Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) vs Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) and Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) and Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF take fundamentally different approaches to web application security. Understanding your infrastructure and team capabilities will help determine which approach fits your needs.
Overview
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) and Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Enterprise zero trust security platform with integrated cloud WAF capabilities as part of Zscaler Internet Access. Inspects all traffic including encrypted SSL/TLS at cloud scale.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) | Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.1/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Pricing Model | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) | Per user / Annual subscription |
| Ease of Use | 4.3/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.2/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Support | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | WordPress (self-hosted) | Cloud (SaaS) |
| Compliance | Contact vendor | SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR |
Pricing Comparison
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
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
Model: Per user / Annual subscription
ZIA Business
Custom pricing
ZIA Transformation
Custom pricing
Features Comparison
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.
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Trusted Devices
Recognizes trusted devices and restricts admin access from unknown devices (Pro feature).
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
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Inline WAF Protection
Inspects web traffic inline for OWASP Top 10 threats as part of the broader ZIA security stack.
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Full SSL/TLS Inspection
Decrypts, inspects, and re-encrypts all encrypted traffic at cloud scale without performance degradation.
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AI-Powered Threat Detection
Machine learning models analyze traffic patterns to detect zero-day threats and advanced attacks.
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Cloud Firewall
Stateful inspection firewall for all ports and protocols, extending protection beyond HTTP/S traffic.
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Centralized Policy Management
Single console for global security policy enforcement across 150+ data centers.
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Zero Trust Architecture
Identity-based access control ensuring users only reach authorized applications regardless of location.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
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)
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
- You need: Large enterprises adopting zero trust, organizations wanting a single vendor for all web security, companies with distributed workforces needing consistent global security policy
- You're using: Cloud (SaaS)
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: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF does not, which may be important for early-stage 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: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF has a higher support rating (4.0/5) 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: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) versus Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF (3.2/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF 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: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) explicitly supports WordPress while Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF 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.