Inkit logo
Products
DocGen

Create documents in total privacy

paper icon
Records Management

Set records management policies

folder icon
Workflows

Automate workflow processes

flows icon
Digital Signature

Elevate the security of your digital signatures

signature icon
Solutions
By Industry
Financial Services

Generate, store, and share your financial documents

money icon
Government

Zero Trust security for your government agency

Government icon
Healthcare

Store and share your patient data securely

health icon
Utilities

Document generation and file-sharing solutions

lightning bolt icon
Customers
Developers
Documentation
Guides
WelcomeFeaturesSigning UpQuickstart
SalesforceCreating TemplatesGenerating DocumentsUsing the API
API Reference
integrations icon
API Change Log
bars icon
API Status
computer icon
Libraries & SDKs
squares icon
Resources
Insights

Get in the know with articles about Inkit

panels icon
Press

Get the latest new about Inkit

book icon
Encryption

Protect your information with end-to-end encryption

encryption icon
Salesforce

Learn how Inkit integrates with your Salesforce account

salesforce small logo
Contact Us
Inkit logoBook a Demo
hamburger icon
Home
Products
DocGenRecords ManagementWorkflowsDigital Signature
Solutions
Financial ServicesGovernmentHealthcareUtilities
Documents
Guides & DocumentationAPIs ReferenceAPI StatusAPI Change LogLibraries & SDKs
Resources
InsightsPressEncryptionSalesforce
Contact Us
Insights Home
March 14, 2024
The Risks of Using Open Source Document Generation Software
Document Generation
Information Security
Records Management
github iconlinkedin iconfacebook iconX icon
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
‍The Benefits of Open-Source Software
2
Open-Source Software Presents Risks
3
How Open-Source Software Risks Can Impact Document Generation and Records Retention
4
Conclusion
5
6
7
8
9
FAQs
Final Takeaway
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
github iconlinkedin iconfacebook iconX icon
Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player...

Open-source software has been a game-changer in the world of technology, allowing developers to collaborate and share their work with the world. However, despite its many benefits, some potential perils are associated with using open-source software. Identifying the risks and challenges of using open-source document generation software is crucial to determine whether such risks are compatible with organizational strategy.

Before discussing the perils of using open-source software, let's define it. “Open-source software is software that is distributed with its source code, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it. This type of software is often developed by a community of developers who collaborate to improve and maintain it. In some cases, as with many document generation packages, software was written to perform a specific task for a particular person or organization without any initial plan to commercialize it. 

‍

‍The Benefits of Open-Source Software

Open-source software has many benefits, including:

  1. Cost-effectiveness: One of the most significant advantages of using open-source software is that it is often free or low-cost, making it an attractive option for businesses and individuals on a tight budget.
  2. Flexibility: With open-source software, users can modify the code to meet their needs. This level of flexibility is not usually available with proprietary software.
  3. Community support: Open source software is often backed by a community of developers who work together to improve and maintain the software. In these cases, users can access a wealth of knowledge and support from others within the community.

Because of its relative ease of acquisition and implementation, open-source software can provide a great starting point for those with a single task to complete or who wish to use it for a proof of concept. It is also easy to move away from if that project ends or the proof of concept is unsuccessful.

49% of codebases including open-source  ode aren't being updated

Open-Source Software Presents Risks

While open-source software has many benefits, some potential perils are associated with it. These include:

  1. Security vulnerabilities: One of the biggest concerns with using open-source software is the potential for security vulnerabilities. Because the source code is publicly available, anyone with the skills and knowledge can find and exploit vulnerabilities in the software.
  2. Lack of support (updates and patches): Commercial software companies must respond to functional and security threats uncovered in their code or face massive potential liabilities. Many open-source developers disclaim liability for software made available to the public and may be unable to satisfy claims against them even if found liable. As such, they may share updates when issues arise.
  3. Lack of support (expertise): While open-source software sometimes engages a large community of developers, there is no guarantee that the software will be well-supported. If the community loses interest in the project or the lead developers move on to other projects, the software may become outdated and unsupported. 
  4. Compatibility issues: Open-source software may not always be compatible with other software or systems, which can lead to integration issues and other problems.
  5. Legal issues: Legal issues can arise from using open-source software, particularly if the software is not properly licensed. Understanding the license terms before using open-source software is essential to avoid legal complications.
  6. Lack of accountability: With open-source software, there is often no one to hold accountable if something goes wrong. If there is a problem with the software, users may have to hope that others within the community can help them fix it, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.

