WordPress is a reasonably secure CMS platform. It promptly updates its database and offers periodic security updates to safeguard WordPress websites from ongoing web vulnerability. Nevertheless, hackers find ways to deface websites through third-party plugin routes. Sucuri and Wordfence are renowned security plugins that offer an array of website security-hardening features to protect websites from malicious attacks.
To understand the difference between these two security plugins comprehensively, we have curated a blog, namely, Sucuri and Wordfence. In this blog, we will explore the subtle differences between Sucuri and Wordfence with their basic introductions
A] Introduction to Sucuri WordPress Security Plugin
Founded in 2012, Sucuri is a WordPress security plugin renowned for its robust security features and measures. It helps protect WordPress websites from a variety of cyber vulnerabilities, such as malware attacks, DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, hacking attempts, SQL (Structured Query Language) injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and so on. They are available in both free and paid versions. With the free version, basic and in-site security features are available. And, with the paid version, you can leverage the premium features of Sucuri security along with Firewall protection features to safeguard your website even from the server’s end.
The key features of the Sucuri WordPress Security Plugin Include:
- WordPress Website Security Hardening
- Fast and Lightweight Malware Scanning
- The website’s core integrity Checks
- Post-hacking security actions
- Email alerts for suspicious activities
B] Introduction to Wordfence WordPress Security Plugin
Also founded in 2012, Wordfence is a WordPress website security plugin renowned for offering small and enterprise-grade security features and measures. It provides website owners peace of mind from an array of cyber threats, including malware, brute force attacks, malicious file uploads, and cross-site request forgery. Wordfence is free to install, but it also has paid versions that offer premium security measures, including real-time malware detections and hands-on incident responses. It also provides server-level protection to mitigate vulnerabilities at the server’s end without any cost.
The key features of the Wordfence WordPress Security Plugin Include:
- Real-time blockage of known vulnerabilities
- Built-in two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Brute force login security
- Core file malware checks
- Free to use for unlimited websites with limited features
- Free firewall protection
C] Sucuri vs Wordfence: An Overview
| Features | Sucuri | Wordfence |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Paid plans only | Free and paid plans |
| Scanning Frequency | Continuous monitoring | Scheduled scans |
| Firewall | Cloud-based WAF | Web Application Firewall (WAF) integrated into the plugin |
| Malware Detection & Removal | Yes | Yes |
| Security Features | Brute force protection, security hardening, blacklist monitoring | File integrity monitoring, login security, firewall rules |
| Support | 24/7 support | Forum, email, paid support |
| Focus | Proactive security, cloud-based protection | Comprehensive security features, local firewall |
D] WordPress Sucuri vs Wordfence: Head-to-Head Comparison
1. Malware Scanning & Cleaning
When comparing Sucuri vs. Wordfence, Sucuri offers its Sucuri SiteChecks and server-side scanner for scanning and removing known and unknown malware from both ends. It scans and deletes an array of malware, such as obfuscated javascript injections, cross-site injections, malicious iframe, malicious redirects, and so on.
Wordfence offers a comprehensive set of features for malware scanning. It provides free in-site and server-side malware protection. It intuitively detects and removes PHP and core file malware. It can seamlessly discover suspicious activities in themes, plugins, and upload folders and suggest effective actions to eliminate them.
Winner: Wordfence for free insite and server-side protection
2. Firewall Protection
Sucuri offers website application firewall (WAF) protection, a cloud-based mechanism that safeguards websites from common cyber attacks such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and brute force attacks. Sucuri’s firewall protection comes with a 30-day free trial option. After that, users have to pay to extend the firewall protection services.
Wordfence also offers cloud-based WAF protection that intuitively protects WordPress websites against SQL injections, cross-site scripting, malicious file uploads, and external entry expansion (XXE). Wordfence provides a free firewall protection option for users with 30-day delays in firewall rules, and the paid version offers real-time protection.
Winner: Wordfence for free firewall protection with conditions.
3. Brute Force Protection
Sucuri prevents brute force attacks by implementing various preventive measures, such as an enforced strong password policy, limiting login attempts, two-factor authentication (2FA), and captcha integration. However, users have to pay to integrate brute force protection into their website with Sucuri.
