NPM Security

Definition ∞ NPM security refers to the practices and tools employed to protect software projects that use packages from the Node Package Manager registry. This involves scanning for vulnerabilities in third-party dependencies, managing access controls to private packages, and ensuring the integrity of the software supply chain. Threats include malicious package injections, dependency confusion attacks, and compromised developer accounts. Robust NPM security measures are crucial for maintaining the trustworthiness of decentralized applications and smart contracts built with JavaScript.
Context ∞ NPM security is a persistent concern in the developer community, frequently highlighted in tech and crypto news following reports of supply chain attacks. The increasing reliance on open-source packages in blockchain development makes this area particularly critical. Current discussions focus on automated vulnerability scanning, secure coding practices, and stricter registry governance to mitigate risks.