Table of Contents
This Imperva review is for businesses that need enterprise grade web security, DDoS protection and bot defense in front of their sites and apps. Imperva is a US security vendor founded in 2002, whose Incapsula brand launched in 2009, offering a web application firewall, DDoS protection, a CDN and bot mitigation through a global network of scrubbing centers. If security is a priority, this Imperva review will help.
Key takeaways
- Imperva is an enterprise security vendor founded in 2002.
- It offers a WAF, DDoS protection, a CDN and bot mitigation.
- Its Incapsula brand delivers these services through global scrubbing centers.
- Best for businesses that need strong web security and attack defense.
What is Imperva?
Imperva is a cybersecurity company focused on protecting web applications and data. Rather than hosting your site, it sits in front of it to filter traffic, block attacks and defend against DDoS and malicious bots. Its Incapsula service combines a web application firewall, DDoS protection, a content delivery network and bot mitigation, routing traffic through scrubbing centers that clean out threats before they reach your site.
The appeal is enterprise grade protection. For businesses that face real security threats and need to keep sites and apps online and safe, Imperva provides a layered defense that works alongside their hosting.
Imperva features
Key features include a web application firewall to block common attacks, DDoS protection to absorb and filter attack traffic, a CDN to speed up delivery, and bot mitigation to stop scraping, credential stuffing and other automated abuse. It also offers data security products for larger organizations. Everything runs through a global network built for security.
For enterprises, that combination of a strong WAF, DDoS defense and bot mitigation is the core draw. It is security first, with content delivery included, rather than a general host or basic CDN.
Imperva pricing
Imperva uses custom, enterprise pricing based on your traffic, applications and the security services you need. It is aimed at businesses rather than individuals, so you contact the company for a quote. Because pricing depends on scope, check directly for current figures.
When comparing security providers, weigh the strength of the WAF, DDoS capacity, bot mitigation and support, since those are the core of what you pay for at this level.
Pros and cons
On the plus side: a strong enterprise WAF, strong DDoS protection, effective bot mitigation, a CDN for speed, and a long security track record. For businesses facing real threats, it is a capable defense.
On the downside: it is a security and CDN provider, not a web host, so you still need somewhere to host your site, pricing is custom and enterprise focused, and it is more than a small site needs. Small owners may prefer a simpler CDN with basic security.
Who is Imperva best for?
Imperva is best for businesses and enterprises that need strong web security, DDoS protection and bot mitigation in front of their sites and apps. This Imperva review points to a capable security vendor. For actual hosting, you still need a web host, and small sites may want a simpler option.
Frequently asked questions
Is Imperva a web host?
No. Imperva is a security and CDN provider that sits in front of your site to block attacks, working alongside your existing web host.
What is Incapsula?
Incapsula is Imperva’s brand that delivers its WAF, DDoS protection, CDN and bot mitigation through global scrubbing centers.
How much does Imperva cost?
Pricing is custom and enterprise based, depending on traffic, applications and services. Contact the company for a quote.
Is Imperva good for small sites?
It targets enterprises. Small sites may prefer a simpler CDN with basic security, while businesses facing real threats benefit most.
The bottom line
Imperva is a capable enterprise security and CDN provider for businesses that need strong protection in front of their sites. For actual hosting, choose a host in our hosting reviews. For background on web application firewalls, see Wikipedia.