CDNetworks Application Shield vs Imunify360
Both CDNetworks Application Shield and Imunify360 are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
CDNetworks Application Shield and Imunify360 are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.
Cloud-based WAF integrated with CDNetworks' global CDN, offering signature-based threat detection, DDoS protection, and bot management across 1,500+ points of presence worldwide.
A multi-layered server security platform by CloudLinux that bundles a managed ModSecurity WAF, proactive PHP defense, malware scanning, and network firewall into a single automated package for Linux hosting servers.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CDNetworks Application Shield | Imunify360 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.7/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Custom pricing, usage-based | Per-server subscription, tiered by number of hosting accounts |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Support | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Platforms | Any web application, cloud-hosted sites, on-premises origins | Linux (AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, CloudLinux OS), cPanel/WHM, Plesk, DirectAdmin, standalone |
| Compliance | PCI DSS, ISO 27001, SOC 2 | Supports OWASP Top 10 protection, PCI DSS compatible configurations |
Pricing Comparison
CDNetworks Application Shield
Model: Custom pricing, usage-based
Application Shield Standard
Custom pricing
Application Shield Advanced
Custom pricing
Imunify360
Model: Per-server subscription, tiered by number of hosting accounts
Single User
$12/mo
Up to 30 Users
$20/mo
Up to 250 Users
$35/mo
Unlimited
$45/mo
Features Comparison
CDNetworks Application Shield
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Edge-Based WAF
WAF filtering at 1,500+ global edge locations for low-latency protection close to end users.
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DDoS Protection
Multi-layer DDoS mitigation covering network (L3/L4) and application (L7) layer attacks.
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Bot Management
Identify and manage automated traffic including scrapers, credential stuffers, and inventory hoarders.
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API Protection
Secure APIs against abuse, injection attacks, and unauthorized access with dedicated API security rules.
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Virtual Patching
Quickly mitigate known vulnerabilities without modifying application code.
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Real-Time Analytics
Comprehensive dashboards showing attack trends, blocked requests, and traffic patterns.
Imunify360
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Managed WAF Rules
ModSecurity-based WAF with proprietary rules maintained by Imunify's security team. Automatically updated to cover new WordPress plugin vulnerabilities, CMS exploits, and emerging attack patterns.
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Proactive Defense
Real-time PHP script behavior analysis that detects and blocks malicious activity during execution. Catches zero-day attacks that signature-based WAFs miss entirely.
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Virtual Patching
Blocks exploit attempts against known vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins, themes, and CMS software before official patches are released or applied.
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WebShield
Reverse proxy layer that filters bot traffic and mitigates DDoS attacks using invisible JavaScript challenges instead of traditional CAPTCHAs.
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Automated Malware Cleanup
Detects and removes malicious code from files automatically, preserving the original file integrity. Includes database scanning for CMS infections.
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Global Threat Intelligence
Feeds from 57M+ protected domains. An attack blocked on one server instantly protects all other Imunify-protected servers worldwide.
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WordPress Plugin
Dedicated WordPress plugin providing site-level security dashboard, scan results, proactive defense status, and malware details directly in wp-admin.
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Compromised Password Reset
Automatically forces password resets when it detects that cPanel or WordPress credentials were used in an attack, breaking reinfection cycles.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
CDNetworks Application Shield
- You need: Businesses with significant Asian traffic, organizations needing combined CDN and WAF, enterprises targeting China market
- You're using: Any web application, cloud-hosted sites, on-premises origins
Imunify360
- You need: Hosting providers running cPanel/Plesk/DirectAdmin on Linux, WordPress hosting companies, shared hosting environments needing automated security, server administrators who want managed WAF without rule expertise
- You're using: Linux (AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, CloudLinux OS), cPanel/WHM, Plesk, DirectAdmin, standalone
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: CDNetworks Application Shield or Imunify360?
Imunify360 has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to CDNetworks Application Shield (3.8/5). 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: CDNetworks Application Shield or Imunify360?
Imunify360 scores higher for ease of use (4.2/5) versus CDNetworks Application Shield (3.5/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: CDNetworks Application Shield or Imunify360?
Neither provider offers a completely free tier. Imunify360 scores higher for value (4.0/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for enterprise: CDNetworks Application Shield or Imunify360?
CDNetworks Application Shield is positioned for enterprise use cases, while Imunify360 may be more suited for small to mid-market organizations. Both offer compliance certifications important for enterprise. Enterprise buyers should evaluate SLAs, support options, and integration capabilities.