Client login security: choosing between passwords, OTPs, magic links, and SSO
At a glance
Smart authentication drives both adoption and trust. The right login experience signals enterprise-grade capabilities while ensuring portal adoption from the get-go.
Flexible authentication options give you strategic control. The capability to choose and adjust login methods gives you an advantage to maintain security as your user needs evolve.
Secure login is the doorway to building a comprehensive security plan. Robust authentication is just the first layer of a multi-tiered security strategy that protects your entire business ecosystem.
The login dilemma every business faces
Your client portal holds sensitive data. Financial documents, contracts, personal information, compliance records. One data breach and you lose everything, including client trust and your reputation.
Most security breaches start with weak authentication, yet most businesses treat login as an afterthought rather than a strategic foundation. But here's the catch: make login too complex, and you introduce unnecessary friction. Too simple, and you're inviting trouble.
Security investment pays dividends in client trust as robust authentication signals enterprise-grade capabilities before clients even see your services. Choosing the right login protocol sets your clients up for seamless engagement and an excellent experience.
Passwords: still relevant with the right approach
Passwords aren't dead, they're just evolving. Modern password strategies combine complexity requirements with user-friendly features like browser password managers and device recognition for returning clients.
Smart password implementations include:
Minimum complexity that actually matters: 12+ characters with a mix of character types for complexity.
Built-in password managers: Suggest browser password generation and storage during signup.
Reduce friction: Add password requirements only when you can ensure that password creation is painless and recovery is automatic.
One-time codes: when you need a back-up method
OTP codes via SMS or authenticator apps add security without permanent complexity. Use them strategically, not constantly.
Best OTP practices:
SMS for broad reach: Almost everyone has a phone. SMS codes work without installing apps.
Backup codes for recovery: OTP shines as a way to provide alternative access when phones get lost or numbers change.
Authenticator apps for tech-savvy users: Google Authenticator or similar apps work offline and can't be intercepted.
Magic links: reducing password friction
Magic links work like Uber for authentication. One tap, you're in. No passwords to remember, no apps to download, no IT department needed.
Here's why they win for most secure client portals:
Mobile-first reality: Your clients check emails on phones. Magic links work instantly on any device without typing complex passwords on tiny keyboards.
Zero password fatigue: Clients don't need another password. They click the link and land directly in their secure workspace.
Automatic security: Each link expires quickly and works only once, minimizing security exposure even if emails are intercepted.
SSO: enterprise client gold standard
Single sign-on lets clients use existing corporate credentials. They're already logged into Microsoft or Google, why make them create another account?
SSO shines for enterprise clients because:
IT departments love it: One identity system to manage. No new passwords to support or reset.
Flexible deployment: You can enable SSO for internal users only, client users only, or both groups with separate identity providers based on your organizational structure.
Compliance boxes checked: Most SSO providers handle multi-factor authentication, password policies, and audit requirements automatically.
Seamless workflows: Users can jump directly into your portal without thinking about authentication or searching for passwords.
Why choose Moxo as your secure client portal
Moxo's client portal offers flexible login methods in one platform to suit your security needs. Whether your business prefers magic links or requires SSO integration based on user type, the portal provides secure access to critical workflows and sensitive data.
Full audit trails capture every authentication event for compliance teams, logging timestamps, user details, and access attempts to meet regulatory requirements and security reviews.
Secure sign-in is only the start. Moxo protects all data with best-in-class encryption both in transit and at rest, using multiple security layers and protocols to ensure complete data confidentiality and integrity.
Enterprise businesses worldwide are already leveraging these Moxo’s strict client portal security measures as their competitive advantage:
Centralized compliance and audit trails: BNP Paribas improved client experience and compliance overnight, with all KYC and audit trails centralized in their secure portal.
Built-in compliance for regulated industries: Standard Chartered relies on Moxo's secure audit trails and built-in compliance for their private banking operations.
Zero email security leaks: Citibank eliminated security risks by automating KYC with zero email leaks, ensuring their digital client onboarding matched strict compliance needs.
Secure document management: Scotiabank leverages Moxo to keep all document trails secure and accessible throughout the wealth management journey.
Your next step
Authentication strategy depends on your business, clients, and use cases. Our recommendation? Start with magic links for broad adoption and increased engagement, add SSO for enterprise accounts, and consider flexible access through OTP to eliminate password reset frustrations.
The goal is robust security that clients can easily navigate from day one. Ready to leverage a secure client portal?
Book a demo and see how Moxo's authentication options fit your specific needs.
Frequently asked questions
How do we manage password security on Moxo without a dedicated IT team?
Modern password management works without IT staff when you use built-in tools and set clear requirements. Moxo offers multiple authentication options to make password security seamless by enforcing minimum complexity standards, enabling browser-based password generation and storage, and providing self-service recovery flows. Clients handle their own credentials while the portal maintains audit trails and security protocols automatically.
When should we use one-time codes?
One-time codes work best as your backup authentication strategy, not your primary login. Deploy OTP when clients lose password access or change phones, giving them immediate recovery without support tickets. SMS codes reach any phone without app downloads. Keep your main login simple with passwords or magic links, then layer OTP as the safety net that unblocks urgent access while maintaining portal security and compliance.
Do password-based logins meet compliance requirements for regulated industries?
Yes, when implemented with proper controls. Password authentication meets compliance standards when you enforce minimum complexity, enable self-service recovery, and maintain full audit trails that capture every login attempt and access event with timestamps for regulatory reviews
Can we switch from passwords to SSO later without disrupting existing operations?
Yes, you can add SSO without forcing existing users to change their login method. Authentication transitions happen at the user level, letting you enable SSO for new clients while current users continue with passwords or magic links. Test SSO with willing clients first, then expand gradually. Existing workflows, permissions, and audit trails remain intact regardless of authentication method.
What client experience improvements come with SSO?
SSO transforms how clients perceive your professionalism. When clients can use their existing work credentials instead of creating another password, your portal feels enterprise-grade from first login. This eliminates signup friction, reduces abandoned onboarding, and positions your business as modern and security-forward. Clients remember vendors who make access effortless, giving you an edge over competitors still using basic password-only portals.
Can Moxo integrate with our existing SSO provider?
Yes, Moxo supports SAML-based single sign-on with Microsoft, Google, and Okta. You can configure SSO for internal users only, client users only, or both groups with separate identity providers. Authentication routes through existing corporate directories while maintaining portal workflows and audit trails with automatic user provisioning.
Can clients sign up using magic links?
Yes, you can invite users to your portal via magic links. Additionally, magic links can be sent to stakeholders who need to complete their assigned workflow tasks. These participants can seamlessly sign up and become portal users through the same link, making client engagement frictionless and secure.
Is magic link authentication secure enough for financial services?
Yes. Magic links provide enterprise-grade security by working over encrypted email, expiring within a certain time frame, and eliminating password reuse and weak credential risks. Financial services firms use magic links for portal access while adding step-up verification for transactions.
What authentication methods work best for mobile users?
Magic links are ideal for mobile users since they eliminate the need to type complex passwords on small keyboards. Clients simply tap the link in their email and access the portal immediately. SSO also works well on mobile devices when clients are already logged into their corporate email or identity apps, providing seamless access without additional typing.
What happens when clients need to access the portal from multiple devices?
Clients can access their portal from any device using the same authentication method. Magic links work across all devices since they're delivered via email. SSO credentials remain valid across devices when clients are logged into their corporate identity systems. The portal maintains secure sessions while allowing flexible access from phones, tablets, and computers as needed.
