Imunify360 vs Qualys Web Application Firewall
Both Imunify360 and Qualys Web Application Firewall are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
Imunify360 and Qualys Web Application Firewall are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.
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.
Cloud-managed WAF from Qualys that integrates with their vulnerability scanning platform, enabling one-click virtual patching of discovered vulnerabilities. Note — product was decommissioned September 2024.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Imunify360 | Qualys Web Application Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Per-server subscription, tiered by number of hosting accounts | Subscription, per-asset licensing (product decommissioned) |
| Ease of Use | 4.2/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.0/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Support | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Platforms | Linux (AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, CloudLinux OS), cPanel/WHM, Plesk, DirectAdmin, standalone | VMware, Hyper-V, Docker, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform |
| Compliance | Supports OWASP Top 10 protection, PCI DSS compatible configurations | PCI DSS, SOC 2, FedRAMP, ISO 27001 (Qualys platform level) |
Pricing Comparison
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
Qualys Web Application Firewall
Model: Subscription, per-asset licensing (product decommissioned)
Qualys WAF (Decommissioned)
Previously subscription-based
Features Comparison
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.
Qualys Web Application Firewall
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WAS Integration
Automatically generate WAF rules from Qualys Web Application Scanning results for one-click virtual patching.
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Cloud-Managed Appliance
Virtual appliance deployed locally but managed centrally through the Qualys Cloud Platform.
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Custom Security Policies
Flexible policy engine with reusable rules and templates for common platforms and custom applications.
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Pre-Built CMS Policies
Out-of-the-box protection policies for WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, SharePoint, and Outlook Web Application.
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Security Event Analytics
Detailed dashboards with traffic summaries, threat trends, and drill-down capabilities for incident investigation.
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Local Traffic Processing
Application traffic stays within your environment for minimal latency and full data control.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
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
Qualys Web Application Firewall
- You need: Historical reference; previously suited for Qualys platform customers wanting integrated vulnerability management and WAF
- You're using: VMware, Hyper-V, Docker, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform
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: Imunify360 or Qualys Web Application Firewall?
Imunify360 has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to Qualys Web Application Firewall (3.5/5). 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: Imunify360 or Qualys Web Application Firewall?
Imunify360 scores higher for ease of use (4.2/5) versus Qualys Web Application Firewall (3.2/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Imunify360 or Qualys Web Application Firewall?
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 works better with AWS: Imunify360 or Qualys Web Application Firewall?
Qualys Web Application Firewall explicitly supports AWS while Imunify360's AWS integration may vary. Consider whether native AWS integration or cross-cloud portability matters more for your use case.