The 10 Best Web Visibility Tools: The Ultimate Comparison

In this guide, we provide detailed overviews of 10 leading web visibility tools to help you make an informed decision for your organization’s client-side security needs. But first – 

What Is Web Visibility?

Web visibility, or web application visibility, refers to:

“Real-time awareness and monitoring of all third-party scripts, dependencies, and client-side code that executes in users’ browsers, enabling detection of supply chain compromises, malicious injections, and unauthorized changes before they can steal data or harm users.”

Understanding Web Visibility Tools

The Client-Side Security Challenge

Modern websites typically integrate numerous third-party scripts, open-source libraries, trackers, and pixels to deliver functionality. Each of these components represents a potential entry point for attackers. Organizations often lack complete visibility into what code executes on their web pages and what data those scripts can access. This blind spot has become a primary target for cybercriminals deploying supply chain attacks and client-side exploits.

Think of your website’s browser environment like the public-facing lobby of a bank. While organizations invest heavily in securing the vault (server-side infrastructure), attackers increasingly target the teller windows (client-side code) where customer interactions occur. The challenge is that you may have dozens of these “windows” without knowing who controls them or what they can access.

What Web Visibility Tools Do

A comprehensive web visibility solution helps you answer four fundamental security questions:

• What’s running on my website? Complete inventory of all executing code
• Who put it there? Attribution and supply chain mapping
• What data can it access? Data flow analysis and exposure assessment
• Has anything changed? Continuous monitoring for anomalous behavior

Key Capabilities to Look For

When evaluating web visibility tools, consider these core capabilities:

Client-Side Code Execution Monitoring
Complete visibility into JavaScript, third-party scripts, tags, and libraries running in users’ browsers.

Supply Chain Dependency Mapping
Identification of external services, APIs, content delivery networks (CDNs), and vendor-provided code integrated into your applications.

Data Flow Analysis
Understanding how information moves between your application, third-party services, and end users, including potential exfiltration points.

Behavioral Anomaly Detection
Alerting when trusted components begin exhibiting unusual or potentially malicious behavior.

Attack Surface Assessment
Comprehensive view of all external-facing elements that could be exploited or compromised.

Compliance Support
Tools and reporting to meet regulatory requirements like PCI DSS 4.0.1, GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA.

Top 10 Web Visibility Tools

1. Reflectiz

Headquarters: Boston, MA, USA
Founded: 2019

Reflectiz offers a proactive, remote monitoring platform for web exposure and visibility, with focus on detecting and mitigating client-side threats like web skimming and supply chain vulnerabilities. The platform uses agentless scanning that emulates user behavior rather than embedding browser scripts, designed to minimize performance impact.

Reflectiz has gained traction among global e-commerce and financial institutions seeking real-time monitoring and compliance assurance.

Key Features

• Remote scanning for JavaScript inventory and behavioral analysis
• Deobfuscation capabilities for analyzing potentially hidden code
• AI-powered risk prioritization and anomaly detection
• A dedicated Privacy dashboard to align privacy policies with real world practice
• Compliance support for PCI DSS 4.0.1, GDPR, and CCPA
• Centralized dashboard for web asset management
• Batch script approval workflows
• Industry benchmarking capabilities

Pros

• No-code deployment: External service approach with no client-side scripts or operational overhead
• Zero performance impact: Agentless architecture doesn’t affect website loading times
• Comprehensive monitoring: Tracks first, third, and fourth-party components including open-source libraries
• Privacy-focused architecture: External monitoring approach doesn’t require access to user PII
• Deep visibility: Detects activities within iFrames, cookies, and obfuscated scripts
• Intelligent prioritization: Context-aware risk assessments help security teams focus on genuine threats
• Compliance automation: Simplifies reporting for PCI DSS, GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA
• Transparent pricing: Per-website pricing model
• PCI DSS 4.0.1 support: Automated compliance for requirements 6.4.3 and 11.6.1
• On-Demand Blocking Capabilities: Single click blocking of compromised scripts when needed. 

Cons

• Enterprise focus: Pricing and features optimized for medium to large businesses
• Learning curve: Advanced policy tuning requires time investment
• Limited public reviews: Fewer independent third-party reviews compared to more established vendors

2. Feroot Security

Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Founded: 2017

Feroot Security provides automated detection of unauthorized scripts and real-time monitoring of third-party behaviors. The platform emphasizes AI-driven automation for client-side security, helping organizations achieve compliance with privacy standards.

