Fortify vs Veracode

Quick Verdict

Fortify and Veracode are two of the longest-established enterprise SAST tools, and both hold Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader positions. They differ in analysis approach, deployment model, and platform scope.

Fortify scans source code directly, supports on-premises deployment, and has been a Gartner Leader for 11 consecutive years. Veracode scans compiled binaries so source code never leaves your infrastructure, operates as cloud-only, and offers a Pipeline Scan that returns results in under 90 seconds.

The choice typically comes down to two factors: whether your organization requires on-premises scanning (Fortify) or prefers cloud-only with no source code sharing (Veracode), and whether source-level findings or binary-level analysis matters more for your development workflow.

Feature Comparison

Fortify vs Veracode: Head-to-Head

Source Code vs Binary Analysis

Fortify performs source code analysis. Point it at your codebase and it analyzes the code directly, producing findings with specific file paths, line numbers, and data flow traces. This gives developers precise locations for each vulnerability, making remediation straightforward. The tradeoff is that source code must be accessible to the scanning tool.

Veracode uses binary analysis. Developers compile their application and upload the bytecode, JAR files, .NET assemblies, or other compiled output. The platform finds security flaws in the binary without seeing the source. This catches issues introduced by compilers or third-party libraries that source scanners miss, and it means source code never leaves the organization.

For development teams that want the fastest path from finding to fix, source code analysis (Fortify) typically provides better developer experience. For organizations where source code sharing is restricted by policy, regulation, or contract, binary analysis (Veracode) removes that constraint entirely.

Deployment Options

Fortify offers three deployment models. On-premises Fortify SCA gives organizations full control over the scanning infrastructure. Fortify on Demand (SaaS) provides a managed cloud service. Hybrid deployment combines both. This flexibility is relevant for government agencies, defense contractors, and financial institutions that cannot send code to external cloud services.

Veracode is cloud-only. All analysis happens on Veracode’s infrastructure. Since it processes binaries rather than source code, the data sensitivity concern is reduced compared to uploading source code to a cloud vendor. Cloud-only deployment means zero infrastructure to maintain on your end.

Organizations that require air-gapped or on-premises scanning have only one choice here: Fortify.

Language and Framework Coverage

Fortify supports 33+ languages and 350+ frameworks with 1,700+ vulnerability categories. Its language coverage includes modern languages (Java, Go, Kotlin, Swift, Python) and legacy languages (COBOL, ABAP, Visual Basic). It also scans infrastructure as code (Terraform, CloudFormation), Docker images, Kubernetes manifests, and serverless configurations.

Veracode claims 100+ languages and frameworks through binary analysis. The language count differs because binary analysis can cover compiled output generically for certain platforms. Veracode also covers legacy languages (COBOL, Visual Basic 6, RPG).

Both tools cover the mainstream enterprise languages. Fortify has an edge in IaC scanning, which Veracode does not include. Veracode’s binary approach means it works with any language that compiles to a supported binary format.

CI/CD Integration and Speed

Veracode offers two scan modes: Pipeline Scan returns results in under 90 seconds for fast CI/CD feedback on pull requests, while Platform Scan performs deeper analysis for release gates and compliance. This two-tier approach lets teams balance speed and depth.

Fortify integrates with major CI/CD platforms through plugins and the command-line scanner. Scan times depend on codebase size and analysis depth. It does not have a dedicated “fast scan” mode comparable to Veracode’s Pipeline Scan.

For teams where CI/CD scan speed is critical, Veracode’s Pipeline Scan provides faster feedback. For teams that prioritize depth and are willing to wait for thorough results, Fortify’s analysis depth is well-established.

AI-Powered Remediation

Fortify includes Fortify Aviator, an AI feature that generates automated code fix suggestions for detected vulnerabilities. It analyzes the vulnerability context and produces suggested code changes to help developers remediate issues faster.

Veracode offers Veracode Fix, which similarly uses AI to suggest fixes for detected flaws. Both tools have moved in the same direction with AI-assisted remediation, which reduces the time from finding a vulnerability to shipping a fix.

Platform Breadth

Veracode’s platform extends beyond SAST to include Dynamic Analysis (DAST), Software Composition Analysis (SCA), and manual penetration testing. Findings from all modules are correlated in a single dashboard. This platform approach reduces tool sprawl for teams that need multiple testing types.

Fortify is primarily a SAST tool, though it is part of OpenText’s broader security portfolio that includes Fortify WebInspect for DAST. However, the integration between Fortify products is not as unified as Veracode’s single-platform approach.

For teams that want SAST, DAST, and SCA from one vendor in one dashboard, Veracode offers a more cohesive platform. For teams that primarily need SAST and are willing to pair it with other tools for DAST and SCA, Fortify’s SAST depth stands on its own.

Gartner Track Record

Fortify has been a Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader for Application Security Testing for 11 consecutive years, one of the longest-running Leader positions in the category. Veracode is also a Gartner MQ Leader with a long history in the quadrant. Both are well-established enterprise choices with strong analyst recognition.

When to Choose Fortify

Choose Fortify if:

• On-premises or hybrid deployment is a requirement (government, defense, finance)
• You need precise source-level findings with line numbers and data flow traces
• IaC scanning (Terraform, CloudFormation, Kubernetes, Docker) is part of your SAST program
• Legacy language support (COBOL, ABAP) combined with modern language coverage matters
• 11 consecutive years as a Gartner Leader influences your vendor selection
• Fortify on Demand (SaaS) provides sufficient flexibility without going cloud-only

When to Choose Veracode

Choose Veracode if:

• Source code cannot leave your organization due to policy or regulation
• You prefer binary analysis that catches compiler and bundled-library issues
• Cloud-only deployment with zero scanning infrastructure maintenance is preferred
• Pipeline Scan speed (under 90 seconds) is needed for CI/CD pull request checks
• A unified platform covering SAST, DAST, SCA, and pen testing from one vendor reduces tool sprawl
• Developer training through Security Labs is valuable for your team

Both are SAST tools and Gartner Leaders with decades of enterprise deployments. The decision hinges on deployment requirements (on-premises vs cloud-only) and analysis preference (source code vs binary).

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

Suphi Cankurt

Suphi Cankurt is an application security enthusiast based in Helsinki, Finland. He reviews and compares 129 AppSec tools across 10 categories on AppSec Santa. Learn more.