Keeping track of all the parts in an application is no easy task. Developers often use open-source libraries, frameworks, and dependencies, which makes it harder to ensure software is secure and reliable.
A Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) helps by listing every component in an application. This inventory lets organizations manage risks, stay compliant, and improve cybersecurity.
As SBOMs become more important, tools that make creating and managing them easier are in high demand. This article looks at SBOM tools, their key features, benefits, and the top options available today.
Understanding SBOMs and Developer Needs
An SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) is a list of everything inside a piece of software—libraries, frameworks, dependencies, versions, and metadata. It helps developers, security teams, and companies keep track of what’s in their code.
Manually tracking dependencies is a nightmare, especially in large projects. SBOM tools automate this by scanning code, identifying components, and keeping inventories up to date.
They also flag vulnerabilities and licensing risks by checking against known databases. With regulations like the 2021 Biden executive order requiring SBOMs for federal software, having the right tool ensures compliance and makes security audits easier.
Key Features of Top SBOM Tools
When choosing SBOM tools, focus on those that support standard formats like OWASP CycloneDX and SWID tags. These formats ensure compatibility, simplify data sharing, and help meet regulatory requirements while improving collaboration with partners. Consider these aspects when selecting your SBOM tool:
- Integration in your stack: The tool should work effortlessly with your CI/CD pipelines and build systems. This allows automatic SBOM generation during development, keeping them up-to-date with the latest code changes and reducing manual effort.
- Dependency Visibility: A good SBOM tool provides clear insights into complex dependency chains and transitive relationships. This helps developers understand potential vulnerabilities and manage updates across all dependencies.
- Risk and Compliance Insights: Look for tools that integrate with vulnerability and license databases. This ensures timely risk assessments, prioritizes remediation efforts, and helps maintain legal compliance.
- User-Friendly Interface: A simple, intuitive interface is essential. Features like comparison, editing, and merging make collaboration easier and help developers quickly access the information they need to secure software.
In general, choose a tool that simplifies your workflow, enhances security, and keeps your software compliant.
Best Open Source and Free SBOM Generators
Open-source SBOM tools offer a cost-effective way to manage software components while ensuring transparency and community-driven enhancements. These tools are valuable for organizations prioritizing open-source solutions and leveraging community contributions for continuous improvement.
1. Syft by Anchore
Syft, developed by Anchore, serves as a versatile command-line interface (CLI) tool that extracts SBOMs from container images and filesystems. Its adaptability across OCI, Docker, and Singularity formats makes it an ideal choice for diverse container ecosystems. By producing SBOMs in CycloneDX, SPDX, and its proprietary format, Syft aligns with industry standards, catering to developers and security teams.
Syft integrates effortlessly into existing development workflows, offering a streamlined inventory management solution. It caters specifically to modern containerized environments, enabling comprehensive tracking of software components from development through deployment and ensuring a consistent view of application dependencies.
2. Trivy
Trivy by Aqua Security is a powerful open-source scanner designed for security and compliance. It detects vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and exposed secrets across container images, filesystems, and code repositories. Supporting multiple languages and package managers, Trivy seamlessly integrates into CI/CD pipelines, enabling automated security checks throughout development.
As a GitHub-hosted project, Trivy benefits from continuous community contributions, evolving to meet modern security challenges. Its support for SBOM generation in SPDX and CycloneDX formats enhances transparency and compliance, making it an essential tool for organizations prioritizing software security and open-source best practices.
Top Commercial and Enterprise SBOM Tools
Exploring enterprise SBOM tools reveals solutions crafted for comprehensive software oversight, offering features beyond component enumeration. These tools integrate seamlessly into enterprise environments, providing enhanced oversight, compliance, and operational agility.
3. Aikido Security
Aikido Security excels by delivering detailed insights into direct and indirect software dependencies, detecting subtle risks within software packages. Its in-depth license analyses within container environments provide organizations with a thorough understanding of compliance challenges.
Aikido’s advanced analytical models translate legal terms into actionable insights, simplifying risk management. This approach empowers security teams to prioritize actions efficiently, ensuring a proactive stance in mitigating potential threats.
4. FOSSA
FOSSA automates SBOM creation through deep integration with version control systems and development pipelines, streamlining operations for development teams. It provides comprehensive visibility into software components, mapping dependencies to licenses and vulnerabilities, supporting robust security practices.
The tool enhances compliance and security by delivering insights into open-source license requirements and vulnerabilities. This capability allows organizations to manage risks proactively, ensuring issues are addressed before escalating into production environments.
5. Anchore Enterprise
Anchore Enterprise offers a holistic framework for managing SBOMs, embedding itself as a foundational element within software supply chain security strategies. It encompasses the entire lifecycle of SBOMs, from creation to post-deployment monitoring, ensuring continuous oversight and security.
Supporting diverse formats, Anchore Enterprise employs advanced scanning tools to detect vulnerabilities, providing a comprehensive solution for managing software risks. This capability enables enterprises to maintain a secure and compliant software environment, safeguarding operational integrity.
6. Mend
Mend weaves SBOM generation into its comprehensive software analysis suite, providing dual capabilities in tracking components and managing vulnerabilities. By offering insights into open-source licenses and vulnerabilities, Mend facilitates thorough risk evaluation, ensuring software quality and compliance.
The tool delivers remediation strategies and updates SBOMs dynamically, aligning security measures with ongoing development activities. This approach supports agile operations, allowing organizations to swiftly adapt to emerging threats and maintain a resilient software supply chain.
Choosing the Right SBOM Tool
Take these aspects into account to select the right SBOM solution for your stack:
- Start with your stack: Choose an SBOM tool that fits your development and deployment processes. Look for tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing build systems and automation frameworks to keep SBOMs updated automatically.
- Know your requirements: Understand the SBOM formats required for your industry or regulations. Pick tools that support standardized formats to ensure compliance and smooth collaboration across your software supply chain. -
- Focus on risk management: Select tools that offer clear, detailed reports on vulnerabilities and licensing issues. A user-friendly interface makes it easier for teams to address risks quickly and maintain security.
- Think scalability: If you manage a large software portfolio, choose tools that can handle high volumes of components without slowing down. Scalable tools ensure reliable oversight as your development grows.
- Weigh open-source vs. commercial options: Open-source tools are cost-effective and flexible, while commercial solutions often provide advanced features, better support, and stronger integrations. Match the tool to your organization’s needs for both short-term goals and long-term growth.
Adopting an SBOM tool early helps you avoid compliance issues and keeps track of risky OSS licenses your team might use. Start protecting your software now—try Aikido for free to get a clear view of your licenses and automate SBOM management.
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