Fortinet FortiWeb vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Fortinet FortiWeb 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.
Fortinet FortiWeb 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
Fortinet FortiWeb 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.
AI-powered web application firewall from Fortinet providing advanced threat detection, API protection, and bot mitigation for web applications and APIs, available as hardware appliance, VM, or cloud service.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Fortinet FortiWeb | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Appliance purchase + subscription, or SaaS subscription | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | On-premises, AWS, Azure, GCP, Oracle Cloud, Kubernetes, VMware, Hyper-V, KVM | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR, FIPS 140-2 | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Fortinet FortiWeb
Model: Appliance purchase + subscription, or SaaS subscription
FortiWeb Appliance
Starting ~$20,000
FortiWeb VM
Custom pricing
FortiWeb Cloud
Custom pricing (SaaS)
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
Fortinet FortiWeb
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ML-Based Threat Detection
Dual-layer machine learning engine that profiles application behavior and detects anomalies without manual rule tuning.
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API Protection
Automatic API discovery, schema validation, and protection against OWASP API Top 10 threats including parameter tampering and injection attacks.
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Bot Mitigation
Advanced bot detection using ML, browser fingerprinting, and behavioral analysis to distinguish legitimate users from malicious bots.
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Virtual Patching
Automatic virtual patches from FortiGuard Labs to protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities before application code can be updated.
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DDoS Protection
Layer 7 DDoS protection with rate limiting, IP reputation, and geographic blocking to prevent application-layer denial of service attacks.
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Security Fabric Integration
Deep integration with Fortinet Security Fabric for correlated threat intelligence, automated response, and unified security management.
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.
Fortinet FortiWeb
- You need: Mid-to-large enterprises, organizations using Fortinet Security Fabric, hybrid cloud deployments, regulated industries needing compliance certifications
- You're using: On-premises, AWS, Azure, GCP, Oracle Cloud, Kubernetes, VMware, Hyper-V, KVM
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: Fortinet FortiWeb or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Fortinet FortiWeb 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: Fortinet FortiWeb or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Fortinet FortiWeb has a higher support rating (4.3/5) 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: Fortinet FortiWeb or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) versus Fortinet FortiWeb (3.5/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Fortinet FortiWeb or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Fortinet FortiWeb 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 works better with AWS: Fortinet FortiWeb or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Fortinet FortiWeb explicitly supports AWS while Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)'s AWS integration may vary. Consider whether native AWS integration or cross-cloud portability matters more for your use case.