Protectimus vs ESET: Which Two-Factor Authentication Fits Your Needs?

Posted By Anna on Aug 14, 2025 | 0 comments

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.

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 increase.
• Access a rich web console for reports, logs, and configuration.

All OTP validation, policy enforcement, and access rules are handled by Protectimus’ secure backend. Integration is straightforward through APIs, SDKs, and ready-to-use plugins (LDAP, Windows, RADIUS, ADFS, Azure AD, OWA, Citrix, VPN, and more).

Protectimus On-Premise Platform

For customers that need maximum control, Protectimus offers a dedicated on-premise platform. It’s installed in the client’s own environment, giving them the ability to:

• Keep all authentication data inside their perimeter.
• Operate in isolated or offline environments.
• Meet GDPR, ISO 27001, or local security standards.

The on-premise version mirrors the cloud feature set, including the Admin Console, support for every token type, APIs, SDKs, and optional perpetual licensing. Organizations can move between cloud and self-hosted models, or run both in hybrid mode during migration.

Available in cloud	limited (for push/SMS)	yes
Available on-premises	yes	yes

2. Features

Key Difference:

• ESET Secure Authentication focuses on core MFA functions for Windows, VPN, and web services, with straightforward management tools.
• Protectimus offers a richer set of enterprise-grade capabilities, including transaction data signing (CWYS), advanced filters, and extensive branding/customization options.

ESET Secure Authentication

Note: Some features, like SMS delivery or hardware tokens, may require additional licensing or integration.

• Simple User Enrollment. Users can activate the mobile app or hardware token through an enrollment wizard or email code.
• Basic IP Restrictions. ESA can limit access to specific networks or VPN gateways.
• Trusted Devices. The ESA mobile app can remember a device to reduce authentication prompts.
• Application-Based Policies. 2FA can be enabled selectively for Microsoft 365, OWA, RDP, VPN, and more.
• Multiple Admin Roles. Admins can share management tasks in the ESA console.
• Audit Logs. Provides records of login attempts and configuration changes.

Protectimus

Note: All the following capabilities are available across Protectimus plans; some may involve an extra fee depending on deployment.

• Self-Service for Users. End users can register and manage their tokens through a dedicated portal.
• Geographic and Time-Based Filters. Restrict access based on user location or work schedule.
• Role-Based Access Control. Apply custom policies per department, branch, or partner group.
• CWYS (Confirm What You See). Transaction data signing ensures the user approves exactly what’s displayed on the token.
• Granular IP Filtering. Advanced allow/deny lists by IP or subnet.
• Adaptive Authentication. Dynamically adjusts challenges based on risk, device, and behavior.
• Multi-Admin & Delegated Authority. Assign admin levels and delegate tasks securely.
• White Labeling. Customize web portals, email templates, and even hardware token design.
• Multi-Tenancy. Support for MSPs or organizations with independent divisions.

User self-service	yes*	yes
Geographic filters	no	yes
Time-based restrictions	no	yes
Adaptive/risk-based auth	limited	yes
Role-based access control	basic (AD groups)	advanced
IP filtering	yes	yes
Device trust	yes	optional
Data signing (CWYS)	no	yes
White-labeling	no	yes

*Feature notes:

• User self-service (ESET): Enrollment via wizard or email; lacks advanced customization.
• Adaptive authentication (ESET): Primarily IP/network based; no behavioral analytics or transaction context.
• Device trust (Protectimus): Supported indirectly through adaptive policies, though not a separate “trusted device” checkbox.

3. Technologies

Key Difference:

• Protectimus supports a wide range of authentication standards — OATH HOTP, TOTP, and OCRA — plus advanced transaction signing and programmable hardware tokens.
• ESET focuses on straightforward deployment through its mobile app and push notifications, but lacks support for OCRA, transaction signing, and reflashable hardware tokens.

