Adaptive authentication is an advanced form of multi-factor authentication (MFA) that dynamically adjusts security measures based on real-time risk signals, such as device, location, and IP address, to provide a balance between security and user experience. Unlike traditional MFA that applies uniform security steps for every login, adaptive authentication assesses the risk level of each login attempt and prompts for additional credentials only when necessary, ensuring seamless access for low-risk logins and enhanced security for high-risk ones. This approach aligns with zero-trust principles and can be integrated with existing MFA systems, offering a flexible and user-friendly security solution. However, its complexity and the challenges of integrating with older systems may require careful management and resources. Descope offers a no-code platform to implement adaptive authentication by allowing organizations to customize authentication flows based on risk assessments, integrating with external risk tools, and providing a scalable solution to enhance security without compromising user experience.