Protectimus vs. Okta MFA: A Comprehensive Comparison

Posted By Anna on Mar 9, 2025 | 0 comments

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.

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 cloud	yes	yes
Available on-premises	no	yes

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 additional fee.

• Self-Service for Users. Users can manage their authentication methods independently.
• Geographic and Time-Based Access Filters. Restricts authentication based on location and time policies.
• Role-Based Access Control. Assigns authentication rules based on user roles and privileges.
• CWYS (Confirm What You See). Provides transaction data signing for enhanced security.
• IP filtering. Administrators can restrict or allow access based on IP addresses.
• Adaptive Authentication. Adjusts security measures based on user behavior, device, and location.
• Multi-Admin Support and Delegated Authority. Allows multiple administrators with different permissions.

Self-service for users	yes	yes
Geographic filters	no	yes
Time-Based Access filters	no	yes
Adaptive authentication	yes	yes
Role-based access control	no	yes
IP filtering	yes	yes
Risk-based authentication	yes	no
Device trust policies	yes	no
Data signing	no	yes

3. Technologies

Key Difference:

• Protectimus supports more OATH MFA algorithms and provides better hardware authentication options.
• Okta utilizes asymmetric cryptography and incorporates AI-powered risk assessment technology.

Okta

• Asymmetric cryptography. Uses public-private key pairs for push authentication, reducing the risk of credential compromise.
• TOTP-based OTPs. Supports time-based one-time passwords for compatibility with third-party authenticators.
• Risk-based authentication with AI-driven analytics. Utilizes machine learning models to assess login behavior, device attributes, and contextual signals (such as geolocation and IP reputation) to dynamically adjust authentication requirements.
• FIDO2 and U2F. Supports passwordless authentication methods using security keys.

Protectimus

• Support for all OATH-compliant MFA algorithms (HOTP, TOTP, and OCRA). As a coordinating member of the OATH Initiative, Protectimus ensures broad compatibility with industry-standard authentication protocols – HOTP, TOTP, and OCRA – and OTP tokens.
• Transaction signing. Uses the OCRA algorithm to generate one-time passwords based on unique transaction data (e.g., transfer amount and currency), preventing unauthorized use and protecting against man-in-the-middle and data replacement attacks.
• Reflashable TOTP tokens (Protectimus Slim NFC and Protectimus Flex). Offers programmable hardware tokens that can be securely reconfigured with new secret keys.
• Asymmetric cryptography. Protectimus also uses push notifications for authentication with secure public-private key encryption.
• Customizable authentication policies. Enables businesses to set authentication rules based on user IP, behavior, location, and time-based restrictions.
• Multi-channel OTP delivery options. Supports one-time password distribution via SMS, email, messaging apps (Telegram, Messenger, Viber, etc.), and push notifications, as well as classic and programmable hardware TOTP and OCRA tokens.

Asymmetric cryptography	yes	yes
HOTP	no	yes
TOTP	yes	yes
OCRA	no	yes
FIDO2 and U2F	yes	no
Risk-based authentication	yes	no
Transaction signing	no	yes

4. Authentication methods

Key Differences:

• Okta offers a broad set of authentication methods, including passwordless authentication and support for FIDO and U2F security keys.
• Protectimus supports more OATH authentication algorithms and provides more customizable and flexible OTP delivery options, including programmable hardware TOTP tokens and unique OTP delivery via messaging apps.

Okta

1. Push Notifications in Okta Verify app:

• Okta Verify is a mobile app that sends push notifications for approval.
• Users receive a notification and approve or deny access with a single tap.

2. Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP):

• Okta supports the TOTP algorithm for generating OTPs that refresh every 30 seconds.
• It works with software-based authenticators including Okta Verify, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, etc.
• Though, it does not support hardware TOTP tokens.

3. SMS and Voice Call Authentication:

• Okta users may receive OTPs via SMS or voice calls.
• A convenient but less secure option due to SIM swapping risks.

4. Email-Based Authentication:

• Sends OTPs to the user’s email.

5. Okta FastPass (Passwordless Authentication with Biometric Support):

• Enables passwordless login on managed devices.
• Uses a combination of device identity and biometric authentication (Touch ID, Face ID, and Windows Hello) for secure access and user-friendly experience.

6. Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) and WebAuthn (FIDO2) Security Keys:

• Supports physical security keys like YubiKey, Google Titan, etc.
• Requires users to insert or tap a hardware key during login.

Protectimus

1. Push Notifications in Protectimus Smart OTP app:

• Similar to Okta Verify, it sends push notifications for authentication using the two-factor authentication app Protectimus Smart.
• However, in Protectimus’s case, the push authentication method also supports the data signing function named CWYS (Confirm What You See) to prevent fraud during transactions. The CWYS feature ensures users verify the exact action they are approving.

2. TOTP/HOTP/OCRA One-Time Passwords:

• Supports all OATH-compliant OTP algorithms: HOTP (event-based), TOTP (time-based), and OCRA (challenge-response).
• Ensures secure authentication via software and hardware OTP tokens.

