AWS CDK Nag
AWS CDK Nag: Free, AWS-focused rule-pack scanning for CDK and CloudFormation compliance. Ranked #13 of 17 in IaC Security Scanners by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for AWS CDK and CloudFormation compliance checks.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAWS CDK and CloudFormation compliance checks
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- IaC frameworksAWS CDK; CloudFormation templates
- Facts checked27 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Checks AWS CDK apps and CloudFormation templates for violations
- Includes AWS Solutions, HIPAA, NIST, PCI DSS and Serverless packs
- Supports custom packs, multiple packs and acknowledged findings
Where it doesn't
- Focused on AWS CDK and CloudFormation rather than broader IaC
- Does not provide drift detection
- Support is limited to community channels and documentation
Our verdict on AWS CDK Nag
AWS CDK Nag is an open-source library for developers building and validating AWS infrastructure with AWS CDK. It checks CDK applications and CloudFormation templates for best-practice violations, making it suited to teams that want policy checks close to infrastructure code. The product supports Linux, macOS, Windows and self-hosted deployment, with stated fit across solo, small, mid-market and enterprise teams.
The free open-source model keeps access straightforward: AWS CDK Nag provides rule-based checks without a paid tier structure. Its documented packs cover AWS Solutions, HIPAA Security, NIST 800-53 revisions 4 and 5, PCI DSS 3.2.1, and Serverless requirements. Teams can run multiple packs against one application, acknowledge specific violations or rules, and develop custom NagPacks for organization-specific policies. Findings are written to a policy-validation report in the cloud assembly, providing a defined output for review and pipeline handling.
AWS CDK Nag is tightly aligned with AWS CDK and CloudFormation rather than a broad, multi-cloud IaC estate. It has no stated CI integration and does not provide drift detection, so teams seeking continuous environment comparison or ready-made pipeline connectors may need another tool alongside it. Support centers on community resources and documentation. Choose it when AWS-native infrastructure compliance checks, customizable rule packs and self-hosted operation are priorities; choose an alternative when you need broader framework coverage, drift monitoring or a more extensive support and integration layer.
AWS CDK Nag pricing
AWS CDK Nag fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| IaC frameworks | AWS CDK; CloudFormation templates |
| Custom policies | Yes |
| CI/PR integration | Not verified |
| Fix suggestions | Yes |
| Drift detection | No |
| Open-source option | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: AWS CDK, CloudFormation |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 27 Sep 2026 |
AWS CDK Nag integrations
AWS CDK Nag lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- AWS CDK
- CloudFormation
Alternatives to AWS CDK Nag
- Snyk IaCA broad IaC scanner with policy controls, workflow integrations, and a free starting tier.9.3
- KICSA free, broad scanner for IaC security, compliance, misconfigurations and secrets.9.1
- CheckovA self-hosted, multi-framework IaC scanner with broad policy and CI/CD coverage.8.7
See all AWS CDK Nag alternatives →
Used AWS CDK Nag? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used AWS CDK Nag for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
AWS CDK Nag is listed in our IaC Security Scanners directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/aws-cdk-nag/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/aws-cdk-nag.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update