npm serves as a crucial tool for building and distributing Node.js packages, ensuring that users receive all necessary dependencies for application functionality, but it also presents security challenges, especially concerning third-party dependencies. A notable incident highlighted this vulnerability when a developer removed a dependency, leading to widespread disruption akin to a DDoS attack, underscoring the inherent risks in npm's community-driven model. To enhance security, developers can use tools like Snyk, which scans for and fixes known vulnerabilities within Node pipelines, offering a CLI for easy integration. By incorporating Snyk into platforms like Codefresh, developers can automate vulnerability checks within their YAML-configured pipelines, thus maintaining security without compromising the collaborative strengths of the Node.js ecosystem.