isMalicious vs Shodan
A detailed comparison of isMalicious and Shodan for security teams choosing a threat intelligence platform.
isMalicious
Real-time threat intelligence API with multi-source correlation, CVE intelligence, ransomware tracking, and dark web monitoring.
Best for: Automated threat intelligence at scale
Shodan
Shodan indexes internet-connected devices — servers, routers, cameras, industrial systems — and exposes their open ports, banners, and vulnerability data. It is primarily used for attack surface discovery and research, not real-time threat verdict APIs.
Best for: Attack surface management and internet-wide device discovery
Feature Comparison
| Feature | isMalicious | Shodan |
|---|---|---|
| IP context (ports, banners) | Partial | |
| IP reputation verdict | ||
| Domain reputation | ||
| URL scanner | ||
| CVE-to-host correlation | Partial | |
| CVE intelligence (CVSS, EPSS, KEV) | Partial | |
| Ransomware tracking | ||
| Dark web monitoring | ||
| Streaming threat feed | ||
| STIX/TAXII export | ||
| Bulk API | ||
| NRD feed | ||
| Free tier available | Limited |
Shodan — Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Device/banner enumeration
- Attack surface mapping
- Historical port scan data
- CVE-to-host correlation
Limitations
- No IP/domain reputation verdicts
- No phishing or malware domain detection
- No ransomware tracking
- No dark web monitoring
- No streaming threat feed
- Expensive full API access
- Not designed for automated SOC enrichment
Pricing
isMalicious
Free up to 1,000 calls/month. Pro from $99/month. Enterprise custom pricing.
View pricing →Shodan
Free (limited), Membership from $69/month, API from $899/year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is isMalicious better than Shodan for threat intelligence?
They serve different use cases. Shodan is purpose-built for attack surface discovery — finding exposed devices and open ports across the internet. isMalicious is built for real-time threat intelligence — scoring the reputation of IPs, domains, and URLs and providing verdict APIs for automated security pipelines. Most mature security teams use both.
Does isMalicious include Shodan data?
isMalicious aggregates open-port and banner context alongside 17+ threat feeds. For full Shodan-style device enumeration, Shodan remains the better tool. For threat scoring and SIEM/firewall enrichment, isMalicious provides a richer, verdict-focused dataset.
Which is better for SOC teams?
isMalicious is better suited to SOC workflows that need fast, automated enrichment of indicators at scale. Shodan is better for periodic attack surface reviews and proactive exposure management. Many SOC teams use Shodan for asset discovery and isMalicious for real-time alert enrichment.
Other Comparisons
Try isMalicious free
1,000 API calls/month free. No credit card required.