JFrog vs Checkmarx: An AppSec Solution Comparison

Application Security (AppSec) can’t stop at source code. Today’s software is assembled, not written, from open-source packages, containers, binaries, and increasingly – AI models. While traditional AppSec tools like Checkmarx focus primarily on source code scanning, that approach leaves critical security and compliance gaps across the software supply chain.

JFrog takes AppSec to the next level, by securing everything you build, ship, and run – proactively preventing risky third-party software from ever entering your SDLC, not just detecting issues after the fact.

Why Must AppSec Security Move Beyond Source Code?

Source code scanners only see part of the picture. Assessing the complete picture necessitates scanning the binaries, containers, and runtime images you deploy to production, as they are prime targets for malicious actors..

By scanning what you ship, not just what you write, JFrog uncovers vulnerabilities that code-focused tools miss entirely.

“By deploying JFrog, we’ve seen fewer vulnerabilities, which has given our developers more time to focus on developing new applications. And with different development teams all on the same platform, it has centralized and streamlined the process.”

– Billy Norwood, CISO, FFF Enterprises

What are the Key Differences Between JFrog and Checkmarx?

The following comparison is based on publicly available information and our internal analysis:

Capability	JFrog	Checkmarx
Single System of Record for the Software Supply Chain	✅ Yes	❌ No
Software Composition Analysis (SCA)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Binary Scanning (Secrets Included)	✅ Yes	❌ No
Intelligent CVE Prioritization with Contextual Analysis	✅ Yes	⚠️ Partial (source reachability only)
Preemptive Blocking of Risky or Malicious Components	✅ Yes	❌ No
End-to-End Release Integrity	✅ Yes	❌ No
Deployment Options (SaaS, Self-Hosted, Hybrid)	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited

Accurate, Context-Driven Prioritization, Without Blind Spots

Prioritizing vulnerabilities based only on source code reachability creates blind spots. JFrog adds deep contextual analysis from binaries, containers, and runtime environments. We identify which vulnerabilities are actually exploitable in your code so that you don’t waste your time chasing false positives. With our Transitive Contextual Analysis, we go even deeper into the dependencies, further minimizing “noise”.

The result? Security teams focus on what truly matters, not endless lists of CVEs.

AppSec Built Into the Pipeline, Not Bolted On

For JFrog, security is not an add-on, it’s an integral part of the JFrog Software Supply Chain Platform. By using JFrog Artifactory as the single system of record for all software artifacts, assures that Security, DevOps, and Development teams are all working from the same source of truth. JFrog integrates seamlessly into existing CI/CD pipelines and developer workflows, eliminating silos and friction.

End-to-End AppSec: From Code to Production

JFrog delivers full lifecycle security, covering every stage of the SDLC:

Security at the Gate

Block malicious or risky third-party software before it ever enters your environment. JFrog curates and governs packages, models, IDE extensions, and more – ensuring developers only build with vetted components.

Integrated AppSec Scanners

Secure your software where it is managed with  JFrog scanners including:

• SAST
• SCA
• IaC
• Secrets Detection

All across source and binary code, with built-in SBOM generation and configuration management.

Runtime Security

Runtime is where you are most vulnerable to attacks, so it must be properly secured. JFrog Runtime Scope performs:

• Image Identification: Automatically identifying new images deployed to your monitored clusters
• Scan Initiation: Based on your configured policy, the system automatically triggers a comprehensive security scan of all active images
• Contextual Analysis: JFrog Advanced Security performs a full CVE analysis that prioritizes potential CVEs according to their severity and likelihood of exploitability.

Leveraging Binary, SCA, Secrets and SAST scanners, ensures that everything active in your environment is secured by default, giving you complete peace of mind.

AI/ML Security Built In

AI introduces new risks – and new attack surfaces. JFrog provides solutions for both:

• Securing the AI you build
• Using AI securely

From managing and scanning models, uncovering shadow AI, and maintaining an AI security catalog, to applying advanced AI-driven security capabilities that accelerate AppSec without slowing innovation – JFrogML does all that, as part of one platform, one system of record for managing, governing and securing your entire software supply chain.

Why Leading Companies Choose JFrog

Beyond our leading innovative solutions, its also important to emphasize that JFrog is:

• Trusted by over 80% of the Fortune 100
• Chosen by security, DevOps, and development leaders worldwide
• Based on one platform for Security, DevOps, AI/MLOps, and IoT

Or as a leading engineer at Delloite put it:

“I follow the basic principles for AppSec: Prevent, Detect, Remediate. When I look at JFrog, they’re checking those boxes for me.”

– James Carter, Distinguished Engineer, Deloitte

Settle for Nothing Less Than Exceptional AppSec

Checkmarx focuses on code. JFrog secures your entire software supply chain.

If you want protection beyond source code, across the artifacts, binaries, containers, and AI models you actually deploy, JFrog is the clear choice.

See how you can go beyond code scanning to fully securing your software supply chain with JFrog by taking an online tour or booking a personalized demo today!