gosec
Gosec is a static security analyzer for Go that scans source code for common vulnerabilities using pattern matching, control flow analysis, and taint tracking. It integrates easily into CI/CD pipelines and produces SARIF reports compatible with GitHub code scanning.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | securego/gosec |
| Owner | securego |
| Primary language | Go |
| License | Apache-2.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 8.9k |
| Forks | 700 |
| Open issues | 3 |
| Latest release | v2.27.1 (2026-06-01) |
| Last updated | 2026-07-06 |
| Source | https://github.com/securego/gosec |
What gosec is
Gosec analyzes Go AST and SSA representations to detect security issues across 7 rule categories (G1xx–G7xx). It includes taint analysis for injection attacks, crypto weakness detection, and blocklisted import scanning. Supports multiple output formats (JSON, SARIF) and rule filtering via CLI flags.
Get the gosec source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/securego/gosec.gitcd gosec# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Requires Go 1.25 or newer; verify your project's Go version before deployment.
- Rule coverage depends on pattern definitions; taint analysis is deep but may have false negatives for complex data flows or reflection-based patterns.
- Integrate via GitHub Action, Bazel nogo, or local CLI; choose based on existing CI/CD architecture and build system.
- Configure global settings (nosec override, audit mode) and per-rule exclusions in JSON config file to balance detection and noise.
- Suppress false positives using `#nosec` comments in code; use `args: '-no-fail'` in CI if you want scanning without blocking deployments initially.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Multi-language monorepos — Gosec scans only Go code; if your repository mixes Go, Python, Java, or other languages, you will need separate security tools for non-Go modules.
- Need for semantic/behavioral security testing — Gosec performs static analysis only. It cannot detect logic-based vulnerabilities, runtime race conditions, or authorization flaws without explicit taint patterns.
- Custom security policies without code changes — While rules can be included/excluded, adding novel rule logic requires contributing to the project or forking; configuration options are limited.
- Requirement for SBOM or dependency vulnerability scanning — Gosec analyzes source code, not dependencies. For supply chain security, pair with tools like `go mod audit` or dedicated SCA platforms.
License & commercial use
Licensed under Apache License 2.0 (SPDX: Apache-2.0). Permissive OSI-approved license allowing commercial use, modification, and redistribution with standard liability disclaimers and attribution requirements.
Apache 2.0 is a permissive license suitable for commercial use. No explicit restrictions on embedding, bundling, or selling services that include gosec. Standard Apache 2.0 terms apply: retain license and copyright notices, document material changes, include NOTICE file if present. Consult your legal team for proprietary derivative distributions.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Strong |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Low |
| DEV.co fit | Strong |
| Assessment confidence | High |
Gosec itself is a security tool; its effectiveness depends on the quality and comprehensiveness of its rule definitions. Taint analysis coverage is extensive but not exhaustive—complex patterns, reflection, or dynamic code paths may evade detection. Use as part of a layered security strategy, not as the sole SAST tool. Regularly update to latest version for rule improvements. Note that `#nosec` comments can suppress findings; governance should restrict their use. No evidence of past security incidents provided in data.
Alternatives to consider
SonarQube
Multi-language SAST with advanced metrics, issue tracking, and enterprise support; heavier and more opinionated than gosec, but suitable for large teams requiring centralized governance.
golangci-lint with security plugins
Go linter that includes security checks alongside code style; more modular and extensible than gosec for teams already using linters, but less specialized for security.
Semgrep
Language-agnostic static analysis engine supporting custom rules via YAML/Python; more flexible for custom security policies but requires Semgrep-specific rule syntax and management.
Build on gosec with DEV.co software developers
Add automated security scanning to your Go projects. Install gosec via `go install`, integrate into CI/CD, and start catching vulnerabilities before they reach production.
Talk to DEV.coRelated open-source tools
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Related on DEV.co
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gosec FAQ
Does gosec detect all vulnerabilities in Go code?
Can I use gosec in a non-GitHub CI system?
What does the `#nosec` comment do?
How do I interpret gosec's CWE mappings?
Software developers & web developers for hire
From first prototype to production, DEV.co delivers software development services around tools like gosec. Our software development agency staffs experienced software developers and web developers for custom software development, web development, integrations, and ongoing support across open-source security and beyond.
Secure Your Go Code with Gosec
Add automated security scanning to your Go projects. Install gosec via `go install`, integrate into CI/CD, and start catching vulnerabilities before they reach production.