Checkmarx
Enterprise SAST with AI-powered remediation and developer-friendly workflows. Strong for large codebases and compliance.
Overview
Checkmarx is an enterprise static application security testing (SAST) platform that scans source code for vulnerabilities across 50+ programming languages and frameworks. Founded in 2006 and acquired by Hellman & Friedman in 2020, Checkmarx is one of the leading SAST vendors, competing with SonarQube, Veracode, and Snyk.
Checkmarx differentiates itself with AI-powered remediation suggestions, strong IDE integration, and advanced customisation for enterprise policies. It is particularly strong for large organisations with diverse technology stacks and strict security requirements.
What it's used for
Checkmarx is the right choice when:
- Large, diverse codebases: Supports 50+ languages and frameworks.
- Enterprise SAST required: Advanced policy management, custom rules, and governance.
- AI-assisted remediation: Automated fix suggestions reduce developer burden.
- Compliance mandates: PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and other standards require SAST coverage.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Broadest language support of any SAST tool
- AI-powered remediation suggestions
- Strong IDE integration (VS Code, IntelliJ, Eclipse)
- Advanced customisation for enterprise policies
- Detailed reporting for compliance audits
Cons
- Expensive — enterprise pricing only
- Scan times can be long for large codebases
- Configuration requires expertise
- Can generate false positives
- Overkill for small teams or simple projects
Platforms & Integrations
Checkmarx is a cloud-based SaaS with on-premise options. It supports all major CI/CD platforms and IDEs.
Pricing
| Tier | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | Custom | All modules, professional services, dedicated support |
NZ Context
Checkmarx is used by NZ enterprises with strict security requirements. It is less common than SonarQube in NZ but appears in large banking and government environments. For NZ security professionals, Checkmarx is a valuable enterprise skill but less versatile than Burp Suite or ZAP.
Alternatives
- SonarQube — Free option with strong code quality and basic SAST.
- Snyk Code — Developer-friendly SAST with better UX.
- Veracode — Similar enterprise breadth with DAST and pen testing.