Imperva Web Application Firewall vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Imperva 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.
Imperva 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
Imperva 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.
Enterprise-grade cloud WAF with industry-leading threat research, offering comprehensive application security with advanced bot protection and API security.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Imperva Web Application Firewall | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Custom enterprise pricing | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Any web application, AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, on-premise | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018 | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Imperva Web Application Firewall
Model: Custom enterprise pricing
Pro
Starting ~$59/month
Business
Starting ~$299/month
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
Imperva Web Application Firewall
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Advanced Bot Protection
Machine learning-powered bot detection that distinguishes between legitimate users, good bots, and malicious automation.
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API Security
Discover, classify, and protect APIs with schema validation, anomaly detection, and positive security model.
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Account Takeover Protection
Detect and prevent credential stuffing and account takeover attacks using behavioral analysis.
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Client-Side Protection
Monitor and protect against client-side attacks like Magecart, formjacking, and supply chain compromises.
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Attack Analytics
AI-powered analysis of security events to identify attack campaigns and reduce alert fatigue.
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Virtual Patching
Immediate protection against known vulnerabilities while you work on permanent fixes.
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.
Imperva Web Application Firewall
- You need: Large enterprises, organizations with sophisticated security requirements, companies needing advanced bot management, regulated industries
- You're using: Any web application, AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, on-premise
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: Imperva Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Imperva Web Application Firewall 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: Imperva Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Imperva Web Application Firewall has a higher support rating (4.5/5) 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: Imperva Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) versus Imperva Web Application Firewall (3.5/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Imperva Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Imperva Web Application Firewall 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: Imperva Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Imperva Web Application Firewall 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.