Side by side
Vigil Baseline vs Wordfence Security
Both stand on file integrity monitoring software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
Choose Vigil Baseline if you want a free file integrity monitor for a single Linux desktop, with a saved baseline and an audit trail for changes. Look elsewhere if you need automatic threat response, fleet management, or central reporting.
Visit Vigil Baseline Free plan Self-hostedWeb
Wordfence combines site scanning, endpoint firewall protection, login controls, and multi-site management. The free plan has delayed threat updates and volunteer forum support; paid plans list real-time updates and additional support options.
Visit Wordfence SecurityThe facts
| Vigil Baseline | Wordfence Security | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Wordfence Premium: $149 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | wordfence.com |
| On file integrity monitoring software | #16 of 34 | #12 of 34 |
Vigil Baseline: what it does well
- Free under GPL v3.0 for most users.
- Records file metadata alongside hashes in a known-good snapshot.
- Uses fanotify with an inotify fallback.
- Keeps an HMAC-chained audit log of changes.
- Optional desktop alerts through notify-send.
What to know first
- Designed for one Linux desktop, without fleet management or central reporting.
- Does not kill, quarantine, or block files or processes.
- Older kernels rely on scheduled scans for some event types.
- Signal socket and webhook are disabled by default.
Wordfence Security: what it does well
- Scans core files, themes, and plugins
- Login protection includes passkeys and two-factor authentication
- Central can launch scans and apply templates across sites
- Central sends event notifications through four listed channels
- Free plan costs nothing
What to know first
- Free firewall and malware updates are delayed 30 days
- Free plan scans every three days
- Each plugin installation needs a unique license key
- Free plugin support is through volunteer forums
Alternatives to Vigil Baseline Alternatives to Wordfence Security The whole list