ESET Two-Factor Authentication

• Push-based authentication. ESET’s mobile app delivers push notifications to confirm logins with one tap.
• TOTP-based one-time passwords. Compatible with time-based OTPs generated in the ESET app or other authenticator apps.
• FIDO2 / U2F support. Integrates with hardware security keys for phishing-resistant authentication.
• Device enrollment and management. Administrators can centrally manage enrolled mobile devices.
• No support for OCRA or programmable hardware tokens. ESET doesn’t include transaction data signing or reconfigurable token capabilities.

Protectimus

• Support for all OATH algorithms (HOTP, TOTP, OCRA). Ensures compatibility with diverse systems and token types.
• Transaction signing with OCRA. Confirms the integrity of sensitive actions by displaying data on the token before approval.
• Programmable TOTP hardware tokens. Devices like Protectimus Slim NFC and Protectimus Flex can be securely reflashed with new seeds.
• Flexible policy engine. Apply rules by IP, geolocation, time, user role, or device fingerprint.
• Multi-channel OTP delivery. OTPs via hardware tokens, SMS, email, messengers, or push — even in offline scenarios.

Push-based authentication	yes	yes
HOTP	no	yes
TOTP	yes	yes
OCRA	no	yes
FIDO2 / U2F	yes	no
Transaction signing	no	yes
Programmable hardware tokens	no	yes

4. Authentication methods

Key Differences:

• ESET focuses on simple mobile-app-based authentication — push approvals and TOTP codes — plus support for FIDO2/U2F security keys for phishing-resistant logins.
• Protectimus offers a wider variety of authentication factors, from OATH OTP algorithms (TOTP, HOTP, OCRA) to programmable hardware tokens, SMS/email delivery, and even OTPs via Telegram, Viber, and Messenger. It also supports transaction signing (CWYS) for high-risk operations.

ESET Two-Factor Authentication

1. Push Notifications in ESET Authenticator App:
   • ESET provides a mobile authenticator app with one-tap push approval for logins.
   • Speeds up authentication while maintaining strong security.
2. Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP):
   • Generates six-digit codes refreshed every 30 seconds inside the ESET Authenticator app.
   • Can also integrate with standard TOTP apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.
3. FIDO2/WebAuthn and U2F Keys:
   • Supports hardware keys (YubiKey, Feitian, Google Titan, etc.) for phishing-resistant MFA or passwordless login.
   • Useful for environments where mobile phones are not allowed.
4. Limited hardware token support:
   • ESET does not provide OATH-compliant HOTP/TOTP tokens or transaction-signing devices.

Protectimus

1. TOTP/HOTP/OCRA One-Time Passwords:
   • Full support for OATH algorithms: TOTP, HOTP, and OCRA (challenge-response).
   • Works with hardware and software tokens for broad compatibility.
2. SMS Authentication:
   • OTPs can be sent via SMS for users without smartphones or tokens.
   • Custom SMS gateways may be integrated for cost savings or delivery reliability.
3. Email Authentication:
   • Backup or secondary OTP delivery channel via email.
4. Hardware Tokens:
   • Wide choice of OATH-compliant tokens, including Protectimus Slim NFC and Protectimus Flex.
   • Programmable and reprogrammable models allow secure re-seeding for new projects.
5. OTP Delivery via Messaging Apps:
   • Unique bots deliver OTPs through Telegram, Viber, and Facebook Messenger.
   • Convenient and often cheaper than SMS delivery.
6. Push Notifications in Protectimus Smart OTP:
   • The Smart OTP app sends push approvals.
   • Includes CWYS (Confirm What You See) — users confirm the exact data they approve, ideal for payments or banking operations.
7. Access Policy Filters:
   • Restrict logins by IP, geo-location, or time windows.
   • Helpful for regulated industries and distributed teams.

Push notifications	yes	yes
2FA app (TOTP)	yes	yes
Hardware HOTP/TOTP tokens	no	yes
OCRA / Transaction signing	no	yes
FIDO2 / U2F keys	yes	no
SMS OTP	yes	yes
Email OTP	no	yes
OTP via messengers	no	yes

5. Integration Options

Key Difference:

• ESET focuses on straightforward integration with cloud and SaaS environments, offering simple mobile app-based MFA for end-users and basic Active Directory synchronization.
• Protectimus provides advanced and flexible integration options across VPNs, RADIUS, Active Directory, LDAP, on-premise systems, SSO, and custom enterprise applications, suitable for complex IT environments.

