Qualys Web Application Firewall vs Shield Security
Qualys Web Application Firewall and Shield Security take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
Qualys Web Application Firewall 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
Qualys Web Application Firewall 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.
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.
WordPress security plugin with SilentCAPTCHA bot detection, automatic IP blocking, firewall rules, and activity logging designed for hands-off, automated protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Qualys Web Application Firewall | Shield Security |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Subscription, per-asset licensing (product decommissioned) | Freemium (Free tier + annual ShieldPRO license) |
| Ease of Use | 3.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value for Money | 2.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Support | 3.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | VMware, Hyper-V, Docker, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | PCI DSS, SOC 2, FedRAMP, ISO 27001 (Qualys platform level) | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Qualys Web Application Firewall
Model: Subscription, per-asset licensing (product decommissioned)
Qualys WAF (Decommissioned)
Previously subscription-based
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
Qualys Web Application Firewall
-
WAS Integration
Automatically generate WAF rules from Qualys Web Application Scanning results for one-click virtual patching.
-
Cloud-Managed Appliance
Virtual appliance deployed locally but managed centrally through the Qualys Cloud Platform.
-
Custom Security Policies
Flexible policy engine with reusable rules and templates for common platforms and custom applications.
-
Pre-Built CMS Policies
Out-of-the-box protection policies for WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, SharePoint, and Outlook Web Application.
-
Security Event Analytics
Detailed dashboards with traffic summaries, threat trends, and drill-down capabilities for incident investigation.
-
Local Traffic Processing
Application traffic stays within your environment for minimal latency and full data control.
Shield Security
-
SilentCAPTCHA
Proprietary invisible bot detection that identifies automated threats without showing challenges to visitors.
-
AntiBot Detection Engine
Behavioral analysis engine that identifies and blocks malicious bots based on activity patterns.
-
Automatic IP Blocking
Builds reputation scores for visitors and automatically blocks IPs that exhibit malicious behavior patterns.
-
Firewall Rules
Protection against SQL injection, XSS, directory traversal, and other common WordPress attack vectors.
-
Activity Log
Comprehensive log of all security events, user actions, and blocked threats for auditing.
-
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.
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
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: Qualys Web Application Firewall or Shield Security?
Shield Security offers a free tier while Qualys Web Application Firewall 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: Qualys Web Application Firewall or Shield Security?
Shield Security has a higher support rating (3.8/5) 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: Qualys Web Application Firewall or Shield Security?
Shield Security scores higher for ease of use (4.0/5) 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: Qualys Web Application Firewall or Shield Security?
Shield Security offers a free tier while Qualys Web Application Firewall 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 works better with AWS: Qualys Web Application Firewall or Shield Security?
Qualys Web Application Firewall explicitly supports AWS while Shield Security's AWS integration may vary. Consider whether native AWS integration or cross-cloud portability matters more for your use case.