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Patchstack vs WPScan
| Benefit | Patchstack | WPScan |
|---|---|---|
| Vulnerability intelligence | #1 WordPress vulnerability discloser globally, fastest to protect against new vulnerabilities with exclusive intel for 700+ WordPress plugins | Lower amount of unique vulnerabilities disclosed |
| Preventive security layer | 13,000+ real-time virtual patches; WordPress specific protection modules | None |
| Speed to mitigation | Warnings and protection (paid) 48h before intel is made public | No early warnings — intel is from third party sources |
| Reactive security layer (malware scanning) | None. Patchstack is focused on prevention but conflict-free to combine with scanning | None |
| Threat prioritization | Unique priority scoring combined with CVSS and exploitation activity helps reduce alert fatigue | CVSS score without contextual prioritization |
| Customer support | Stellar human support in EU and US with <1h response time | Available for Enterprise only |
| Pricing | $79/mo for 25 websites (per-site cost $3.16/mo) | Request only |
How does Patchstack work?
Patchstack provides the fastest real-time vulnerability management and proactive protection for WordPress sites.
Early detection
Get prioritized alerts and protection up to 48h before other sources
Rapid mitigation
Real-time virtual patches auto-protect your sites from attacks
Resolve carefree
Remain protected and make sure nothing breaks when updating at your conveniencePatchstack identifies vulnerabilities using a vast database, supported by a motivated community of ethical hackers. It then automatically applies virtual patches, protecting against emerging threats up to 48h in advance, without altering site code. The central dashboard allows developers to manage updates and maintain security across all websites, without relying on plugin-based malware scanning.
How does WPScan work?
WPScan works by scanning WordPress websites for vulnerabilities in core files, plugins, and themes. WPScan provides vulnerability reports via an API or command-line interface (CLI), helping developers identify issues. However, it does not offer real-time patching or automatic protection, focusing instead on vulnerability detection and awareness.
Why is Patchstack better?
Patchstack's proactive virtual patching offers superior protection and unparalleled mitigation speed. While WPScan provides vulnerability info, Patchstack also prevents exploits. This eliminates the need for plugin-based malware scanning or recurring manual and expensive cleanup services.
New proactive approach
- A vulnerability is detected on the website
- A rule is auto-triggered only on-demand
- The vulnerability is secured against attacks
- User resolves the vulnerability by updating to the patched version when convenient
Old reactive approach
- The website becomes vulnerable
- The website is attacked and compromized
- The website needs to be manually remediated
- Website can be re-compromized until resolved
Fastest protection
#1 WordPress vulnerability discloser globally with exclusive intel for 400+ WordPress plugins
No code changes
Virtual patches do not change any code and cannot break the fidelity of websites.
Lightweight
Our connector plugin and virtual patches are reported up to 10x lighter than competitors.
Top WPScan alternatives
Other alternatives include Sucuri, Wordfence and All-In-One Security, but Patchstack's focus on vulnerability management and attack prevention ensures that users can avoid malware infections altogether.
What the FAQ?
How long does setting up take?
Setting up Patchstack takes no more than a few minutes per installation. The data might need a few minutes to show up after a successful installation.
Will Patchstack slow down my websites?
Patchstack runs several tasks on each page load but based on tests from us and from our customers we have seen that Patchstack does not affect your website's performance in any significant or noticeable way. In fact, a test done by one of our users indicated that Patchstack is up to 10x lighter than competing security services.
Does Patchstack modify website code?
No. Patchstack's mitigation rules do not change the plugin or website code. Instead, they block suspicious activity from tampering with plugins.
Why protect against vulnerabilities and how is it different than scanning for malware?
Malware is most commonly injected by exploiting security vulnerabilities. Patchstack detects those vulnerabilities and automatically applies highly targeted mitigation rules that provide highly targeted, lightweight and effective way to hold off attacks to prevent any malware to get inside. Malware scanners on the other hand scan for already injected malware which means the website has already been compromised and infected which also requires a thorough clean-up. While having regular malware scans is important to cover your back, it's always better to prevent malware infections in the first place.
How can I migrate to Patchstack if I have a lot of sites?
We provide assisted setup if you have 20+ sites. Contact our support via the Intercom after you've signed up.
Developer
Website licenses
Monthly, billed annually $69
Best for professionals and agencies who build and maintain websites that need uncompromized security.
Get first month free- 3 seats
- Protection up to 48h in advance
- Rapid mitigation without changing code
- API integrations new
- Remote software management
- Remote security hardening
Looking for Enterprise-level volumes, SLA, DPA?
Pricing and features