Some of these risks result in inconvenience. For example, being unable to get answers on functionality limitations or attempting to integrate open-source document generation software with unavailable destinations or incompatible document formats can waste hours and generate significant frustration. 

However, the potential security risks accompanying the use of software that is not being updated as necessary bring about an entirely different level of risk. It may be challenging to determine whether open-source code, especially unmaintained code, has been compromised. Worse yet, those seeking unauthorized access may only take advantage of security vulnerabilities later when compromised open-source code has been integrated into sensitive IT systems. If open-source code stops being maintained after an organization has implemented it and is no longer closely monitoring updates, bad actors may discover vulnerabilities when there are no resources to secure them.

Therefore, it is critical that all open-source code be thoroughly vetted and that a detailed cost/benefit analysis be done to determine whether the potential risks outweigh the costs saved by not paying for commercial software.

Because of the high risks associated with breach, the benefit of open source software tends to diminish as the environment in which such software is used:

  1. Increases in the number of users
  2. Increases the number of endpoints: workstations, but also sensors and IoT devices
  3. Increases in geographic scope
  4. Handles higher volumes of sensitive information
  5. Is managed by more extensive and more distributed IT teams
Failure to comply with document requirements can have serious consequences. These can include legal fines, damage to your reputation, and disruption of your operations.

— Is your organization compliant?
Learn More about Document Requirements

How Open-Source Software Risks Can Impact Document Generation and Records Retention

The risk types listed above can have different consequences depending on the type of open-source softwaer

  • Unauthorized access to document repositories which can expose sensitive information about employees, customers, vendors, projects, or missions
  • Inaccurate integrations or formatting that can result in the creation of inaccurate documents, or documents that do not comply with current legal standards
  • Security leaks that allow records to be forwarded or otherwise shared with persons that were not the intended recipient
  • Use of security vulnerabilities to access broader system resources to facilitate ransomware or other hostile activities

Each of these outcomes can result in significant financial, legal, and public relations harm to an organization. Almost without exception, the costs associated with these risks far exceed the cost of using commercially available software. This does not mean that there is no viable use case for open-source software. However, when deciding between open-source and commercial software, it is important to consider the potentially massive consequences of even low-likelihood risks. 

“Inkit’s steadfast prioritization on data security, providing the best possible variable costs, and having a rockstar support team has made this partnership exceptional.”
— Aaron Williams, Head of Asana for Nonprofits
Learn More About DocGen at Inkit

Conclusion

Open-source software can be a powerful tool for developers and users alike, but it is not without its risks. 

By understanding the potential perils of using open-source software and taking steps to mitigate these risks, you can determine whether open-source software is the right choice for you. 

airforce logo
“The assurance of data security is mission-critical to our everyday operations. The Inkit platform has provided us the single, all-inclusive solution we needed to maintain control and privacy over our information.”
Learn More About DocGen at Inkit
Black vital logo
“Using Inkit’s on-demand document generation and retention policies has proven to be highly successful for us. We’re using the API to generate application and adverse action notices. The platform provides us development and cost savings over implementing a custom solution.”
— Ed Cody, COO at Vital Card
Learn More About DocGen at Inkit
Black bird logo
“Inkit has enabled us to streamline our back office and collections, reducing program spend by up to 94%, while maintaining the flexibility to integrate with our existing apps and tools.”
— Jordan Hill, Product Manager at Bird Global
Learn More About DocGen at Inkit

Trusted by Those Who Put Privacy First

Experience the leading secure document generation platform. See Inkit in action.

Book a Demo

All-in-One Solution for DocGen

Automate your document generation with Inkit. Get unparalleled control, security, and end-to-end encryption to help you scale.

Book a Demo

Records Retention & Archival on Auto-Pilot

Automate records retention compliance, safeguard documents, and destroy files based on your organization’s policies.

Book a Demo

End-to-End Encryption

Get peace of mind with our zero-access security to safeguard your private information.

