The modern world relies on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). They allow applications to communicate with each other, servers, and consumers to facilitate data sharing and simplify application development. Without them, the internet would be unrecognizable. However, APIs also present a considerable risk to organizations. If left unsecured, they can be a gateway for attackers to access critical data and services. Protecting APIs is extraordinarily important, but it can be expensive.

Security can be a difficult, expensive world to navigate. So we decided to create a comprehensive guide of open-source security tools to cut through the bullsh*t and show what the most critical tools to implement are, what assets you need to protect, and how you can build a long-term security plan using only free and open-source tools.

Launched as an internal project by Spotify in 2016, Backstage was released under the Apache 2.0 open source license in 2020 to help other growing engineering teams deal with similar challenges. Backstage aims to provide a consistent developer experience and centralize tools, documentation, and services within a single platform.

We are beyond excited to share some fantastic news with our community: Jazzer is now fully open source again under the Apache 2.0 license!

Trust is the foundation of the open source community — but what happens when that trust is betrayed? When a backdoor vulnerability was found in a widespread Linux-based data compression tool, it nearly created an opportunity for malicious actors to seize control of countless computers worldwide. The vulnerability was introduced by a trusted contributor who, after years of building rapport with maintainers, ultimately exploited that trust.

The open-source ecosystem is rich with tools that empower developers and security practitioners alike. Two standout projects are Sysdig OSS and Falco, both of which leverage deep system-level instrumentation to provide insights and enhance security. However, while they share a common foundation, they serve distinct purposes. This blog explores the strengths of Sysdig OSS and Falco, how they differ, and how they can complement each other.

When deciding what approach to use for security tooling, it seems like there are two choices. Like everything in security, there is more to unpack in reality. In this article I want to explore when open-source security tools should be used, when commercial tools are more effective, and if we can trust tools built from an open-source core.