Key Features

• Script inventory creation and software composition analysis (SBOM)
• Support for PCI DSS 4.0.1, HIPAA, GDPR, and multiple privacy regulations
• Real-time blocking capabilities with audit-ready reporting
• Automated monitoring for forms, iFrames, and data flows

Pros

• Real-time protection: Automated monitoring and blocking of client-side threats including Magecart and formjacking
• Compliance automation: Streamlines PCI DSS v4 compliance (requirements 6.4.3/11.6.1) with automated inventory and reporting
• Supply chain visibility: Comprehensive tracking of third-party and nth-party scripts
• Easy implementation: Straightforward setup process
• Responsive support: Users report strong customer service

Cons

• Complex interface: Dashboard can feel overwhelming for new users
• Manual remediation: Requires vendor outreach for issue resolution; no automated fixes
• Enterprise pricing: May be expensive for smaller organizations
• Limited reviews: Relatively few independent user reviews available

3. Source Defense 

Headquarters: Cambridge, MA, USA
Founded: 2014

Source Defense specializes in automated prevention of client-side web supply chain attacks using sandboxing technology to isolate and control JavaScript in real time. The platform focuses on blocking malicious client-side behaviors while supporting PCI DSS compliance.

Key Features

• Script isolation with machine learning-driven policy enforcement
• Real-time detection of skimming, formjacking, and Magecart attacks
• Monitoring of first-, third-, and nth-party scripts
• PCI DSS 4.0.1 compliance support
• User-friendly dashboard for threat management

Pros

• Real-time blocking: Prevents client-side threats like keylogging and data theft
• Easy deployment: Agentless SaaS platform with minimal maintenance requirements
• Comprehensive protection: Covers first-party, open-source, and nth-party scripts
• PCI DSS compliant: Meets version 4.0 requirements
• Performance benefits: Script isolation can reduce third-party latency impact
• Customizable policies: Flexible controls for vendor behavior

Cons

• Script detection limitations: May not identify all third-party scripts on complex sites
• Initial sync latency: Some performance overhead during first synchronization
• Limited public feedback: Fewer independent user reviews for validation
• Enterprise focus: Pricing may be prohibitive for smaller websites
• Ongoing costs: Subscription-based model with additional fees for premium support

4. c/side

Headquarters: San Francisco, CA, USA
Founded: 2024

c/side is a newer entrant offering an AI-powered proxy-based platform that inspects and controls client-side scripts. The company positions its hybrid proxy approach as capable of handling every real visitor request in real-time, differentiating from crawler-based periodic scanning approaches.

Key Features

• Real-time script inspection and historical tracking
• Dynamic detection of obfuscated code and CSP evasions
• PCI DSS 4.0.1 compliance support
• Security analytics dashboard
• Integration with compliance tools like Vanta

Pros

• Real-time inspection: Proxy-based approach processes actual visitor traffic
• AI-powered detection: Designed to identify sophisticated threats and dynamic injections
• Complete visibility: Tracks browser executions, third-party scripts, and historical payloads
• Performance optimization: Proxy architecture can improve site speed through caching and modern protocols
• Compliance support: Covers PCI DSS 4.0, GDPR, and SOC 2
• Evasion detection: Aims to catch threats that bypass crawler-based detection

Cons

• Setup complexity: Proxy architecture may require technical expertise for implementation
• Newer platform: As a 2024 company, limited track record compared to established vendors
• Tuning requirements: AI-based detection may need calibration to minimize false positives
• Limited reviews: Few independent assessments available
• Enterprise pricing: May be costly for smaller sites

5. Lokker

Headquarters: Redwood City, CA, USA
Founded: 2020

Lokker focuses on web privacy and client-side security, providing visibility into data collection by scripts, trackers, and cookies with emphasis on regulatory compliance.

Key Features

• Scanning for tags, trackers, pixels, and piggybackers
• Real-time monitoring of PII, health data, and geographic risks
• Automatic blocking of non-trusted data sources
• Support for GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and over 50 privacy laws
• Dynamic risk-based protection

Pros

• Comprehensive scanning: Identifies scripts, trackers, cookies, and data payloads
• Privacy focus: Strong emphasis on PII leak detection and consent management
• Real-time monitoring: Proactive identification of compliance issues and risky data flows
• Dynamic blocking: Customizable rules for unauthorized data collection
• Broad compliance: Supports multiple privacy regulations globally
• Quick implementation: Streamlined setup process

Cons

• Configuration complexity: Requires expertise to configure geographic rules, tags, and DLP properly
• Geographic restrictions: Strict blocking of certain regions could limit global operations
• Narrow focus: Primary emphasis on privacy/compliance over other security threats
• Limited reviews: Few independent user testimonials available
• Pricing transparency: Enterprise pricing not publicly disclosed

6. Human Security (formerly PerimeterX)

Headquarters: New York, NY, USA
Founded: 2012 (as White Ops; PerimeterX founded 2014, merged 2022)

Human Security provides a comprehensive bot and fraud prevention platform that processes trillions of interactions weekly. While the Client-Side Defense module addresses browser script security, the platform’s primary strength lies in bot detection and fraud prevention at scale.