Wordfence offers robust protective measures against brute-force attacks. Its limited login attempts, two-factor authentication (2FA), and other manual blocking tools provide comprehensive safety from unauthorised access. The brute force protection feature is free for everyone.
Winner: Wordfence
4. Other Security Measures
Sucuri WordPress security plugins provide ample features that safeguard WordPress websites from malicious cyber attacks. Other security measures include email alerts for suspicious detection, verifying default admin accounts, actively auditing, file integration monitoring, and post-hack security actions.
Wordfence also offers a comprehensive range of security features that safeguard WordPress websites from cyberattacks. Its extra features include email alerts for malicious activities, WHOIS lookup, scanning comments, checking password strength, and providing centralised security configuration. Ultimately, these features contribute to building interactive websites with optimal safety.
Winner: It’s a tie!
5. Ease of Installation & Configuration
Sucuri offers a pretty straightforward procedure for installing and configuring its plugins on the WordPress website. However, integrating Sucuri with the server poses challenges and requires associated knowledge to connect them efficiently. If you have difficulties configuring or applying security measures to your websites, hire a WordPress developer in India and let them take care of your website security.
Wordfence also offers a simple-to-use dashboard with an easy-to-install and configure mechanism. Users can integrate their WordPress website and configure plugins with the server seamlessly. It provides ample options to configure your websites with a variety of security measures.
Winner: It’s a tie!
6. Ease of Use
Sucuri offers an easy-to-use design with a streamlined and uncluttered interface. It provides all the necessary features in a single place. However, some security settings configurations may require technical knowledge. It may restrict users from utilising the full potential of Sucuri plugin.
Wordfence also offers an easy-to-use design with a structured and streamlined layout. It provides helpful documentation and a user guide to help the user navigate to every section of security options. It doesn’t require any prior knowledge to set the basic security configurations.
Winner: It’s a tie!
7. Impact on Website Performance
Sucuri helps improve website performance using CDN (Content Delivery Network), which caches the website’s content and stores cached files near the end users. This alleviates server loads and delivers the content swiftly to users. With built-in CDN integration, Sucuri claims to improve website performance by 60%.
Wordfence doesn’t offer built-in CDN integration for optimal website performance. Consequently, frequent scans decrease the website’s load speed. Some users reported a significant drop in their website speed after installing Wordfence.
Winner: Sucuri
8. Pricing
Sucuri’s monthly plans start at $9.99, which covers security cleanup and handles ongoing security issues with firewall protection. As the company claims, the basic plan is ideal for small bloggers and website owners. Also, they have other higher plans as well to cater to enterprise-level security concerns.
Wordfence is a free WordPress security plugin that offers major security features, including firewall protection, without charging a penny. However, they also have paid plans that provide real-time firewall protection with premium customer support.
Winner: Wordfence
E] Wordfence vs. Sucuri Security: Which One to Choose
A security plugin should have three essential features: malware scanning, malware cleaning, and firewall protection. Sucuri and Wordfence have all these necessary features with paid and free plans, respectively. Sucuri offers all basic and advanced features with its various paid plans for small and large businesses. On the other hand, Wordfence offers all necessary security features free with a 30-day delay in firewall rules.
If you run a small business with minimal security concerns, opt for Wordfence. On the contrary, if website performance is your top priority with necessary security features, Sucuri would be preferred due to its built-in CDN integration. However, easy to use, smooth installation, seamless configuration, and pricing may be choosing factors for some individuals. Therefore, assess your needs and choose accordingly.
Conclusion
Sucuri and WordFence are robust WordPress security plugins that offer excellent security features and measures to safeguard websites from cyber threats. However, both have their pros and cons and choosing between them can depend on your business needs. Consider the discussed parameters and differences to choose a better security plugin for your WordPress website.
Freelancer Coder is a leading and well-regarded freelance web developer in India, offering cost-effective solutions for resolving security concerns of WordPress websites with years of knowledge and expertise. Contact me now to secure your website from cyber threats fully.
