Akto
Akto is an open-source API security platform that helps you discover all your APIs, detect sensitive data exposure, and find vulnerabilities in your CI/CD pipeline before hackers do.
Cipher
Cipher is a comprehensive blockchain security platform providing real-time monitoring, smart contract auditing, and automated threat detection to protect decentralized applications and digital assets from evolving web3 vulnerabilities.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Akto | Cipher |
|---|---|---|
| Website | akto.io | cipherbc.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Custom |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 14 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2021 | 0 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, India | New York, USA |
Overview
Akto
Akto is a specialized API security platform designed to help you secure your entire API ecosystem. You can automatically discover every API endpoint in your network, including hidden or 'shadow' APIs that often go undocumented. The platform continuously monitors your traffic to identify where sensitive data like PII or financial info is being exposed, giving you a clear map of your security posture.
You can integrate security testing directly into your development workflow by running over 100 built-in security tests against your APIs. This allows you to catch broken object-level authorization (BOLA) and other common vulnerabilities before they reach production. Whether you are a security engineer or a developer, you can use Akto to automate the tedious parts of API auditing and maintain a robust defense against modern web threats.
Cipher
Cipher provides you with a robust security stack specifically designed for the complexities of blockchain and web3 environments. You can monitor your smart contracts in real-time to detect suspicious activities before they escalate into costly exploits. The platform combines automated scanning with expert analysis to ensure your decentralized applications remain resilient against common vulnerabilities and targeted attacks.
By integrating Cipher into your development lifecycle, you gain deep visibility into your on-chain assets and protocol health. It helps you maintain compliance and build trust with your users by providing transparent security reporting and instant alerts. Whether you are launching a new DeFi protocol or managing an established NFT marketplace, you can proactively manage risks and secure your digital ecosystem.
Overview
Akto Features
- Automated API Discovery Inventory all your APIs automatically by analyzing network traffic to find shadow APIs and undocumented endpoints instantly.
- Sensitive Data Tracking Identify exactly where sensitive data like passwords or credit card numbers are leaking across your API requests and responses.
- BOLA Detection Run automated tests to find Broken Object Level Authorization flaws, the most critical risk in modern API security today.
- CI/CD Integration Trigger automated security scans within your GitHub or GitLab pipelines to stop vulnerable code from ever being deployed.
- API Traffic Mirroring Analyze real-world traffic patterns without impacting your application performance using seamless mirroring from AWS, Azure, or GCP.
- Custom Test Editor Create your own security tests using a simple YAML-based editor to address unique business logic vulnerabilities in your apps.
Cipher Features
- Smart Contract Auditing. Identify critical vulnerabilities in your code with deep-dive manual reviews and automated scanning tools before you deploy.
- Real-Time Monitoring. Track on-chain transactions 24/7 and receive instant alerts the moment suspicious or malicious activity is detected.
- Threat Intelligence. Access up-to-date data on emerging web3 attack vectors to fortify your protocols against the latest hacking techniques.
- Automated Compliance. Streamline your regulatory requirements with automated reporting tools that track asset movement and verify protocol security standards.
- Vulnerability Management. Prioritize and track the remediation of security flaws through a centralized dashboard that simplifies your team's workflow.
- Incident Response. Execute pre-defined security protocols quickly to pause contracts or move assets when a potential breach is identified.
Pricing Comparison
Akto Pricing
- Up to 50 endpoints
- Automated API discovery
- Basic security tests
- Community support
- Local deployment option
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited endpoints
- Advanced sensitive data detection
- CI/CD pipeline integration
- Slack and Jira alerts
- Priority email support
Cipher Pricing
Pros & Cons
Akto
Pros
- Fast setup with immediate visibility into shadow APIs
- Comprehensive library of pre-built security test cases
- Open-source core allows for deep customization
- Strong focus on the OWASP API Top 10
- Easy integration with existing DevOps workflows
Cons
- Initial traffic mirroring setup can be technical
- Pro tier pricing is a significant jump
- Learning curve for writing custom YAML tests
Cipher
Pros
- Specialized expertise in complex smart contract logic
- Continuous monitoring prevents exploits after deployment
- Detailed reporting helps build community investor trust
- Proactive alerts reduce incident response times significantly
Cons
- Custom pricing requires a sales consultation
- Technical interface may require security expertise
- Focus is strictly limited to blockchain environments