Key Features

• Machine learning analysis of large-scale interaction patterns
• Behavioral monitoring of scripts and session hijacking detection
• High-fidelity signals designed to minimize false positives
• PCI DSS compliance support and threat intelligence integration
• Unified defense across customer journey touchpoints

Pros

• Massive scale: Processes enormous volumes of interactions for pattern detection
• High accuracy: Multiple signals and ML models for rapid decision-making
• Comprehensive platform: Unified protection across web, mobile, and API channels
• Low false positives: Adaptive algorithms minimize impact on legitimate users
• Proven track record: Strong ratings in analyst reports and user reviews
• 24/7 monitoring: Continuous dashboard with detailed analytics

Cons

• High cost: Premium pricing more suitable for enterprise budgets
• Implementation complexity: Setup can be challenging, particularly with third-party integrations
• Post-merger considerations: Some users have reported organizational changes following acquisitions
• Limited feedback on client-side module: Most reviews focus on bot/fraud prevention rather than script security
• Resource intensive: High-signal approach may require infrastructure optimization

7. Akamai Client-Side Protection & Compliance

Headquarters: Cambridge, MA, USA
Founded: 1998 (Page Integrity Manager is a newer product)

Akamai’s Client-Side Protection leverages the company’s extensive edge network to provide client-side threat detection and PCI DSS 4.0.1 compliance capabilities with minimal performance impact for existing Akamai customers.

Key Features

• Real-time script behavior monitoring with ML risk assessment
• Detection of malicious code, vulnerabilities, and zero-days
• Prioritized alerts and incident reports
• One-click mitigation options
• Script inventory and PCI DSS 4.0.1 compliance dashboards
• Edge deployment architecture

Pros

• Live session analysis: Monitors script behavior during actual user sessions
• Vulnerability tracking: Identifies known vulnerabilities in deployed scripts
• Quick mitigation: One-click blocking for identified threats
• Comprehensive coverage: Detects XSS attacks, malicious code, and vulnerabilities
• Clear reporting: User-friendly dashboards with prioritized alerts
• Platform agnostic: Works with any website hosting provider
• PCI DSS support: Compliance tools for version 4.0
• Akamai integration: Seamless deployment for existing Akamai customers

Cons

• Detection-based approach: Analyzes behavior after script execution begins
• Performance considerations: Adds JavaScript to page loads
• Browser-based deployment: Client-side implementation visible to sophisticated attackers
• Limited to detection: May not prevent all attacks before they execute

8. Imperva Client-Side Protection

Headquarters: Redwood Shores, CA, USA
Founded: 2002 (Client-Side Protection is a newer offering)

Imperva’s Client-Side Protection solution focuses on managing JavaScript risks and achieving PCI DSS 4.0.1 compliance through proxy-based protection using CSP headers and service workers.

Key Features

• Continuous discovery and monitoring of client-side resources
• AI-powered domain risk scores and explanations
• One-click enforcement for script authorization or blocking
• PCI Dashboard for compliance validation
• Proxy-based protection using CSP headers and service workers

Pros

• Real-time discovery: Continuous monitoring of client-side scripts and changes
• AI-powered insights: Risk scoring and obfuscated script analysis
• Simple enforcement: One-click blocking and authorization
• PCI DSS automation: Streamlined compliance with automated dashboards
• Easy deployment: One-click setup without code changes
• Flexible alerting: Customizable notification options

Cons

• Enterprise pricing: May be expensive for smaller organizations
• Technology dependencies: Relies on CSP and service workers, which may have browser compatibility considerations
• Policy maintenance: Requires ongoing manual effort despite automation features
• Limited independent validation: Fewer third-party reviews available

9. Otto (formerly Dev/Con Detect)

Headquarters: Memphis, TN, USA
Founded: 2017

Otto provides continuous monitoring and protection for client-side JavaScript vulnerabilities with focus on rapid deployment and compliance support. Note: At the time of writing, some website functionality appears to have issues.

Key Features

• Real-time analysis of first-, third-, and nth-party scripts
• Patented technology for malware protection and script shielding
• PCI DSS 4.0.1 compliance monitoring and blocking
• Detection of ad threats, cart-jacking, and data-skimming
• Automated security and supply chain defense tools

Pros

• Quick setup: Low-code integration with CDNs, CMS, and cloud platforms
• Real-time defense: Fast threat blocking capabilities
• Automation: Reduces manual compliance and vulnerability management tasks
• Wide compliance support: PCI DSS v4, SOC2, and script monitoring
• Scalable: Customizable scans and CI/CD integration

Cons

• False positive potential: May flag benign activities requiring manual review
• Resource usage: Can consume significant CPU and memory
• Configuration sensitivity: Improper setup may miss threats
• Limited reviews: Few independent user testimonials available
• Subscription costs: May be challenging for smaller budgets
• Website issues: Some technical problems with company website noted

10. Jscrambler

Headquarters: Porto, Portugal
Founded: 2014 

Jscrambler offers a unique dual approach combining advanced JavaScript obfuscation with client-side protection and monitoring. The platform’s code obfuscation feature protects intellectual property by making JavaScript code unreadable while maintaining functionality.

