How to Protect Your Business While Using Open Source Software
Open source software powers everything from websites and payment systems to internal business tools. It can help companies move quickly, keep costs down, and build on technology that has already been tested by a large community. But “open source” doesn’t mean “risk-free”—or that someone else is automatically responsible for keeping it secure.
The good news is that a few practical habits can help you enjoy the benefits while reducing the risks.
Know what you’re using
It’s hard to protect software you can’t see. Start by keeping an up-to-date inventory of the open source components used in your products, websites, and internal systems. Include the version, where it’s used, and who maintains it.
This matters because a single application may rely on dozens or even hundreds of third-party packages. If one develops a security issue, you’ll need to know whether your business is affected. Software composition analysis tools can help identify components and flag known vulnerabilities. For more mature development teams, a software bill of materials (SBOM) provides a structured list of what’s included in a product.
Don’t overlook components added through indirect dependencies. A package you chose may rely on several others behind the scenes.
Choose projects carefully
Before adopting a library or tool, take a moment to evaluate its health. Is it actively maintained? Are security issues addressed promptly? Does it have clear documentation, a license, and a reliable way to report vulnerabilities?
Popularity can be a useful signal, but it isn’t a guarantee of safety. A widely used project can still have serious flaws, while a smaller project may be well maintained. Look for evidence of recent releases, responsive maintainers, and a transparent security process.
Also consider what happens if the project is abandoned. Could you switch to an alternative? Would your team be able to maintain a necessary fork? Having a backup plan is especially important for software that supports a critical business function.
Keep dependencies updated
Outdated software is one of the most common routes to a security problem. Make dependency updates part of routine maintenance rather than something you tackle only after hearing about a major vulnerability.
Automated alerts can make this easier, but updates should still be tested before they reach production. Set a process for prioritizing security fixes, especially when a vulnerability is actively exploited or affects an internet-facing system. For higher-risk components, define who reviews alerts and how quickly they need to respond.
Updates can introduce compatibility problems, so use automated tests and a staging environment where possible. The aim isn’t to install every new release without thought; it’s to avoid letting known risks linger because no one owns the update process.
Protect the way you build and deploy
Even secure components can become dangerous if they enter your systems through a compromised package or an unsafe development process. Limit who can add dependencies, and use trusted package registries and repositories. Where supported, verify package signatures or other integrity checks.
Keep development, testing, and production environments separate. Store credentials in a secure secrets manager instead of placing them in source code, and give applications only the access they need. These measures reduce the damage a compromised package—or a simple mistake—can cause.
It’s also wise to scan code and dependencies during development and before release. Security checks are most useful when they fit into normal workflows, so developers can address issues early instead of facing a long list of surprises just before launch.
Understand licenses and obligations
Security isn’t the only business concern. Open source licenses come with different terms, and some may affect how you distribute software or share modifications. Make sure your team understands the licenses attached to the components it uses, especially in commercial products.
A license review process can help prevent last-minute delays and legal confusion. When a project’s terms are unclear or a component is essential to your product, ask qualified legal counsel rather than relying on assumptions.
Make security a shared responsibility
Open source software is maintained by communities, but protecting your business is your responsibility. Give someone ownership of dependency management, define a way to handle vulnerability reports, and make sure developers know how to raise concerns.
The goal isn’t to avoid open source. It’s to use it deliberately: know what’s in your systems, keep it maintained, and plan for problems before they happen. With a little structure, open source can remain a source of flexibility and innovation without becoming an unseen risk to your business.