Security Ninja vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Security Ninja 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.
Security Ninja 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
Security Ninja 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.
Lightweight WordPress security plugin with a free 8G-based firewall that works out of the box. 50+ security tests, vulnerability scanner, and core file integrity checks. Pro adds malware scanning, country blocking, and 2FA.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Security Ninja | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.9/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Freemium (Free tier + paid subscriptions) | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.0/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WordPress (self-hosted) | WordPress (self-hosted) |
Pricing Comparison
Security Ninja
Model: Freemium (Free tier + paid subscriptions)
Free Tier AvailableFree
$0
Pro (1 site)
$119.99/year (~$10/month)
Pro (3 sites)
$199/year (~$5.53/site/month)
Pro (10 sites)
$399/year (~$3.33/site/month)
Pro (25 sites)
$599/year (~$2/site/month)
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
Security Ninja
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8G Firewall
Application-level firewall based on the 8G ruleset, blocking common malicious request patterns including SQL injection, directory traversal, and known bad query strings.
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50+ Security Tests
Comprehensive security audit covering database configuration, file permissions, PHP settings, user accounts, and WordPress hardening best practices.
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Vulnerability Scanner
Scans installed plugins and themes against known vulnerability databases and alerts on outdated or vulnerable components.
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Core File Scanner
Compares WordPress core files against the official repository to detect unauthorized modifications, backdoors, or injected code.
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Event Logger
Logs firewall events and login attempts (free). Full security audit trail with Pro.
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Malware Scanner
Detects and removes malicious code, backdoors, and suspicious files (Pro feature).
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Login Protection
Brute force protection, login URL rename, and two-factor authentication (Pro feature).
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Country Blocking
Block traffic from specific countries at the firewall level (Pro feature).
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
-
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.
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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.
Security Ninja
- You need: WordPress site owners wanting a simple, low-overhead firewall that works immediately. Small business sites, blogs, and portfolios where ease of setup matters more than advanced WAF features. Agencies managing multiple WordPress sites on a budget.
- You want to start with a free tier
- You're using: WordPress (self-hosted)
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: Security Ninja or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both Security Ninja and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offer free tiers, making them accessible for startups. Security Ninja scores higher for ease of use (4.8/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: Security Ninja or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to Security Ninja (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: Security Ninja or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Security Ninja scores higher for ease of use (4.8/5) versus Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) (4.3/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Security Ninja or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both providers offer free tiers, making it easy to start without commitment. 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: Security Ninja or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both Security Ninja and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) support WordPress sites. For WordPress-specific threats like plugin vulnerabilities and brute force attacks, look for providers with WordPress-specific rule sets.