Modshield SB vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Modshield SB 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.
Modshield SB 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
Modshield SB 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.
ModSecurity-based web application firewall with an intuitive management UI, offering IP reputation filtering, geo-blocking, SIEM integration, and built-in load balancing in a self-hosted virtual appliance.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Modshield SB | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.5/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Subscription-based, per appliance | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 3.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 3.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Any web application (deployed as reverse proxy VM) | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | OWASP Top 10 coverage, PCI DSS support | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Modshield SB
Model: Subscription-based, per appliance
Standard
Contact for pricing
Enterprise
Contact for 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
Modshield SB
-
ModSecurity Engine
Built on the proven ModSecurity WAF engine with full OWASP Core Rule Set compatibility.
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IP Reputation Filtering
Automatically block traffic from known malicious IP addresses using continuously updated threat intelligence feeds.
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Geo-Blocking
Country-level blacklisting and whitelisting to restrict access based on geographic origin.
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SIEM Integration
Forward security logs to external SIEM systems like Splunk and Elasticsearch for centralized monitoring.
-
Built-in Load Balancer
Integrated load balancing distributes traffic across multiple backend servers without additional infrastructure.
-
Compliance Metrics
Built-in compliance reporting and dashboards to help meet regulatory requirements.
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.
-
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.
Modshield SB
- You need: Organizations wanting managed ModSecurity with a GUI, self-hosted WAF requirements, compliance-focused deployments
- You're using: Any web application (deployed as reverse proxy VM)
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: Modshield SB or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Modshield SB 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: Modshield SB or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to Modshield SB (3.3/5). 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: Modshield SB or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) versus Modshield SB (3.8/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Modshield SB or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Modshield SB 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 is better for WordPress: Modshield SB or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) explicitly supports WordPress while Modshield SB 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.