration(2 features)
Easy integration with existing identity sources and applications including ADFS and Azure
Secure access to any number of applications, whether cloud-based, on-premises, or custom built
Remote Access(2 features)
Securely access private resources without a VPN using Duo Network Gateway for seamless remote work access
Provide complete VPN-less remote access to private resources for improved security and user experience
AI & Automation(1 features)
Investigate and remediate user access issues and find configuration and administration guidance with AI assistance
Compliance & Posture(1 features)
Identify gaps, vulnerabilities, and inconsistencies in identity posture and receive impact and remediation recommendations
Directory Management(1 features)
Utilize Duo as the primary source of truth for user directory, authorization, and attribute management, built from the ground up to thwart identity attacks
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Cisco Duo
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 22 features at very easy complexity.