Free
Free
Open-source WAF engine with free downloads; no commercial subscription is sold on the project site.
- Access
- Open-source WAF engine with free downloads; no commercial subscription is sold on the project site.
Finding the possibilities
ModSecurity
● Identity checkedSecurity · Vendor site 2026-10-04
ModSecurity is an open-source web application firewall module for Apache, Nginx, and IIS that inspects HTTP traffic against a rule language. The OWASP-maintained project pairs with rule sets such as OWASP CRS to block common web attacks without rewriting application code.
- Category
- Security
- Free access
- Open-source WAF engine with free downloads; no commercial subscription is sold on the project site.
- API access
- Rule language and module APIs are documented for integrators; no hosted SaaS API keys are offered.
Is ModSecurity right for you?
A good fit for
Security and platform engineers embedding a WAF module directly in existing web servers.
Before you choose
ModSecurity is not a standalone cloud WAF—you must deploy and tune rules on your own servers.
Open-source WAF engine
ModSecurity markets a community-driven WAF module with broad server support, OWASP governance, and pairing with OWASP CRS for higher HTTP attack coverage.
What it can do
Features & capabilities
Unknown is different from unavailable. Each fact carries its own evidence.
| Capability | Value | Evidence | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deployment model | FAQ clarifies ModSecurity runs as a module inside Apache, Nginx, or IIS rather than a standalone appliance. | Facts sourced | 2026-10-04 |
| OWASP stewardship | Homepage states the project continues under OWASP custodianship with active maintenance. | Facts sourced | 2026-10-04 |
| Latest releases | Homepage links current v2 and v3 release downloads for integrators. | Facts sourced | 2026-10-04 |
Understand the total cost
ModSecurity pricing & plans
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Frequently asked questions
What is ModSecurity?
ModSecurity is an open-source rule-based WAF module that analyzes incoming HTTP traffic and applies security rules before requests reach your application.
Is ModSecurity a standalone WAF?
No. It integrates as a module within supported web servers such as Apache, Nginx, or IIS and relies on those servers to process traffic.
What is ModSecurity used for?
ModSecurity is an open-source web application firewall module for Apache, Nginx, and IIS that inspects HTTP traffic against a rule language. The OWASP-maintained project pairs with rule sets such as OWASP CRS to block common web attacks without rewriting application code.
Does ModSecurity have a free plan?
Open-source WAF engine with free downloads; no commercial subscription is sold on the project site.. This record lists ongoing free access; check the plan limits before starting.
How much does ModSecurity cost?
No paid monthly price is listed; this record treats the product as free to start. See the plan cards for entitlements, billing commitments and seat minimums.
Can I use ModSecurity through an API?
Rule language and module APIs are documented for integrators; no hosted SaaS API keys are offered.. API access and subscription access may have different terms; consult the linked sources.
What should I check before choosing it?
ModSecurity is not a standalone cloud WAF—you must deploy and tune rules on your own servers.
Price history
No retained pricing changes yet. A current price alone does not establish a historical trend.
How this profile is supported
Identity and profile
Reviewed vendor source
Read original source ↗Facts apply to the named version and check date. Send a sourced correction if something changed.