Socket is an open-source dependency security tool that protects against supply chain attacks — malicious packages, typosquatting, and dependency confusion attacks. Unlike Snyk (which scans for known CVEs), Socket proactively detects suspicious packages that might be malicious by analyzing their behavior, install scripts, and code patterns. Integrates with GitHub PRs to flag risky packages before they're merged into a codebase.
Socket Security
Open-source dependency security
Best for: Teams protecting against software supply chain attacks and malicious npm/PyPI packages
- Free plan
4.4/5 ratingEditorial score 81/100socket.dev
The editorial note
What to know about Socket Security
Is it right for you?
Who Socket Security suits
Choose it if
- Teams protecting against software supply chain attacks and malicious npm/PyPI packages
Look elsewhere if
- Replacing comprehensive SAST scanning (complements but doesn't replace Snyk)
What you get
Key features
- Supply chain attack detection
- Typosquatting detection
- Install script analysis
- GitHub integration
- Dependency diff
- Risk scoring
- Policy controls
Works with
Integrations5
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Supply chain attack detection
- GitHub PR integration
- Proactive (not just CVE-based)
- npm and PyPI support
- Free for open-source
- Fast PR checks
Cons
- Narrower focus than Snyk
- Newer tool, smaller community
- Some false positives
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Website
- socket.dev
The verdict
Our take on Socket Security
Best tool for supply chain attack prevention. Socket's proactive detection of malicious packages fills the gap that CVE-based scanners leave — they can't detect a brand new malicious package.
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