Why You Should Enable "npm set audit true" as a Developer?
Automatically Secure Your Projects with npm Audit Settings
We developers rely heavily on third-party packages and dependencies to build our applications. While these packages provide immense functionality and save us a lot of development time, they can also introduce security vulnerabilities if not properly managed. This is where the npm set audit true
the command comes into play.
By enabling npm set audit true
, you instruct the Node Package Manager (npm) to automatically run a security audit after every npm install
or npm update
command. This audit checks your project's installed packages and their dependencies against the Node Security Platform's vulnerability database, identifying any known security risks.
Here are three compelling reasons why you should enable automatic auditing with npm set audit true
:
Early Detection of Vulnerabilities: Security vulnerabilities in your project's dependencies can pose serious risks, potentially exposing your application to attacks or data breaches. By enabling automatic auditing, you can catch these vulnerabilities early on, during the installation or update process, allowing you to address them promptly.
Consistent Security Practices: When working in a team environment, enabling
npm set audit true
ensures that all team members have a consistent security auditing process. This consistency reduces the chances of vulnerabilities slipping through due to differences in local development setups.Proactive Security Mindset: Enabling automatic auditing promotes a proactive security mindset among developers. It encourages a culture of vigilance and responsibility, where security is not an afterthought but an integral part of the development process.
It's important to note that while npm audit
It is a powerful tool and should not be relied upon as the sole means of ensuring security. Regularly checking for updates, and security advisories, and incorporating practices like code reviews and security testing are also crucial for maintaining a secure codebase.
By enabling npm set audit true
, you're taking a simple yet effective step towards protecting your applications and fostering a more secure development environment. Embrace this practice and encourage your team members to do the same – a little effort can go a long way in enhancing the overall security posture of your projects.
We at CreoWis believe in sharing knowledge publicly to help the developer community grow. Let’s collaborate, ideate, and craft passion to deliver awe-inspiring product experiences to the world.
Let's connect:
This article is crafted by Syket Bhattachergee, a passionate developer at CreoWis. You can reach out to him on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, and follow his work on the GitHub.