RSA Authentication Manager vs Symantec VIP Access Manager comparison

Why PeerSpot?

RSA and Broadcom are both solutions in the Authentication Systems category. RSA is ranked #13, while Broadcom is ranked #16. RSA holds a 2.7% mindshare in AS, compared to Broadcom’s 2.1% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of RSA users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 86% of Broadcom users who would recommend it.

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive SummaryUpdated on Jun 3, 2026

RSA Authentication Manager and Symantec VIP Access Manager are competing in the multi-factor authentication solutions market. RSA seems to have the upper hand with its superior security measures, while Symantec is more user-friendly and easier to deploy.

Features: RSA Authentication Manager offers a wide range of robust security options, including hardware and software tokens. It integrates seamlessly with various systems and provides strong security through multi-layered authentication. Symantec VIP Access Manager focuses on user-friendly authentication processes, strong mobile and web application support, and easy integration with applications using its free Mobile Credential app.

Room for Improvement: RSA Authentication Manager could improve by simplifying its deployment process and enhancing user-friendliness. Documentation and user interface adjustments could make Symantec VIP Access Manager even more accessible, along with extending its integration capabilities to more platforms. Speed and performance improvements would also enhance both products.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: RSA Authentication Manager often requires substantial IT resources and time for deployment, while Symantec VIP Access Manager offers cloud-based options that facilitate quicker implementation with comprehensive customer support, making deployment straightforward.

Pricing and ROI: RSA Authentication Manager involves higher initial costs due to its infrastructure demands but promises a higher ROI with its deep integration and security advantages. Symantec VIP Access Manager is known for lower setup costs and quicker time-to-value, ideal for organizations with limited budgets seeking rapid deployment and investment returns.

To learn more, read our detailed RSA Authentication Manager vs. Symantec VIP Access Manager Report (Updated: November 2026).

Buyer's Guide

RSA Authentication Manager vs. Symantec VIP Access Manager

November 2026

Download the complete report

Helped 920,939 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Cisco Duo

Mindshare comparison

As of November 2026, in the Authentication Systems category, the mindshare of Cisco Duo is 3.7%, down from 7.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of RSA Authentication Manager is 2.7%, up from 2.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Symantec VIP Access Manager is 2.1%, up from 1.8% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Authentication Systems Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Cisco Duo	3.7%
RSA Authentication Manager	2.7%
Symantec VIP Access Manager	2.1%
Other	91.5%

Authentication Systems

Featured Reviews

Charles Slaustas

Information Technology Contractor at Insight global

Supports seamless authentication for users across multiple organizations and personal portals

The features I use in Cisco Duo include Duo Pushes to confirm my identity to the device, and eventually as MFA security was increased, I actually had to use exchange passcodes. Sometimes, I have to go into the site and get into Cisco Duo to retrieve the passcode, and many of them have been two-factor, where the sites send a passcode that I have to enter into Cisco Duo. It has been more of the latter. I have not seen issues with lagging or crashing on Cisco Duo's end; it was usually on the client end, often because someone set up a bad upgrade or there were connection issues with the Cisco Duo cloud through the administrative site.

Read full review

Uwe Schomäcker

VP Business Development at SDVG

Enhancing security with seamless single sign-on and Microsoft integration

We use RSA Authentication Manager for web applications and internal applications. We have a number of applications connected to it, serving over thirty thousand clients. It is integrated into everything from our standard login to Windows in the morning, as well as our applications Due to its…

Read full review

Berk Onur

Presales Consultant at Cyberwise

With its mobile application, this tool offers a convenient and user-friendly experience to its users

To improve the tool, I think that the solution should consider integrations with other cybersecurity and IT technologies, such as Privileged Access Management and Site Integration. Additionally, the implementation of second-factor authentication via Symantec VIP Access Manager, CyberArk, and Delinea, among other technologies, could be best for the product. While the existing technology is okay, improving the integration capabilities for Symantec VIP Access Manager would benefit the product. I would like to see the solution meet the integration needs at our company. While many cybersecurity solutions can function independently, they often lack integration with our systems due to missed integration points. Improving the solution's integration feature would be beneficial.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The anti-phishing feature is the most valuable."

"Cisco Duo has improved my operational efficiency and reduced costs by better managing authentication for our clients and helping to reduce potential compromises and brute force attacks."

"Documentation is the most valuable feature, and if you ever have to reach out to them with a question, their support is also fantastic."

"I lead an IT organization that has a significant amount of technical debt, and we're not in a zero-trust architecture yet. I'm pushing in that direction. Duo helps me considerably with my identity in an environment where I don't have zero trust. It's helping me bridge the gap until I can build a zero trust architecture."

