Socket

Socket is a security tool and developer utility designed to detect malicious packages within a software supply chain. It inspects the actual behavior of dependencies such as install scripts, network access, and filesystem use. By reviewing dependency changes directly in pull requests, it aims to catch supply chain attacks that traditional CVE databases miss when a package is new.

• Inspects actual dependency behavior including install scripts, network access, and filesystem use
• Detects supply chain attacks and malware in npm, PyPI, Go, and other dependencies
• Catches attacks missed by CVE databases for new packages
• Reviews dependency changes directly in pull requests

Pros

• Analyzes behavior rather than relying solely on known CVE databases
• Integrates directly into pull requests to review dependency changes
• Covers multiple package ecosystems including npm, PyPI, and Go

Cons

• Pricing model details beyond free and paid plans per developer are not published on the page
• Exact list of supported ecosystems beyond npm, PyPI, and Go is not fully specified on the page
• No open source status is recorded for the software itself

Socket fits development teams and DevOps professionals working with npm, PyPI, and Go who need to secure their software supply chains from new malware and malicious packages. It is suited for environments utilizing pull request workflows to catch issues before deployment. It is not a fit for teams seeking an open source security tool based on the provided facts, nor for organizations requiring complete pricing tiers without consulting sales or further documentation.

The listing states a freemium model featuring a free tier, alongside paid plans priced per developer. Free access is provided for open source projects.

Unlike traditional security tools that rely primarily on CVE databases, Socket inspects the actual behavior of dependencies such as install scripts, network access, and filesystem use. This behavioral inspection allows it to catch supply chain attacks from new packages that standard vulnerability databases often miss. Additionally, it integrates directly into pull requests to review dependency changes.

Socket is worth trying for development teams using npm, PyPI, or Go who need to catch novel supply chain attacks missed by CVE databases during pull request reviews. The freemium model and free tier for open source projects make it accessible to evaluate. Teams should check the per-developer pricing structure for paid plans to determine if it fits their organization size.