When searching for a reliable multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution, the sheer number of products on the market can be overwhelming. To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve created a series of comparison guides showing how the Protectimus MFA platform compares to other leading providers. In this article, we’ll focus on Protectimus and ESET. Both companies deliver robust two-factor authentication (2FA) solutions, but they differ in deployment models, integration flexibility, authentication methods, and licensing. Below, we’ll examine how they compare in terms of server-side deployment, supported technologies, core features, authentication options, and pricing. Prefer a quick overview? Check the comparison table below! 1. Server-Side Component Key Difference: ESET Secure Authentication is primarily a server software installed on-premises or in a private cloud, with optional mobile/cloud services for push notifications. Protectimus provides both cloud-based and fully featured on-premise MFA platforms. ESET Secure Authentication ESET Secure Authentication (ESA) is designed mainly as an on-premises 2FA solution. The core authentication server runs inside the organization’s infrastructure — either on a Windows Server or in a virtualized/private cloud environment. This setup gives businesses full control over configuration and user data, which is ideal for environments with strict privacy or regulatory demands. ESA also offers a lightweight cloud component that enables features like push notifications, SMS delivery, and licensing synchronization. However, this is an add-on, not a complete SaaS platform — the local ESA server remains the backbone of the deployment. The ESA Management Console allows administrators to: Set up policies and assign second-factor methods to users. Review logs and audit authentication attempts. Integrate with Active Directory, Microsoft 365, VPN, and other applications via ESA plugins. Manage mobile apps, SMS gateways, or hardware tokens for OTP delivery. While ESA can function in hybrid mode (on-prem plus optional cloud services), it doesn’t provide a standalone full SaaS model. Organizations must maintain the ESA server infrastructure for core MFA services. Protectimus Protectimus lets customers choose between a Cloud MFA Service or a Self-Hosted On-Premises Platform. This versatility makes it suitable for businesses ranging from startups to enterprises and government agencies with strict compliance requirements. Protectimus Cloud Service The cloud edition of Protectimus MFA is a fully managed service hosted in secure, distributed data centers. It enables organizations to: Integrate MFA quickly without deploying local servers. Reduce administrative overhead and maintenance costs. Scale easily as users or protected apps...