How to ensure your third-party software packages are reputable

Third-party packages offer a convenient way for organizations to leverage open-source solutions and save developers time. However, introducing these packages comes with inherent risks, especially if there is no consideration for package reputation. Automating the process of vetting third-party packages combined with detecting the latest vulnerabilities helps mitigate these risks. To assess whether a third-party package is reputable, organizations should consider factors such as the number of stars on GitHub, the amount of traffic and engagement, the number of dependencies, the number of dependants, the reputation of authors, and the maintenance history. Additionally, it's crucial to use package managers and package lock files for dependency management and security. Implementing a solution that regularly examines the reputation of both new and existing packages is essential for maintaining a secure codebase. Automated scans should include new package reputation analysis and ongoing updates to reputability. By adhering to these best practices, organizations can minimize the potential risks associated with third-party dependencies while leveraging the benefits of open-source software.