# beyond-identity

Source: https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/mfa/beyond-identity/
Last updated: 2026-06-19
License: content by Start with Identity. Cite the source URL.

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## Overview

Beyond Identity provides passwordless authentication using device-bound, certificate-based credentials, binding identity to the security posture of the device at the moment of access. Founded in 2020 in New York, it is one of the more opinionated modern entrants: there is no password and no shared secret anywhere in the flow, and access decisions can factor in real-time device risk signals.

## What it is good at

Cryptographic, device-bound credentials are the strength. Because the private key never leaves the device and there is no OTP to capture, the approach is genuinely [phishing-resistant](https://startwithidentity.com/glossary/phishing-resistant-mfa/) and aligns with [FIDO/WebAuthn](https://startwithidentity.com/standards/webauthn-fido2/) principles. Continuous device-trust checks let security-led teams enforce posture, such as disk encryption or OS version, as a condition of login, which closes a gap that pure [MFA](https://startwithidentity.com/glossary/mfa/) leaves open.

## Where it falls short

It is opinionated and modern, so legacy protocol breadth and very simple use cases are not its focus. You still need an identity provider underneath, and the device-bound model means enrollment and recovery deserve careful planning. Pricing is quote-based, and the platform is built for workforce and developer scenarios rather than consumer-scale CIAM.

## Pricing

Subscription, quote-based, with a free tier for developers. Model workforce seats and rollout cost with the [TCO calculator](https://startwithidentity.com/tools/tco-calculator/).

## Best for, and who should look elsewhere

Choose it when device-bound passwordless and enforced device trust are priorities, especially for security-led organizations. Teams that just want a managed second factor should look at [Duo](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/mfa/duo/); those wanting standards-pure FIDO at scale should consider [Nok Nok Labs](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/mfa/nok-nok-labs/) or [HYPR](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/mfa/hypr/). See the full [MFA directory](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/mfa/).

## Bottom line

A strong choice when device-bound, phishing-resistant passwordless plus device trust are the goal, not a simple OTP add-on.