Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:Cisco Duo is a crucial solution for securing SMBs’ remote work environments due to its focus on multi-factor authentication (MFA) and zero-trust security. Remote work increases risks like unauthorized access and phishing, especially for SMBs with limited security resources. Duo verifies user identities beyond passwords, ensuring only trusted users access applications and data, whether on-premises or in the cloud. Its ease of deployment and affordability make it ideal for SMBs, as demonstrated in cases like Sentara Healthcare, which reduced security costs by 75% while protecting remote users. Duo integrates with VPNs, cloud apps, and devices, providing a lightweight yet robust security layer tailored to the distributed nature of remote work.

A. Cisco Firepower:While Firepower (next-generation firewalls) offers strong network security, it’s more suited for on-premises or perimeter defense, not specifically optimized for remote user authentication.

C. Cisco AnyConnect:This VPN solution secures remote connections but lacks MFA natively (though it integrates with Duo), making it less comprehensive alone for remote security.

D. Cisco Nexus:A data center switching platform, Nexus is irrelevant to securing remote work environments, focusing instead on infrastructure performance.

Cisco Duo (B) stands out as the go-to solution for SMB remote security due to its targeted, user-centric approach.

References:Cisco Duo SMB Security page (duo.com/solutions/smb) and Cisco’s “Secure Remote Work” resources (cisco.com/go/secureremotework) highlight Duo’s role, supported by the 700-750 SMBE exam topics on securing hybrid and remote workforces.