Vigilance vs Socket
Socket. Reads packages from npm and flags a version that starts running scripts or reaching the internet. Vigilance finds the update that gained a hidden power, before you install it.
The Catch Socket Cannot Make
Socket scores packages in its cloud. It reads the public package, not the build on your disk. Vigilance reads the build on your own disk. It compares the version you trust with the version you install. It reports any file that can suddenly do more.
A real one: axios, March 2026
axios is one of the most-installed packages on the internet. In release 1.14.1, its package.json gained a hidden install step. That step pulls down a remote-control program. Socket scored the published package, not the build on your disk. One command sees it:
vigi diff --old ./axios-1.14.0 --new ./axios-1.14.1
HEADS UP. 1 file changed. package.json can now run a hidden helper on install and reach the network.
Run both. Socket scores the package as published. Vigilance reads the build that actually lands on your disk. See them side by side below.
Side by Side
| Question | Socket | Vigilance |
|---|---|---|
| Checks a public npm or PyPI package | Yes | Yes, once it is on disk |
| Blocks a bad package at the pull request | Yes | No |
| Covers software that did not come from a public place | No | Yes |
| Covers a vendor file drop, an installer or a zip | No | Yes |
| Covers your own build output | No | Yes |
| Runs on the machine after install, not just in CI | No | Yes |
Which One Do You Need?
These two are the closest match here. Socket guards public packages. Vigilance guards everything else on the machine.
Known Risk versus New Risk
A bug or a bad package someone already reported, with a name and a number. Most tools work here.
A file that gained a capability it never had, that no report covers yet. Vigilance works here.
Common Questions
Is Vigilance a Socket Alternative?
Yes, for one job. Vigilance shows the file that gained a new capability, on your own machine. Many teams run it next to Socket.
What Does Vigilance Do That Socket Does Not?
Vigilance can look inside a package, installer or container.
What Does Socket Do That Vigilance Does Not?
Socket finds known bugs that already have a name and a number. Vigilance does not.
Does Vigilance Need the Internet or a Cloud Account?
The Free plan runs online. Pro runs fully offline, with no cloud account.
Try It on Your Own Software.
Show it the version you run today and the one you are about to install.
Talk to Us
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