3. SMS Authentication:

• OTPs can be delivered via SMS.
• Customers can connect their own SMS providers if necessary.

4. Email Authentication

• OTPs can be delivered via email for added flexibility.

5. Hardware TOTP Tokens:

• Protectimus offers hardware-based OTP tokens, including reprogrammable ones like Protectimus Slim NFC and Protectimus Flex.
• Ideal for enterprises that require secure offline authentication.

6. OTP Delivery via Messaging Apps:

• Unique to Protectimus, it allows OTPs to be sent via MFA chatbots in Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and Viber.
• Enhances user convenience, enhances security and at the same time reduces the cost for OTP delivery compared to SMS authentication.

7. Geographic and Time-Based Access Filters:

• Protectimus enables authentication restrictions based on location and time policies.
• Helps organizations enforce strict security policies.

Push notifications	yes	yes
2FA app	yes	yes
Hardware HOTP tokens	no	yes
Hardware TOTP tokens	no	yes
Hardware OCRA tokens	no	yes
Hardware U2F/FIDO tokens	yes	no
SMS	yes	yes
Email	yes	yes
Voice calls	yes	no
Chatbots in messaging apps	no	yes
Passwordless login on managed devices	yes	no

5. Integration Options

Key Difference:

• Okta has a vast number of pre-built SaaS integrations.
• Protectimus offers stronger integration options for VPNs, RADIUS-based authentication, Active Directory (AD), LDAP, on-premise environments, and custom enterprise applications.

Okta

• Over 7,000 pre-built integrations with SaaS applications.
• Offers SDK and API for custom development.
• Seamless integration with SSO, IAM, and cloud identity providers.
• Integrates with Active Directory (AD) and LDAP for enterprise authentication.

Protectimus

• Comprehensive API & SDK. Enables seamless integration with any system.
• Pre-built Plugins for Active Directory (AD), LDAP, ADFS, OWA, Windows Login & RDP, RADIUS, Roundcube, various VPNs, and enterprise applications.
• OATH-Compliant MFA Support. Works with any system that supports HOTP, TOTP, or OCRA algorithms.
• Advanced LDAP & Database Integration. Uses unique technology to enable two-factor authentication directly within AD, LDAP, and databases.
• Allows easy MFA setup for numerous cloud and enterprise services via ADFS integration.
• MFA-Protected Single Sign-On (SSO). Integrates with Office 365 to enhance security for SSO.
• Flexible and Customizable Deployment. Supports on-premise and private cloud implementations with the possibility of customization for maximum control.

All integration-related documentation is openly accessible on the company’s site.

API	yes	yes
SDK	yes	yes
Pre-built plugins	yes	yes
Active Directory (AD) / LDAP	yes	yes
Customizable Deployment	no	yes

6. Pricing

Key Difference: 

Protectimus is more cost-effective, with a free plan, lower cost per user and on-premise licensing options.

Okta

• MFA pricing starts at $3 per user per month, but this plan doesn’t include most of the advanced features.
• Higher cost for advanced adaptive MFA features (starting at $6 per user per month).
• No free plan available.

Protectimus

• Pricing starts at $1.45 per user per month.
• Free plan for up to 10 users.
• One-time payment option available for on-premise solutions.
• No feature restrictions based on pricing tiers.

Find detailed Protectimus MFA pricing on the pricing page.

Free plan for up to 10 users	no	yes
One-time payment option	no	yes
Cloud service	From $3/user/month. Advanced features, including adaptive MFA, start at $6/user/month.	From $1.45/user/month. The more users you add, the lower the cost per user.
On-premise platform	no	From $2/user/month. The more users you add, the lower the cost per user. Minimum pricing is $199/month for up to 99 users.

7. Summary

In this comparison, we’ve explored the key aspects of selecting a multi-factor authentication provider. Both Okta and Protectimus offer reliable and up-to-date MFA solutions with a variety of authentication methods and integrations. There are many common features, but at the same time each MFA system also has its own strengths: Okta excels in adaptive security and SSO, while Protectimus stands out with on-premise deployment options, advanced hardware OTP tokens, and unique authentication features and methods like CWYS and OTP delivery via messengers.

We’ve collected all of our findings about Okta and Protectimus in a comparison table. There’s no clear winner here – just two powerful MFA solutions designed for different security and deployment requirements.

Read more

• Duo Security vs Protectimus
• Protectimus Customer Stories: 2FA for Volet
• Protectimus Customer Stories: 2FA for SICIM
• Protectimus Customer Stories: 2FA for Ipak Yo’li Bank
• Protectimus Customer Stories: 2FA for DXC Technology
• The Architecture of Protectimus On-Premise MFA Platform
• Protectimus MFA Prices: How to Save with Coupons, Discounts, Referrals, and Subscriptions

Image and logo source: okta.com