Key Features

• Polymorphic obfuscation and code hardening for IP protection
• Runtime monitoring with anti-tampering mechanisms
• Webpage and iFrame integrity monitoring for skimming prevention
• PCI DSS module for script authorization and tamper detection
• Self-defending code mechanisms

Pros

• IP protection: Advanced polymorphic obfuscation prevents reverse engineering and code theft
• Real-time monitoring: Alerts for client-side attacks including DOM tampering and web skimming
• Granular control: Fine-grained management of third-party tags and scripts with risk scoring
• PCI DSS compliance: Tools for authorization, compliance, and iframe protection
• Framework support: Compatible with major frameworks including React and Angular
• Easy integration: API and web console with strong support

Cons

• Enterprise pricing: Higher cost may be prohibitive for smaller organizations
• Client-side limitations: Browser-based approach may miss certain threats
• Deployment challenges: Some users report occasional bugs or API changes
• Limited reviews: Relatively few independent assessments available
• Obfuscation overhead: Code transformation may impact performance in some cases
• Customer success: Minimal support for lower tiers

How to Choose the Right Web Visibility Tool

Selecting the optimal web visibility solution depends on your specific requirements:

Consider Your Primary Use Case

Compliance-Focused: If PCI DSS 4.0.1 compliance is your primary driver, prioritize tools with robust compliance dashboards and automated reporting (Reflectiz, Feroot, Imperva).

IP Protection: Organizations concerned about code theft should consider solutions with obfuscation capabilities (Jscrambler).

Bot Prevention: If automated attacks and fraud are major concerns, platforms with comprehensive bot detection (Human Security) may be most appropriate.

Privacy Compliance: For organizations in heavily regulated industries, tools with strong privacy focus (Lokker) may be essential.

Evaluate Deployment Architecture

Agentless/External: Solutions like Reflectiz offer zero performance impact but may require different security considerations.

Proxy-Based: Tools like c/side and Imperva add minimal latency to your site’s performance, but add infrastructure complexity. They may require agentless add-ons to monitor iframes. 

Client-Side/Browser-Based: Solutions like Akamai and Feroot deploy directly in the browser for real-time protection, but their embedded code may increase exposures and latency that may create performance and privacy issues. . 

Assess Your Organization Size

Enterprise: Larger organizations benefit from comprehensive platforms (Reflectiz, Source Defense, Jscrambler) with extensive features.

Mid-Market: Solutions offering balance of capabilities and cost-effectiveness (Reflectiz, Feroot, Otto).

Small Business/Startups: Consider ease of implementation and transparent pricing models.

Integration Requirements

Ensure the solution integrates with your existing security stack, compliance tools, CDNs, and development workflows.

Web Visibility Tools Comparison Table

Conclusion

Client-side security has become a critical component of modern web protection strategies. The web visibility tools outlined in this guide offer various approaches to addressing the challenges of third-party scripts, supply chain security, and regulatory compliance.

When evaluating solutions, consider your organization’s specific needs across compliance requirements, deployment preferences, budget constraints, and existing security infrastructure. Many vendors offer trials or demos, allowing you to test capabilities before making a commitment.

Transparency Note: This guide is produced by Reflectiz. While we’ve made every effort to provide balanced, accurate information about all solutions listed, we encourage you to conduct independent research and speak with multiple vendors before making your decision.

To explore how Reflectiz can address your web visibility needs, try it for free today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between client-side and server-side security?
Server-side security protects your infrastructure and databases, while client-side security focuses on code executing in users’ browsers. Both are essential for comprehensive protection.

Do I need web visibility if I already have a WAF?
Yes. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) protect server-side infrastructure but typically don’t monitor third-party scripts executing in the browser. Web visibility tools complement WAFs by securing the client-side environment.

How does web visibility help with PCI DSS 4.0.1 compliance?
PCI DSS 4.0.1 requirements 6.4.3 and 11.6.1 mandate inventory and monitoring of scripts on payment pages. Web visibility tools automate this process and provide audit-ready documentation.

Will web visibility tools slow down my website?
Impact varies by solution. Agentless/external solutions like Reflectiz have zero performance impact, while client-side solutions add minimal overhead. Proxy-based solutions may actually improve performance through optimization.

Can these tools detect zero-day vulnerabilities?
Many solutions use behavioral analysis and anomaly detection to identify suspicious activity from previously trusted scripts, providing protection against some zero-day scenarios. However, no solution offers 100% protection against all unknown threats.