When seeking a multi-factor authentication solution, it can be quite challenging to figure out which one best suits your needs. With this in mind, we decided to start a series of articles comparing the Protectimus multi-factor authentication system with MFA services provided by other leading companies in the field. In this article, we will compare Protectimus MFA with Okta MFA. Both companies offer robust and comprehensive two-factor authentication services, but they do differ in some ways. Let’s find out what each company provides, focusing on key aspects: server-side deployment models, technologies, features, MFA methods, and pricing. Prefer short reads? See the comparison table below! 1. Server-Side Component Key Difference:  Okta is cloud-only. Protectimus offers both cloud-based and on-premise MFA server deployment options. Okta Okta is a fully cloud-based multi-factor authentication solution. This modern approach to MFA services helps Okta’s clients save both time and resources, as they can avoid the need to maintain their own MFA servers. Okta has already built a reliable, highly available, and secure infrastructure that handles all authentication requests. However, a fully cloud-based approach does have its drawbacks. Many companies seek an on-premise MFA platform because they need the multi-factor authentication server to be installed within their own infrastructure. This is most often the case when full control over user data is required by government regulations or internal security policies. Protectimus Protectimus MFA solution is available as both a cloud-based MFA service and an on-premise MFA platform. 1. Cloud-Based MFA Service Similar to Okta, Protectimus offers a cloud-based (SaaS) MFA service, where all authentication requests are processed on Protectimus’ cloud servers. Protectimus’ cloud service includes high availability, automatic updates, and scalability. 2. On-Premise MFA Platform Protectimus offers an on-premise multi-factor authentication platform for organizations that require full control over their user data and need to deploy an MFA server within their infrastructure. The Protectimus On-Premise MFA platform can be installed on the customer’s own servers or in their private cloud, it works in isolated networks and allows customers to set up any clusters and firewalls they need to be sure that their MFA server is as fault-tolerant and secure as possible. The on-premise MFA solution is a usual requirement for financial, government, and healthcare organizations, as local storage of user information is often required by GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and other standards. Moreover, an on-premise MFA platform, unlike a cloud-based one, can be  customized if the client has any specific requirements. You can find out more about the differences between the cloud-based MFA service and the on-prem MFA platform in our article “On-Premise 2FA vs Cloud-Based Authentication“. Available in cloudyesyesAvailable on-premisesnoyes 2. Features Key Difference: Okta focuses on adaptive authentication and risk-based policies. Protectimus provides advanced access controls and transaction data signing (CWYS) for greater customization and security. Okta Note: Nearly all features described in this section can be activated only with Okta’s most expensive payment plan Adaptive MFA. Self-Service for Users. Users can enroll and manage authentication methods without IT department intervention. IP filtering. This feature allows administrators to enforce access policies based on IP addresses, blocking or allowing authentication attempts from specific locations. Adaptive MFA. Evaluates user behavior, device, network, and geolocation to detect anomalies and  enforce step-up authentication if a login attempt is deemed risky. Risk-Based Authentication. Uses AI-driven analytics to assess login risk in real-time. Assigns a risk score based on factors such as login patterns, device health, and contextual signals and can automatically block or challenge high-risk logins. Device Trust Policies. Enforces authentication rules based on device health and compliance status. Protectimus Note: All features examined in this section are available with all payment plans, though some may require an...