CrowdSec Web Application Firewall vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
CrowdSec Web Application Firewall 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.
CrowdSec Web Application Firewall 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
CrowdSec Web Application Firewall 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.
Open-source, crowd-powered WAF that combines traditional rule-based filtering with community-driven threat intelligence. Integrates with Nginx, Traefik, HAProxy, and Kubernetes. Compatible with ModSecurity SecLang rules.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CrowdSec Web Application Firewall | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Open source (MIT) + commercial blocklists and CTI | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | - | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | - | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, FreeBSD, Windows (beta) | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | Supports PCI DSS compliance, SOC 2 workflows | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
CrowdSec Web Application Firewall
Model: Open source (MIT) + commercial blocklists and CTI
Free Tier AvailableCommunity
Free
Premium Blocklists
From $900/month
CTI
Custom
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
CrowdSec Web Application Firewall
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Crowd-Sourced Threat Intelligence
Network of 200,000+ installations sharing attack signals in real-time. Blocks malicious IPs 7-60 days before other vendors detect them.
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ModSecurity Rule Compatibility
Load existing ModSecurity SecLang rules directly. Teams migrating from ModSecurity can reuse their rule sets without rewriting.
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Virtual Patching
Block exploitation attempts at the WAF layer before application patches are deployed. Protect against known CVEs without code changes.
-
Advanced Behavior Detection
Goes beyond single-request analysis. Generates internal events to build complex multi-request scenarios before triggering blocks.
-
Proxy Integration
Native integration with Nginx, Traefik, HAProxy, Apache, and Envoy. No separate appliance needed.
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Kubernetes Ready
Runs as a sidecar or within ingress controllers. Fits containerized and microservice architectures.
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Console Dashboard
Web-based management console for monitoring alerts, managing blocklists, and configuring the security engine.
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Community Blocklists
Free access to crowd-sourced IP blocklists updated in real-time from the CrowdSec network.
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
-
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.
CrowdSec Web Application Firewall
- You want to start with a free tier
- You're using: Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, FreeBSD, Windows (beta)
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: CrowdSec Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both CrowdSec Web Application Firewall and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offer free tiers, making them accessible for startups. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which is more cost-effective: CrowdSec Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both providers offer free tiers, making it easy to start without commitment. CrowdSec Web Application Firewall scores higher for value (4.7/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: CrowdSec Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) explicitly supports WordPress while CrowdSec Web Application Firewall 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.
What's the difference between Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) (open source) and CrowdSec Web Application Firewall (commercial)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) is open source, which means you can inspect the code, customize it, and self-host without licensing fees. CrowdSec Web Application Firewall is a commercial solution with managed support and regular updates. Open source is ideal if you have in-house expertise and want full control. Commercial solutions are better if you prefer managed security with vendor support.