CDNetworks Application Shield vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
CDNetworks Application Shield 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.
CDNetworks Application Shield 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
CDNetworks Application Shield 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.
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.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CDNetworks Application Shield | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.7/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Custom pricing, usage-based | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Any web application, cloud-hosted sites, on-premises origins | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | PCI DSS, ISO 27001, SOC 2 | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
CDNetworks Application Shield
Model: Custom pricing, usage-based
Application Shield Standard
Custom pricing
Application Shield Advanced
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
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.
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.
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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.
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
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: CDNetworks Application Shield or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while CDNetworks Application Shield 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: CDNetworks Application Shield or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) 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 Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) 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 Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while CDNetworks Application Shield 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: CDNetworks Application Shield or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) explicitly supports WordPress while CDNetworks Application Shield 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.