Mitigate the hidden security risks of open source software libraries

Open source software libraries are a crucial component of modern software development, often comprising 70-90% of an application, but they present hidden security risks that can threaten an organization's reputation and financial stability. These risks include vulnerabilities in library code, lack of control over open source code, complications from complex dependency trees, and the use of outdated libraries. Developers and security professionals need to understand these risks to proactively identify and address potential vulnerabilities, thereby improving software security. New Relic offers tools such as Security RX and APM agents to help detect and manage these risks by providing visibility into library vulnerabilities. To mitigate these risks, the article suggests conducting regular security audits, staying updated on library versions, selecting reputable libraries, monitoring dependencies, and implementing code reviews. These measures aim to safeguard software projects and ensure a more secure development environment.