Checkmarx vs Qualys: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Checkmarx and Qualys

Checkmarx and Qualys are two popular cybersecurity tools that offer different features and functionalities. Here are the key differences between them:

1. Static Application Security Testing (SAST) vs. Vulnerability Management: Checkmarx focuses on SAST, which involves analyzing source code to identify and fix security vulnerabilities. It provides developers with tools to detect and remediate code-level vulnerabilities early in the software development lifecycle. On the other hand, Qualys specializes in vulnerability management that scans and identifies vulnerabilities in a variety of systems, including applications, networks, and infrastructure.

2. Code Analysis Depth: Checkmarx offers deep code analysis capabilities that allow it to identify complex vulnerabilities and potential exploits. Its comprehensive analysis includes not only the scanning of the source code but also the testing of all dependencies and potential attack paths. In contrast, Qualys provides a wider range of security capabilities but its code analysis may not be as thorough as Checkmarx's.

3. Integration with Development Tools: Checkmarx integrates seamlessly with popular integrated development environments (IDEs) like Eclipse and Visual Studio, providing a convenient workflow for developers. This allows them to detect and fix vulnerabilities directly within their coding environment. Qualys, on the other hand, is more focused on providing a centralized vulnerability management platform that can integrate with various infrastructure and security tools.

4. Real-time Scanning: Checkmarx supports real-time scanning, which means that it can analyze code as it is being developed. This helps developers identify and fix security issues immediately without causing delays in the development process. Qualys, on the other hand, typically performs periodic scans at predetermined intervals, which may not provide real-time feedback to developers.

5. Reporting and Visualization: Checkmarx offers comprehensive reporting and visualization capabilities, allowing users to generate detailed reports on identified vulnerabilities and their impact. It provides intuitive dashboards and visual representations of code vulnerabilities, making it easier for developers and security teams to analyze and prioritize their remediation efforts. Qualys, while it provides reporting capabilities, may not have the same level of visualization and customization options as Checkmarx.

6. Pricing Model: Checkmarx follows a user-based licensing model, where the cost is generally determined by the number of users or developers utilizing the tool. This can be beneficial for smaller organizations with a limited number of developers. On the other hand, Qualys generally follows an asset-based licensing model, where the pricing is based on the number of systems, devices, or IPs being scanned. This can make it more suitable for larger organizations with a diverse IT infrastructure.

In summary, Checkmarx focuses on static code analysis and provides deep code-level vulnerability detection with real-time scanning and easy integration with development tools. On the other hand, Qualys specializes in vulnerability management across various systems, offers periodic scanning, and has a broader range of security capabilities. Your choice between the two would depend on your specific needs and priorities in terms of code analysis, vulnerability management, integration, reporting, and pricing.