Open-source software enables code review and reuse, but known vulnerabilities and unmaintained dependencies can create cybersecurity risks.
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Background for this topic.
Open source is software whose source code is available under a license that permits use, inspection, modification, and redistribution. It may be developed by a community, an organization, or a small group of maintainers; “open” does not guarantee that the code is actively reviewed, supported, or secure.
For security teams, the main concerns are vulnerabilities in dependencies and the software supply chain: a maintainer account, release process, or package can be compromised, while an unmaintained component may retain known flaws. Public code can enable review and faster fixes, but visibility alone is not a control. Maintain an inventory or SBOM of open-source components, pin and verify versions or signatures where possible, monitor vulnerability advisories, and apply updates through a controlled process.
The White House and tech industry pledge $150 million over two years to boost open source resiliency and supply chain security.
Google on Thursday announced the creation of a new "Open Source Maintenance Crew" to focus on bolstering the security of critical open source projects
Around $150m in funding will shape future of open source security
Learn how to write plain-speaking and purposeful security advisories from one of the most widely-used open source tools in the world.
There is no doubt that open source powers our development processes, enabling software developers to build high quality, innovative products faster than ever before. But OSS also comes with its own set of risks that device manufacturers must address while leveraging its many advantages. [...]