By moving the MFA prompt from the web browser to the kernel of the operating system, PingID Desktop ensures that no application, no script, and no attacker can assume a user’s identity until the user physically proves it with a second factor. In a zero-trust world, that is exactly where MFA belongs. Disclaimer: Features, compatibility, and branding are subject to change. Always refer to Ping Identity’s official documentation for the most current technical specifications.
Unlike cloud-only MFA solutions that fail when the internet is down, PingID Desktop supports offline authentication policies. Users can pre-register a set of one-time backup codes or use time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) stored locally on a YubiKey.
In the modern identity security landscape, the mantra is simple: Verify explicitly, use least privilege, and assume breach. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is the cornerstone of this philosophy. However, one of the greatest challenges for security architects has been protecting access on shared, legacy, or "thin client" workstations—machines that cannot run modern mobile authenticators or browser extensions.