"Duo has allowed us to add an additional layer of security to our organization and to establish trust for every access request and secures our environment."

"I appreciate the features that Cisco Duo offers."

"It's simple. It's reliable. I haven't had any issues with it."

"Cisco Duo scales with the growing needs of our organization by making it easy to acquire more licensing, especially with an enterprise agreement, which allows built-in growth and minimizes worries about licensing as we expand."

More Cisco Duo pros

"Easy setup, deployment, and integration in different infrastructures, including virtual ones."

"The single sign-on feature is the most important."

"In 2005 we started with a managed authentication service for three small companies with each having approx. 250 users, and now we have 25 large enterprises/government departments with over 150,000 authenticating users and an uptime of nearly 100% over the last five years."

"It is a stable solution. I would rate the stability a nine out of ten."

"The most valuable feature is the provision part. The mapping and the logging is also very good. In addition, the troubleshooting, from a console point of view, is easy for administration and on the provisioning and logging part."

"RSA Authentication Manager is a robust solution that provides comprehensive protection for both on-premise and cloud-based applications."

"RSA Authentication Manager is the best available solution."

"The most valuable feature is the SecurID."

More RSA Authentication Manager pros

"Other than it provides us with remote access, so it's fairly easy to install, fairly easy to set up, and provides us the ability to get into our corporate environment."

"Mostly from a product expert's point of view, it provides solutions for my clients."

"After the initial integration, the overall support calls dropped, and customer satisfaction for VPN increased."

"Integration with Citrix Access Gateway, Microsoft Office 365 and Single Sign-On (through Symantec Validation and ID Protection Access Manager) has increased the productivity of the employees for accessing resources."

"The main benefit of Symantec VIP is that it provides strong authentication while keeping it as a very user friendly experience."

"It is easy to use."

"It offers more platform support, like Apple, Android, and Microsoft."

"Cloud-based service and management."

More Symantec VIP Access Manager pros

Cons

"I would like to see Duo Security increase the time that the users have to log into the devices. The maximum time interval is 50 minutes at the moment, and I would like it to be 60 minutes. When you try to log into a device and have to authenticate yourself, sometimes it's not very pleasant. It's not the best thing particularly if you have to do this every 50 minutes, which is the maximum time that Duo gives. This makes it difficult to use and does not save time."

"I think the location accuracy could use a little improvement because it does not always show the exact location from which I am signing in."

"The technical engineers in the first line of support should improve their knowledge."

"Duo Security should better organize its tile feature to organize applications better."

"The new smart license model doesn't always work. It's very complicated."

"One downside of Cisco Duo is the expense, as there are clients that can afford only the basic package, which does not include Geo-fencing, leaving them unable to pay for the more expensive level, which I do not feel justifies the double price of that upper tier version."

"One issue I see is when the device is offline."

"Reducing or eliminating the "telephony credits" system used by Duo would be great."

More Cisco Duo cons

"We have encountered issue when trying to expand this particular solution for a large set of users across the country."

"RSA Authentication Manager is perfect. We do not see current missing products or enhancements yet emphasize the importance of a continuous development roadmap."

"The reporting needs to be improved, and they should be delivered by email."

"My observation over the years is that the system upgrades can be complicated and must be well planned out to address 'what if' issues, including backing off upgrades if necessary."

"Perhaps parts of the the user interface should become more intuitive."

"Enhancing the user interface and expanding their marketing efforts in regions like Nigeria and West Africa could be beneficial."

"The price needs to be improved."

"Our major problem is the authentication via Microsoft, via Microsoft cloud systems. This is our major aim, to be a valued product for the future. The biggest problem is to work against cheap cloud systems. Cloud identification is our main problem at this time."

More RSA Authentication Manager cons

"In the next release, I would like the ability to work offline with remote access."

"The VIP Manager can be accessed from the outside which is a security vulnerability."

"I would like to see the solution meet the integration needs at our company...Improving the solution's integration feature would be beneficial."

"In my opinion, for this solution, the technical support is not so expert when we talk about integration using the API."

"It is challenging to use when installing a new version."

"At times, the relay server could not contact Symantec; it would fail open and allow access without a passcode."

"Technical support is one of the worst problems."

"Every time that I have a new phone or computer, it takes a little longer to deploy it."

More Symantec VIP Access Manager cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The licensing is very good because it does not cost a lot of money. It's affordable for all-sized customers, including enterprises. There is an additional cost for premium support."

"I only need the solution for IT staff, which makes it relatively cheap. If I deployed it for the whole company, it would be costly, so it depends on the number of users. Duo Security is affordable compared to other products in the segment."

"It falls in line with everything else."

"It's very simple. Its price is fair. We use the hardware tokens as well. You get what you pay for. In terms of licensing, Cisco has very complicated products, but Duo Security was surprisingly easy."

