Akamai App & API Protector vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Akamai App & API Protector and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
Akamai App & API Protector and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) take fundamentally different approaches to web application security. Understanding your infrastructure and team capabilities will help determine which approach fits your needs.
Overview
Akamai App & API Protector and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) 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.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Akamai App & API Protector | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Custom enterprise pricing based on traffic and features | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 3.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 4.7/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Any web application (cloud-based reverse proxy) | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | SOC 2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, FedRAMP, HIPAA | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Akamai App & API Protector
Model: Custom enterprise pricing based on traffic and features
Standard
Custom pricing
Premium
Custom pricing
Enterprise
Custom pricing
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Model: Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license)
Free Tier AvailableFree
$0
Pro (1 site)
$99/year (~$8.25/month)
Pro (multi-site)
From $199/year
Features Comparison
Akamai App & API Protector
-
Adaptive Security Engine
Machine learning automatically tunes WAF rules for each application, reducing false positives over time.
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API Discovery & Protection
Automatically discover API endpoints and apply security policies with schema validation.
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Bot Manager
Industry-leading bot management using behavioral analysis, device fingerprinting, and ML detection.
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Account Protector
Detect and prevent credential stuffing, account takeover, and fraud attempts.
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Client Reputation
Leverage Akamai's global threat intelligence to score and act on suspicious client behavior.
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Managed Security Services
Optional 24/7 security monitoring and incident response from Akamai's SOC.
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
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Patchstack Firewall
Virtual patching rules powered by Patchstack that protect against known plugin and theme vulnerabilities automatically.
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Two-Factor Authentication
Multiple 2FA methods including authenticator apps, email codes, and backup codes for all user roles.
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Passwordless Login
Login via passkeys and biometrics, eliminating password-based attacks entirely (Pro feature).
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Site Scanner
Checks for known malware, vulnerabilities in plugins and themes, and blocklist status.
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File Change Detection
Monitors WordPress core files and alerts when unexpected changes are detected.
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Security Dashboard
Unified dashboard showing security status, recent events, and actionable recommendations.
-
Trusted Devices
Recognizes trusted devices and restricts admin access from unknown devices (Pro feature).
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)
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
- You need: WordPress agencies managing multiple sites, users wanting modern authentication features like passkeys, sites needing automatic virtual patching for plugin vulnerabilities
- You want to start with a free tier
- You prefer open-source solutions
- You're using: WordPress (self-hosted)
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 is better for startups: Akamai App & API Protector or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Akamai App & API Protector does not, making Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) more accessible for budget-conscious startups. Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: Akamai App & API Protector or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Akamai App & API Protector has a higher support rating (4.7/5) compared to Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) (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 Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) 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 Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Akamai App & API Protector requires a paid plan. Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for value (4.2/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: Akamai App & API Protector or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) explicitly supports WordPress while Akamai App & API Protector takes a more platform-agnostic approach. For WordPress-specific threats like plugin vulnerabilities and brute force attacks, look for providers with WordPress-specific rule sets.