> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.defguard.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.defguard.net/1.5/features/wireguard/multi-factor-authentication-mfa-2fa/external-sso-based-mfa.md).
# External SSO based MFA
In order to enable the External MFA authentication:
1. Your instance **must have** [external OIDC/SSO configured](/1.5/features/external-openid-providers.md).
2. Select the VPN Location from the dropdown list on the Network Overview, and pressing the **Edit Location** button in the top right corner of the page.
3. Select the External MFA in the menu.
#### Client disconnect threshold
When MFA is enabled on a location, Defguard periodically (currently every **1 minute**) checks statistics if a client is connected and if the period of inactivity (defined in this option) is met, a client is disconnected.
Thus, the gateway needs to be configured to send statistics in that period.
{% hint style="info" %}
We recommend to set:
* Gateway to send statistics every 30sec
* Peer disconnect threshold we recommend it to be min. 300 (5 min)
{% endhint %}
### Testing MFA on Defguard client
When a location has External MFA enabled, after clicking Connect in the Desktop client ([here you can find information about Mobile Client External MFA](/1.5/using-defguard-for-end-users/mobile-client/instance-connect.md#external-mfa)), there will be information displayed about authentication requirement:
In order to authenticate the user will be prompted to click on Authenticate with your configured OIDC (like Authenticate with Google) - which will open the browser and start the authentication session with your OIDC/SSO provider by the [Defguard Enrollment ](/1.5/using-defguard-for-end-users/enrollment.md)service (which is the only public component).
After successful authentication, the user will be informed by the enrollment service like so:
And the VPN should be connected.
Video describing whole process:
{% embed url="" %}
## Biometry as an internal MFA method
Users can use biometry as an internal MFA method on their mobile devices. If a device has configured biometry as an MFA method, you will see  icon, next to the device name.