ESET Two-Factor Authentication

• Supports cloud and SaaS application integration for MFA enforcement.
• Provides API for custom integration and development.
• Active Directory (AD) integration primarily for user synchronization.
• Windows Login (Winlogon) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) support for enforcing MFA on Windows workstations and remote sessions.
• Supports basic web-based SSO solutions.
• Limited RADIUS protocol and VPN integration options.
• Emphasis on simple deployment and minimal administrative overhead for end-users and IT staff.

Protectimus

• Comprehensive API & SDK for seamless integration with cloud and on-premise systems.
• Inbuilt connectors for Active Directory (AD), LDAP, ADFS, Outlook Web Access (OWA), Windows Login & RDP, RADIUS protocol, Roundcube, VPNs, and other enterprise systems.
• Supports all OATH MFA algorithms: HOTP, TOTP, and OCRA.
• Patent-pending LDAP/database integration allows direct 2FA without third-party middleware.
• Secures Single Sign-On (SSO) systems such as Office 365 with MFA.
• Offers flexible deployment options: cloud service, on-premises, or private cloud with configurable choices.
• Extensive integration documentation is freely available to simplify setup and configuration.

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

API	yes	yes
SDK	yes	yes
Pre-built plugins	limited*	yes
Active Directory / LDAP	yes (AD sync only)*	yes (full integration)
Windows Login / RDP support	yes	yes
RADIUS protocol / VPN integration	limited	yes (comprehensive)
Customizable Deployment	no	yes

*ESET integrates with Active Directory mainly for user synchronization. Unlike Protectimus, it does not support direct two-factor authentication in AD or LDAP without additional middleware.

6. Pricing

Key Difference:

• Protectimus is more cost-effective, offering a free plan, lower per-user pricing, and flexible on-premise licensing options.
• ESET uses a subscription-based pricing model with no free tier and less flexible licensing.

ESET Two-Factor Authentication

• No free plan available.
• Pricing starts at approximately $2 per user per month (based on publicly available sources).
• On-premise Windows Login and RDP agents require separate licensing.
• Full pricing details are not always transparent; quote must be requested.

Protectimus

• Pricing starts at $1.45 per user per month.
• Free plan available for up to 10 users.
• One-time payment option available for on-premise deployments.
• All features included regardless of pricing tier.

Find detailed Protectimus MFA pricing on the pricing page.

Free plan	no	yes
One-time payment option	no	yes
Cloud service	From $2/user/month. Separate licensing for Windows Logon & RDP agents. Pricing details not publicly listed.	From $1.45/user/month. The more users you add, the lower the cost per user.
On-premise platform	no	One-time payment option available. From $2/user/month. Minimum pricing is $199/month for up to 99 users.

7. Summary

Both Protectimus and ESET provide multi-factor authentication solutions, but they differ in flexibility, deployment, and pricing. ESET is primarily subscription-based and focuses on simplicity for cloud and SaaS environments. Protectimus supports both cloud and on-premise deployment, offering advanced integration, wider protocol support (OATH HOTP, TOTP, OCRA), programmable hardware tokens, and transaction-level signing (CWYS).

Protectimus stands out with its cost-effectiveness, offering a free plan for small teams and a one-time payment option for on-premise deployments. ESET lacks a free tier and has less transparent pricing. While ESET supports standard mobile-based 2FA, Protectimus provides a broader range of delivery options, flexible deployment, and greater customization for organizations with complex security or compliance needs.

Notes for asterisk explanations:

• limited* = Only specific components or limited availability (e.g., on-premise agents like RDP/Winlogon, not full self-hosted control).
• yes* = Available but only with Active Directory (AD) sync, not full standalone support or SSO federation.

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