What is Bearer used for?

Bearer is used to scan application code for security vulnerabilities and to detect where sensitive data is processed and stored.

Who should use Bearer?

Application security, DevSecOps, and engineering teams that want to catch data security risks in code during development.

Is Bearer free to use?

Yes. The Bearer CLI is a free and open source SAST engine available on GitHub, while the cloud product uses a waitlist.

Is Bearer part of Cycode?

Yes. Bearer was acquired by Cycode in 2024, and several Bearer website links now lead to Cycode's application security platform.

What are the best alternatives to Bearer?

Common alternatives include Cycode, Semgrep, Snyk Code, and Checkmarx One for static code scanning and application security.

Bearer Reviews, Features & Alternatives

Overview

What is Bearer?

Bearer is a static application security testing (SAST) tool that applies DevSecOps practices to data security. Its open source CLI scans code to find security vulnerabilities and detect where sensitive data is processed, helping teams map data flows and enforce data security policies. It supports languages including Ruby, JavaScript, TypeScript, Java, and PHP. Security and engineering teams use Bearer to reduce the risk of data leaks, breaches, and regulatory fines during development.

Best for

Application Security TeamsSoftware EngineersDevSecOps TeamsPrivacy EngineersEngineering Managers

Product snapshot

Category: Data Discovery & Exploration
Best for: Code-level data security
Deployment: Cloud / On-premise
Free trial: Yes (free plan)
Integrations: GitHub, GitLab, Jira, Slack
AI features: No

Key features

Key features of Bearer

Static code scanning

Find security vulnerabilities in source code before it reaches production.

Sensitive data detection

Identify where personal and sensitive data is processed in code.

Data flow mapping

Map how sensitive data moves through application components and services.

Policy management

Define and enforce data security rules across code repositories.

CI/CD scanning

Run checks in pipelines such as Jenkins, CircleCI, and GitLab.

Open source CLI

Use the free command line engine hosted publicly on GitHub.

Reviews

Bearer reviews

Overall

Nobody has reviewed

What users like

Free open source CLI
Detects sensitive data in code
Works inside CI/CD pipelines
Supports several popular languages

What users dislike

Now part of Cycode
Cloud product on waitlist only
Limited to supported languages
Not a business data explorer

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Alternatives

Top Bearer alternatives

Cycode
Best for
Application security posture
Why choose it
Owns Bearer and offers complete ASPM
Semgrep
Best for
Developer-first SAST
Why choose it
Fast open source rules-based code scanning
Snyk Code
Best for
Developer security teams
Why choose it
SAST built into developer workflows and IDEs
Checkmarx One
Best for
Enterprise application security
Why choose it
Broad SAST, SCA, and API security coverage

Integrations

Bearer integrations

Bearer fits into the development workflow where code is stored and shipped. It connects with source control platforms GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket, and runs in CI/CD systems such as Jenkins and CircleCI so scans happen on each change. Findings can be routed to Jira for tracking and to Slack for team alerts, and results can be sent to DefectDojo for vulnerability management. The open source CLI runs locally or on build servers, which lets teams scan Ruby, JavaScript, TypeScript, Java, and PHP projects without sending code elsewhere. Some product links now point to Cycode following its acquisition.

FAQ

Bearer