"The pricing was a lot more than what we were paying for our previous solution."

"Their pricing model is a little bit weird. Currently, there is no price advantage in signing up for yearly contracts. There are no additional costs to the standard licensing costs."

"The product’s pricing is reasonable."

"The cost was reasonable. Licensing was pretty straightforward for a change."

More Cisco Duo pricing and cost advice

"The solution is costly."

"The pricing is a little bit complicated because sometimes resellers are able to make prices that are too low. Our price, with a discount, is typically not as high as some of our competitors."

"As a new customer, the minimum cost would be four dollars, but you have room for negotiation, potentially bringing it down to as low as three dollars."

"There is a one-time setup fee plus the licenses are provided as per the number of users. For SMS and voice calls, the costs are separate."

"Licensing and pricing seems very fair."

"There are additional costs for maintenance."

"I can say that the solution is worth the money."

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Authentication Systems solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

920,939 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Outsourcing Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Outsourcing Company

11%

Construction Company

11%

Computer Software Company

Financial Services Firm

Outsourcing Company

13%

Construction Company

12%

Comms Service Provider

12%

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	65
Midsize Enterprise	28
Large Enterprise	82

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	5
Large Enterprise	7

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	4
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	10

Questions from the Community

How does Duo Security compare with Microsoft Authenticator?

We switched to Duo Security for identity verification. We’d been using a competitor but got the chance to evaluate Du...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Duo Security?

Regarding the pricing, what actually happened was that we got the product purchased through our HQ, so the costing as...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Duo Security?

I do not have a straight answer for how Cisco Duo can be improved at this time. With the implementation that we are g...

See all answers

What needs improvement with RSA Authentication Manager?

RSA Authentication Manager is perfect. We do not see current missing products or enhancements yet emphasize the impor...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for RSA Authentication Manager?

We use RSA Authentication Manager for web applications and internal applications. We have a number of applications co...

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering RSA Authentication Manager?

RSA Authentication Manager is the best available solution. However, for other companies, it might seem expensive. It'...

See all answers

Ask a question

Earn 20 points

Comparisons

Microsoft Entra ID vs Cisco Duo

Compared 7% of the time

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator vs Cisco Duo

Compared 6% of the time

Okta Platform vs Cisco Duo

Compared 4% of the time

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Cisco Duo

Compared 3% of the time

UserLock vs Cisco Duo

Compared 2% of the time

More Cisco Duo Competitors

Certificate Lifecycle Manager vs RSA Authentication Manager

Compared 9% of the time

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator vs RSA Authentication Manager

Compared 7% of the time

Yubico YubiKey vs RSA Authentication Manager

Compared 7% of the time

Microsoft Entra ID vs RSA Authentication Manager

Compared 6% of the time

OneSpan DIGIPASS vs RSA Authentication Manager

Compared 4% of the time

More RSA Authentication Manager Competitors

Identity Manager by One Identity vs Symantec VIP Access Manager

Compared 7% of the time

Okta Platform vs Symantec VIP Access Manager

Compared 6% of the time

Microsoft Entra ID vs Symantec VIP Access Manager

Compared 6% of the time

Symantec Siteminder vs Symantec VIP Access Manager

Compared 5% of the time

Citrix Gateway vs Symantec VIP Access Manager

Compared 4% of the time

More Symantec VIP Access Manager Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Duo

November 2026

Download Cisco Duo product report

Buyer's Guide

Authentication Systems

October 2026

Download RSA Authentication Manager product report

Buyer's Guide

Symantec VIP Access Manager

October 2026

Download Symantec VIP Access Manager product report

Also Known As

Duo Security

ACE/Server

Symantec VIP

Overview

Cisco Duo is a cloud-based identity security platform safeguarding critical resources for any user and device worldwide. Known for its ease of use, Duo offers seamless protection across multi-cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.

Cisco Duo is designed to secure access with identity-first protection and provides extensive visibility throughout an organization's identity ecosystem. Offering multi-factor authentication, Duo facilitates easy integration and management, allowing teams to protect data effectively on VPNs, applications, and networks. Its single-pane management improves security processes while enhancing trust, making it suitable for diverse IT infrastructures.

What are the key features of Cisco Duo?

Multi-factor Authentication: Strengthens user verification with multiple methods.
Push Notifications: Simplifies authentication with quick approvals.
Single Sign-On: Enhances convenience by allowing one set of credentials.
VPN Access: Secures remote connections with reliable authentication.
User Activity Visibility: Offers comprehensive insights into access patterns.

Which benefits and ROI should users consider?

