Open-source software (OSS) is everywhere, and for good reason. It’s a powerful way to accelerate innovation, reduce development costs, and maintain flexibility. But while the benefits of OSS are clear, the security implications are often misunderstood. The open nature of OSS can lead to a false sense of security, and without the right approach, organizations can be left exposed. To take full advantage of OSS, it’s important to understand the truth about its security implications. 

Wabbi’s CEO, Brittany Greenfield, recently shared insights with Forbes into the myths surrounding open-source software (OSS), and how tech professionals often have a false sense of security when leveraging open-source components.  

With open-source in more than 90% of companies’ codebases, there’s a false sense of security from its communal nature. It is not a question of if it is more or less secure, but rather that what is secure varies by company, & even application. Therefore, they must not only regularly scan, but apply context to enjoy productivity gains, without being overwhelmed by the inevitable security flaws. 

Open-source software (OSS) is widely adopted, with more than 90% of companies incorporating it into their codebases. Despite its popularity, there’s a persistent misconception: many tech professionals believe that open-source software is inherently more secure because of its communal nature. The idea stems from the assumption that, because the code is open and widely reviewed by many contributors, any vulnerabilities will be swiftly identified and fixed. But the reality is more complex. 

Using DevSecOps to Manage Open-Source Security 

The security of open-source software is not inherently better or worse than proprietary software. What matters is how an organization manages and applies it. Each company—and even individual applications—has different security needs, which means the security of open-source software can vary significantly. While having many eyes on the code can lead to identifying flaws, it also means that vulnerabilities might be discovered by attackers before they are patched. 

The real risk lies in failing to adapt security practices to the specific context in which the code is used. What may be secure for one organization or application may pose vulnerabilities for another, particularly if regular security reviews are neglected. 

Here are a few ways companies can leverage DevSecOps to enhance their security while capturing the benefits of open-source code: 

1. Continuous Scanning for Vulnerabilities

One of the core tenets of maintaining security in open-source software is regularly scanning for vulnerabilities. Automated tools, such as Software Composition Analysis (SCA), can be used to monitor known vulnerabilities in open-source libraries and dependencies. This ensures that as security threats evolve, organizations are alerted to any issues that need immediate attention. 

2. Contextual Security Application

Greenfield’s point about applying contextual security is critical. Open-source components can introduce risk when they aren’t properly tailored to a company’s needs or operational environment. By understanding the specific security needs of each application and aligning open-source components accordingly, businesses can mitigate potential risks that arise from incompatibilities or outdated libraries. 

3. Proactive Risk Management

Security is not a one-time fix. Proactive risk management requires companies to establish policies for handling vulnerabilities, enforcing regular updates to open-source components, and ensuring that patches are applied as soon as they become available. Failing to do so can lead to exploitation by cybercriminals who target outdated or unpatched code. 

4. Collaboration Between Development and Security Teams

As the adoption of open-source code continues to grow, collaboration between development and security teams becomes more crucial than ever. Organizations must ensure that security is seamlessly integrated into their development lifecycle, fostering an environment where both innovation and protection can thrive. 

Conclusion 

Open-source software has transformed the technology landscape, offering a platform for collaboration, innovation, and cost savings. Yet, misconceptions about its security have led to oversights that can pose significant risks. One such misperception is that open-source software is inherently secure due to its communal nature. While it is true that open-source code is constantly reviewed and scrutinized by the community, making it less susceptible to vulnerabilities, this very accessibility and flexibility can also make it an attractive target for malicious actors.  

The reality is that open-source software security is not a binary issue. It is not a matter of being more or less secure than proprietary software. This is where DevSecOps comes in. The security of open-source software depends on the organization and the application. While the open-source community’s scrutiny is an advantage, organizations should not rely solely on it. They need to take a proactive approach to security by continuously scanning for vulnerabilities and understanding the context of those vulnerabilities in their specific environment. This means understanding the potential impact of each vulnerability and prioritizing remediation efforts based on the criticality of the application.  

Open-source software is an invaluable resource for driving innovation and reducing development time, but its security depends on how it’s managed. Tech professionals should focus on regular scans, contextual security analysis, and timely updates to fully benefit from the productivity gains OSS offers, without being blindsided by inevitable vulnerabilities.