HeroDevs Enhances Security with Xeol Acquisition for Open Source Users

HeroDevs Acquires Xeol to Bolster Security for Deprecated Open Source Software

In an exciting development for the tech community, HeroDevs has recently announced its acquisition of Xeol, a New York City-based startup specializing in detection intelligence for end-of-life open source software. This strategic move aims to strengthen HeroDevs' position as a leader in security and compliance solutions tailored for deprecated software.

Understanding Open Source Software Vulnerabilities

Open-source software has become integral to many businesses, allowing for cost-effective solutions that enhance functionality and promote collaboration. However, when software packages reach their end-of-life, they bring considerable risks. These risks arise because they are no longer maintained or updated by the developers responsible for them, leaving organizations vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.

HeroDevs recognized that businesses relying on deprecated open-source software face significant compliance challenges, especially when stringent industry regulations like HIPAA, FedRAMP, and PCI DSS prohibit the use of unsupported solutions. Aaron Frost, CEO and founder of HeroDevs, emphasized the importance of having visibility into these risks. By leveraging Xeol's exhaustive database, which tracks end-of-life data for over 100,000 open source packages, HeroDevs aims to empower organizations to identify and remediate unsupported software seamlessly.

Providing Valuable Insights to the Community

One of the most commendable aspects of this acquisition is HeroDevs' commitment to making Xeol's proprietary data publicly available for free. This initiative reflects a dedication to their core values of collaboration and transparency within the open-source community. By making these insights available, developers, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), and technology leaders can better secure their applications and safeguard against potential data breaches.

Furthermore, maintaining such a centralized repository of end-of-life data has been a significant challenge in the software community due to its decentralized nature. Now, with this acquisition, HeroDevs hopes to change the dynamics of software supply chain management and threat identification.

Improving Software Composition Analysis

The relevance of end-of-life data extends beyond mere detection. It opens new avenues for integrating this information into software composition analysis (SCA) and vulnerability detection tools. For instance, HeroDevs recently collaborated with Mend.io to facilitate remediation options for companies struggling with open source end-of-life challenges, ensuring they can address issues quickly and efficiently.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, maintaining strong security protocols for open-source software becomes crucial. The unique insights and extensive database provided by Xeol are set to revolutionize how companies manage their software supply chains, enabling them to provide secure services without interruptions.

A Vision for the Future

Cofounder and CEO at Xeol, ShiHan Wan, expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter with HeroDevs, stating that this merger represents an excellent opportunity to impact the open-source community positively. By uniting forces, they can offer groundbreaking insights and assistance to developers and cybersecurity professionals alike. The future looks promising, as HeroDevs amplifies the reach of Xeol's valuable data to enhance application security across various sectors.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Xeol by HeroDevs marks a critical milestone in addressing the security challenges associated with deprecated open source software. By prioritizing transparency and collaboration, HeroDevs sets an exemplary benchmark for what it means to support and nurture the open-source ecosystem. With these insights in hand, organizations can take proactive measures to secure their applications and remain compliant in an ever-evolving digital landscape.