Book a Demo

Easy & Secure Digital Signatures

Streamline your agreement process with Inkit. Create custom workflows to request and collect digital signatures.

Book a Demo
Book a Demo with Inkit
Book a Demo with Inkit

FAQs

What is open-source document generation software, and how does it work?‍

Open-source document generation software allows users to create, modify, and distribute documents using publicly available source code. It is often developed collaboratively by a community of developers and can be customized to meet specific needs.

What are the main risks associated with using open-source document generation software?‍

Key risks include security vulnerabilities, lack of regular updates or patches, limited technical support, compatibility issues with other systems, legal complications related to licensing, and a lack of accountability in case problems arise.

How can open-source software security vulnerabilities impact document generation?‍

Security vulnerabilities in open-source software can expose sensitive information, compromise document repositories, or allow unauthorized access. These issues could lead to data breaches, non-compliance with legal standards, or broader system exploitation by bad actors.

When might open-source document generation software not be suitable for an organization?‍

Open-source software may not be suitable in environments with high volumes of sensitive information, distributed IT teams, or numerous endpoints. It is less ideal when scalability, compliance, or robust support is required to manage complex operations securely.

How can organizations mitigate the risks of using open-source software for document generation?‍

Organizations should thoroughly vet open-source code, perform a cost/benefit analysis, and monitor software for updates and security patches. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures and ensuring compatibility with existing systems are also critical steps.

Spotlight Picks

Insights, strategies, and stories shaping the future of your industry.

Upcoming Webinars you Won't Want to Miss

Dive Deeper into the topics shaping cybersecurity and compliance in 2025. Join our experts for actionable insights and live Q&A sessions.

RELATED ARTICLES
Why Choose Inkit: A Detailed Comparison with Top Competitors
Read
Top Strategies for Compliance in Healthcare Document Management
Read
Healthcare Records Management: What are Document Retention Policies for Healthcare and HIPAA?
Read
Up Next
github iconlinkedin iconfacebook iconX icon
February 28, 2025

February Insights: The Rules are Changing. No More Do-Overs

AI risks, regulatory crackdowns, and Zero Trust shifts—2025 leaves no room for error. Stay ahead of breaches, data laws, and compliance changes.
Industry Deep Dives
January 17, 2025

January Insights: Your 2025 Survival Guide

2025 begins with AI threats, Zero Trust strategies, and evolving cyber risks. Equip yourself with insights and tools to lead confidently this year.
Industry Deep Dives
December 31, 2024

December Insights: Lessons From 2024

Lessons from 2024: AI-driven threats and quantum shifts reshaped cybersecurity. Stay ahead in 2025 with strategies for leaders like you.
Industry Deep Dives
Inkit logo
Secure Document Generation (SDG)
github iconlinkedin iconfacebook iconX icon
Platform
DocGen
Records Management
Workflows
Digital Signature
Company
Contact Us
Careers
Media Kit
Solutions
Financial Services
Government
Healthcare
Utilities
Document Streaming
Developers
Documentation
APIs
Libraries & SDKs
API Status
API Changelog
Resources
Insights
Encryption
Salesforce
DocRetention
Downloads

© Inkit Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms
Privacy
Legal
Site Map
Accessibility
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads and content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the use of cookies as detailed in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.
PreferencesDenyAccept
Privacy Preference Center
When you visit websites, they may store or retrieve data in your browser. This storage is often necessary for the basic functionality of the website. The storage may be used for marketing, analytics, and personalization of the site, such as storing your preferences. Privacy is important to us, so you have the option of disabling certain types of storage that may not be necessary for the basic functioning of the website. Blocking categories may impact your experience on the website.
Reject all cookiesAllow all cookies
Manage Consent Preferences by Category
Essential
Always Active
These items are required to enable basic website functionality.
Marketing
These items are used to deliver advertising that is more relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. Advertising networks usually place them with the website operator’s permission.
Personalization
These items allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your user name, language, or the region you are in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. For example, a website may provide you with local weather reports or traffic news by storing data about your current location.
Analytics
These items help the website operator understand how its website performs, how visitors interact with the site, and whether there may be technical issues. This storage type usually doesn’t collect information that identifies a visitor.
Confirm my preferences and close