Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Sansec Shield 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.
Sansec Shield 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
Sansec Shield 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.
Magento-specific WAF with real-time threat protection, zero false positives, and deep Adobe Commerce integration for e-commerce stores.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Subscription by store revenue tier | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 4.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Magento 2, Adobe Commerce, Adobe Cloud | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | PCI DSS compatible | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall
Model: Subscription by store revenue tier
Secure
Custom pricing
Advanced
Custom pricing
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
Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall
-
Origin-Based Protection
Operates at the application layer as a PHP module, protecting against attacks that bypass CDN-based WAFs.
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Real-Time Threat Detection
Sub-millisecond pattern matching with zero performance impact on store operations.
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Zero False Positives
Blocks only actual attacks using Magento-specific intelligence, not generic criteria.
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Rapid Threat Response
New protection rules deployed within minutes of detecting new attack patterns in the wild.
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Magento-Specific Rules
Deep understanding of Magento architecture enables detection of platform-specific vulnerabilities.
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Hack Protection Guarantee
Conditional guarantee against successful attacks when security requirements are met.
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
-
Patchstack Firewall
Virtual patching rules powered by Patchstack that protect against known plugin and theme vulnerabilities automatically.
-
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.
Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall
- You need: Magento 2 stores, Adobe Commerce merchants, e-commerce businesses requiring specialized protection
- You're using: Magento 2, Adobe Commerce, Adobe Cloud
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: Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Sansec Shield 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: Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall has a higher support rating (4.6/5) 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: Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) versus Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall (4.0/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall requires a paid plan. Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall scores higher for value (4.3/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) explicitly supports WordPress while Sansec Shield Web Application Firewall 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.