Invicti vs Shield Security
Invicti and Shield Security take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
Invicti and Shield Security take fundamentally different approaches to web application security. Understanding your infrastructure and team capabilities will help determine which approach fits your needs.
Overview
Invicti and Shield 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.
Application security testing platform offering DAST and IAST scanning. Formerly Netsparker. Products include Invicti (enterprise DAST) and Acunetix (SMB DAST). Not a WAF, but a vulnerability scanner that finds the vulnerabilities WAFs protect against. OWASP Gold sponsor. Proof-based scanning reduces false positives. Custom enterprise pricing.
WordPress security plugin with SilentCAPTCHA bot detection, automatic IP blocking, firewall rules, and activity logging designed for hands-off, automated protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Invicti | Shield Security |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Custom (enterprise, annual contract) | Freemium (Free tier + annual ShieldPRO license) |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Support | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Scans any web application accessible via HTTP/HTTPS. Supports REST APIs, GraphQL, SOAP, single-page applications (React, Angular, Vue), and traditional server-rendered applications. On-premises scanner available for internal applications. | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | SOC 2 Type 2, helps with PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, GDPR compliance scanning | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Invicti
Model: Custom (enterprise, annual contract)
Acunetix (SMB)
Custom (starts ~$4,500/year)
Invicti (Enterprise)
Custom (annual contract)
Shield Security
Model: Freemium (Free tier + annual ShieldPRO license)
Free Tier AvailableFree
$0
ShieldPRO (1 site)
$99/year (~$8.25/month)
ShieldPRO (agency)
From $249/year
Features Comparison
Invicti
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Proof-Based Scanning
When a vulnerability is found, Invicti attempts to safely exploit it and provides concrete proof. For SQL injection, it extracts actual data. For file inclusion, it reads a specific file. This eliminates the false positive problem that plagues most security scanners.
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DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing)
Tests running web applications by sending crafted HTTP requests and analyzing responses. Finds SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, file inclusion, authentication flaws, and other OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities in production or staging environments.
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IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing)
Instruments the application at runtime to provide deeper vulnerability detection. Combines external scanning with internal application visibility. Finds vulnerabilities that pure DAST scanning might miss, such as insecure deserialization or business logic flaws.
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API Security Testing
Scans REST APIs, GraphQL endpoints, and SOAP services. Imports API definitions (OpenAPI/Swagger, WSDL, GraphQL schemas) and tests all endpoints for vulnerabilities. Critical for modern applications where APIs are the primary attack surface.
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CI/CD Pipeline Integration
Integrates with Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, and other CI/CD platforms. Automatically scans applications as part of the deployment pipeline. Fails builds if critical vulnerabilities are found.
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WAF Rule Export
Exports discovered vulnerabilities as WAF rules that can be imported into WAF products. Creates targeted virtual patches for specific vulnerabilities found during scanning. Bridges the gap between vulnerability discovery and runtime mitigation.
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Compliance Reporting
Generates compliance reports mapped to PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and OWASP Top 10 requirements. Useful for demonstrating due diligence during audits and regulatory reviews.
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Single-Page Application Support
Full support for scanning modern JavaScript applications built with React, Angular, or Vue. Invicti executes JavaScript, interacts with dynamic page elements, and discovers application states that traditional crawlers miss.
Shield Security
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SilentCAPTCHA
Proprietary invisible bot detection that identifies automated threats without showing challenges to visitors.
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AntiBot Detection Engine
Behavioral analysis engine that identifies and blocks malicious bots based on activity patterns.
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Automatic IP Blocking
Builds reputation scores for visitors and automatically blocks IPs that exhibit malicious behavior patterns.
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Firewall Rules
Protection against SQL injection, XSS, directory traversal, and other common WordPress attack vectors.
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Activity Log
Comprehensive log of all security events, user actions, and blocked threats for auditing.
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Traffic Rate Limiting
Controls request rates to prevent brute force attacks and resource exhaustion (ShieldPRO feature).
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
Invicti
- You need: Enterprise security teams evaluating WAF effectiveness against actual application vulnerabilities. DevSecOps teams wanting automated vulnerability scanning in CI/CD pipelines. Organizations needing compliance scanning for PCI DSS, HIPAA, or ISO 27001. Security consultants performing application security assessments.
- You're using: Scans any web application accessible via HTTP/HTTPS. Supports REST APIs, GraphQL, SOAP, single-page applications (React, Angular, Vue), and traditional server-rendered applications. On-premises scanner available for internal applications.
Shield Security
- You need: WordPress site owners wanting automated hands-off security, sites plagued by bot traffic and automated attacks, agencies using MainWP for site management
- 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: Invicti or Shield Security?
Shield Security offers a free tier while Invicti does not, making Shield Security more accessible for budget-conscious startups. Shield Security scores higher for ease of use (4.0/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: Invicti or Shield Security?
Invicti has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to Shield Security (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: Invicti or Shield Security?
Shield Security scores higher for ease of use (4.0/5) versus Invicti (3.5/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Invicti or Shield Security?
Shield Security offers a free tier while Invicti requires a paid plan. Shield Security scores higher for value (4.0/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: Invicti or Shield Security?
Shield Security explicitly supports WordPress while Invicti 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.