MFA for LDAP Directories Diagram

Adds Multi-Factor Authentication to an Existing LDAP Directory

The LDAP Gateway enables existing LDAP directories to be supplemented with multiple factor authentication. Any LDAP attributes or a database on the SignOn Proxy can be used for MFA management.

Strengthen Directory Security Without Infrastructure Changes

Your applications and systems require stronger authentication, but replacing your existing LDAP directory infrastructure isn't practical or cost-effective.

The LDAP MFA Challenge

  • Schema Limitations: Adding MFA to existing LDAP directories often requires complex schema extensions and application modifications.
  • Application Dependencies: Existing applications expect simple username/password authentication and aren't designed for MFA workflows.
  • Migration Complexity: Replacing directory infrastructure requires extensive testing, training, and potential downtime.

The Passthrough MFA Advantage

  • Preserve Your Investment: Keep your existing LDAP directories, applications, and user data unchanged while adding MFA capabilities.
  • Universal Compatibility: Works with any LDAPv3-compliant directory - Active Directory, OpenLDAP, eDirectory, and more.
  • Modern MFA Methods: Add FIDO2, Smart Cards, TOTP/HOTP, and COTP push notifications to any LDAP authentication flow.

Intelligent LDAP Proxy with MFA Layer

The SignOn Proxy sits between your applications and existing LDAP directory, intercepting bind requests to add MFA verification while forwarding all other LDAP operations unchanged.

How It Works:

  • Selective Interception: Only LDAP bind operations are intercepted for MFA processing - all search, modify, and other operations flow directly to your existing directory.
  • MFA Enhancement: Adds second-factor verification using FIDO2, Smart Cards, TOTP, or COTP before forwarding authentication to your LDAP backend.
  • Zero Configuration Change: Applications require no modifications - simply point them to the SignOn Proxy instead of the original LDAP server.
LDAP MFA Passthrough Architecture

Works with Any LDAP Directory

Add MFA to any LDAPv3-compliant directory infrastructure without vendor lock-in.

Active Directory

Enhance Microsoft Active Directory with modern MFA without requiring domain functional level changes.

OpenLDAP

Add MFA to OpenLDAP deployments while preserving existing schemas and application integrations.

NetIQ eDirectory

Strengthen eDirectory authentication with modern MFA while maintaining existing Novell infrastructure.

Enterprise Directories

Works with IBM Tivoli, Oracle Directory Server, Sun Directory Server, and any LDAPv3-compliant directory.

Secure Every LDAP-Authenticated Application

Add enterprise-grade MFA to all your directory-authenticated systems and applications.

Linux Server Access

Add MFA to Linux authentication using PAM and NSS LDAP modules without changing server configurations.

Web Applications

Enhance web application security with MFA while maintaining existing LDAP authentication integrations.

Enterprise Applications

Secure ERP, CRM, and business applications that use LDAP authentication without application changes.

Desktop Authentication

Add MFA to workstation and desktop login processes that authenticate against LDAP directories.

Network Services

Secure network service authentication for devices and applications that support LDAP but need stronger security.

Legacy Systems

Modernize legacy application security by adding MFA to LDAP-based authentication without code changes.

Choose Your MFA Method

Deploy the authentication factor that best fits your security requirements and user needs.

FIDO2 Security Keys

Hardware security keys providing the highest level of phishing-resistant authentication for directory access.

Smart Cards & PKI

Certificate-based authentication ideal for government and highly regulated environments requiring PKI compliance.

TOTP / HOTP

Standards-based one-time passwords using authenticator apps, compatible with existing OTP infrastructure.

COTP Push Notifications

User-friendly push notifications via the Comtarsia Authenticator app for seamless directory access approval.

Powered by SignOn Proxy

This MFA for LDAP solution is built on our flexible and robust authentication platform.

SignOn Proxy

The intelligent LDAP proxy that sits between your applications and existing directory server. Configure passthrough mode to add MFA capabilities while preserving your current directory infrastructure and investments.

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Modernize Your Directory Security Without Disruption

Ready to add enterprise-grade MFA to your existing LDAP infrastructure? Contact us to discover how our passthrough solution can enhance your directory security while preserving your current investment.