WAFPlanet

Akamai App & API Protector vs Invicti

Both Akamai App & API Protector and Invicti are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.

Overview

Akamai App & API Protector and Invicti are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.

Enterprise-scale WAF from the CDN pioneer, delivering comprehensive application security with unmatched global infrastructure and advanced threat intelligence.

Application security testing platform offering DAST and IAST scanning. Formerly Netsparker. Products include Invicti (enterprise DAST) and Acunetix (SMB DAST). Not a WAF, but a vulnerability scanner that finds the vulnerabilities WAFs protect against. OWASP Gold sponsor. Proof-based scanning reduces false positives. Custom enterprise pricing.

Quick Comparison

Feature Akamai App & API Protector Invicti
Overall Rating 4.5/5 3.8/5
Free Tier No No
Pricing Model Custom enterprise pricing based on traffic and features Custom (enterprise, annual contract)
Ease of Use 3.3/5 3.5/5
Value for Money 3.5/5 3.3/5
Support 4.7/5 4.0/5
Platforms Any web application (cloud-based reverse proxy) Scans any web application accessible via HTTP/HTTPS. Supports REST APIs, GraphQL, SOAP, single-page applications (React, Angular, Vue), and traditional server-rendered applications. On-premises scanner available for internal applications.
Compliance SOC 2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, FedRAMP, HIPAA SOC 2 Type 2, helps with PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, GDPR compliance scanning

Pricing Comparison

Akamai App & API Protector

Model: Custom enterprise pricing based on traffic and features

Standard

Custom pricing

Premium

Custom pricing

Enterprise

Custom pricing

View full pricing →

Invicti

Model: Custom (enterprise, annual contract)

Acunetix (SMB)

Custom (starts ~$4,500/year)

Invicti (Enterprise)

Custom (annual contract)

View full pricing →

Features Comparison

Akamai App & API Protector

  • Adaptive Security Engine

    Machine learning automatically tunes WAF rules for each application, reducing false positives over time.

  • API Discovery & Protection

    Automatically discover API endpoints and apply security policies with schema validation.

  • Bot Manager

    Industry-leading bot management using behavioral analysis, device fingerprinting, and ML detection.

  • Account Protector

    Detect and prevent credential stuffing, account takeover, and fraud attempts.

  • Client Reputation

    Leverage Akamai's global threat intelligence to score and act on suspicious client behavior.

  • Managed Security Services

    Optional 24/7 security monitoring and incident response from Akamai's SOC.

Invicti

  • Proof-Based Scanning

    When a vulnerability is found, Invicti attempts to safely exploit it and provides concrete proof. For SQL injection, it extracts actual data. For file inclusion, it reads a specific file. This eliminates the false positive problem that plagues most security scanners.

  • DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing)

    Tests running web applications by sending crafted HTTP requests and analyzing responses. Finds SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, file inclusion, authentication flaws, and other OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities in production or staging environments.

  • IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing)

    Instruments the application at runtime to provide deeper vulnerability detection. Combines external scanning with internal application visibility. Finds vulnerabilities that pure DAST scanning might miss, such as insecure deserialization or business logic flaws.

  • API Security Testing

    Scans REST APIs, GraphQL endpoints, and SOAP services. Imports API definitions (OpenAPI/Swagger, WSDL, GraphQL schemas) and tests all endpoints for vulnerabilities. Critical for modern applications where APIs are the primary attack surface.

  • CI/CD Pipeline Integration

    Integrates with Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, and other CI/CD platforms. Automatically scans applications as part of the deployment pipeline. Fails builds if critical vulnerabilities are found.

  • WAF Rule Export

    Exports discovered vulnerabilities as WAF rules that can be imported into WAF products. Creates targeted virtual patches for specific vulnerabilities found during scanning. Bridges the gap between vulnerability discovery and runtime mitigation.

  • Compliance Reporting

    Generates compliance reports mapped to PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and OWASP Top 10 requirements. Useful for demonstrating due diligence during audits and regulatory reviews.

  • Single-Page Application Support

    Full support for scanning modern JavaScript applications built with React, Angular, or Vue. Invicti executes JavaScript, interacts with dynamic page elements, and discovers application states that traditional crawlers miss.

Which One Is Right for You?

The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.

Akamai App & API Protector

  • You need: Large enterprises, high-traffic websites, organizations facing sophisticated bot attacks, companies needing managed security services
  • You're using: Any web application (cloud-based reverse proxy)
Learn more →

Invicti

  • You need: Enterprise security teams evaluating WAF effectiveness against actual application vulnerabilities. DevSecOps teams wanting automated vulnerability scanning in CI/CD pipelines. Organizations needing compliance scanning for PCI DSS, HIPAA, or ISO 27001. Security consultants performing application security assessments.
  • You're using: Scans any web application accessible via HTTP/HTTPS. Supports REST APIs, GraphQL, SOAP, single-page applications (React, Angular, Vue), and traditional server-rendered applications. On-premises scanner available for internal applications.
Learn more →

We recommend evaluating both options with a trial or free tier before committing. Consider your existing infrastructure, team expertise, compliance requirements, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has better support: Akamai App & API Protector or Invicti?

Akamai App & API Protector has a higher support rating (4.7/5) compared to Invicti (4.0/5). However, support quality can vary based on your plan tier - enterprise customers typically receive more responsive support from both providers. Consider evaluating support during a trial period.

Which is easier to implement: Akamai App & API Protector or Invicti?

Invicti scores higher for ease of use (3.5/5) versus Akamai App & API Protector (3.3/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.

Which is more cost-effective: Akamai App & API Protector or Invicti?

Neither provider offers a completely free tier. Akamai App & API Protector scores higher for value (3.5/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.

Which is better for enterprise: Akamai App & API Protector or Invicti?

Both Akamai App & API Protector and Invicti are well-suited for enterprise deployments. Both offer compliance certifications important for enterprise. Enterprise buyers should evaluate SLAs, support options, and integration capabilities.