Quick Deployment: Facilitates rapid integration within existing systems.
Effective Management: Streamlines IT operations with centralized control.
Regulatory Compliance: Aids in meeting industry standards for data protection.
Enhanced Trust: Strengthens security posture across networks.
User-friendly Approach: Simplifies authentication for non-technical users.

In industries like education and finance, Cisco Duo is widely employed to secure multi-factor authentication across platforms such as email, databases, and servers. Its integration capabilities with Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and VPNs like AnyConnect are instrumental in verifying user identities using mobile apps or OTPs, catering effectively to both remote and on-premise environments.

Cisco

RSA Authentication Manager provides robust security for authentication needs, offering features like multifactor authentication and decentralized administration. It supports both on-premises and cloud environments, integrating seamlessly with Microsoft products.

RSA Authentication Manager is designed to enhance security through comprehensive multifactor authentication and advanced security administration. The integration capabilities with Microsoft products allow for versatile deployment in both cloud and on-premises environments. Known for its reliable performance, it offers simple setup and token deployment, making it highly adaptable for organizations looking for efficient management and mapping solutions. Despite some challenges with reporting and cloud integration, strategic improvements can address these issues. Enhancements in mobile authentication, pricing, and cloud management consoles have been suggested by users. In industries requiring stringent security, RSA's features like Fortinet VPN integration and adaptability for global file transfers make it a preferred choice.

What are the key features of RSA Authentication Manager?

Multifactor Authentication: Provides comprehensive multifactor authentication to enhance security.
Security Administration: Offers effective decentralized administration for seamless management.
Integration Capabilities: Strong integration with Microsoft products and support for VPNs.
Token Deployment: Facilitates easy self-service token deployment for administrators.
Mapping and Logging: Advanced capabilities for efficient security management.

What benefits can users expect?

Reliable Performance: Ensures stable and consistent operations across environments.
Easy Setup: Simplified setup process enhances usability and deployment speed.
Flexible Management Roles: Advanced troubleshooting and role management for effective operation.
Comprehensive Reporting: Built-in reporting tools for detailed insights and analysis.
Integration Flexibility: Seamless integration with legacy systems and custom applications.

RSA Authentication Manager is extensively used in authentication for applications requiring enhanced security measures. It supports improved protection for Cisco VPN connections and file transfers through robust APIs, offering two-factor authentication. Organizations have incorporated it extensively for web and internal application security, demonstrating its widespread application connectivity. Solutions like Fortinet VPN integration further define its capability in providing authentication support globally, serving thousands of organizations effectively.

RSA

Symantec VIP Access Manager offers seamless integration with applications, providing robust user authentication and enhanced security for remote work. Its cloud-based design ensures consistent connectivity and is convenient for users.

Designed for strengthening access security, Symantec VIP Access Manager features strong user authentication and easy application integration. Its fast interface and reliable VPN access support risk-based authentication. Users can securely work remotely, leveraging a mobile app for generating digital codes, crucial for multifactor authentication. The cloud-based solution ensures access even when company VPNs are down, reducing hardware costs with Mobile Credential and offering enhanced dashboards in version 9.1.

What are the standout features of Symantec VIP Access Manager?

Strong Authentication: Provides robust multifactor authentication enhancing security.
Application Integration: Seamlessly integrates with existing applications.
Mobile Utility: Allows secure work through mobile devices for remote access.
Cloud Connectivity: Ensures access even if company VPNs experience issues.
Enhanced Dashboards: Version 9.1 introduces advanced dashboard features.

What benefits should users consider in reviews?

Reduced Hardware Costs: Mobile Credential lowers expenses by lessening hardware dependencies.
Secure Remote Work: Facilitates safe access to networks and emails while working remotely.
Reliability: Provides consistent access through cloud services.
Enhanced Security: Risk-based authentication strengthens data protection.

Symantec VIP Access Manager is commonly used in industries requiring secure remote connectivity. Organizations implement it to generate login codes for multifactor authentication, critical for employees accessing networks via VPN tools like Palo Alto GlobalProtect and Fortinet VPN. It supports secure remote workflows, vital in sectors prioritizing data protection and remote access.

Broadcom

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Tiera, Fred Loya, BRE Leasing, ADP, BlueFort Security, New Hanover County

Maine Medical Center, Aria S.p.A

Buyer's Guide

RSA Authentication Manager vs. Symantec VIP Access Manager

November 2026

Free Report: RSA Authentication Manager vs. Symantec VIP Access Manager

Find out what your peers are saying about RSA Authentication Manager vs. Symantec VIP Access Manager and other solutions. Updated: November 2026.

DOWNLOAD NOW

920,939 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our RSA Authentication Manager vs. Symantec VIP Access Manager report.

See our list of best Authentication Systems vendors.

We monitor all Authentication Systems reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.