ThreatForge review
A free, visual STRIDE modeler for small teams that want version-controlled threat models.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ThreatForge is a free, open-source threat-modeling application for developers and security teams. It combines a visual data-flow diagram canvas with automated STRIDE analysis for each model element. Teams can define trust boundaries, add text annotations, use keyboard shortcuts, and navigate the canvas with undo and redo. The application is available through a browser-based option and native desktop applications for macOS, Windows, and Linux, making it suitable for small teams that want a straightforward STRIDE workflow across common platforms.
Its strongest differentiator is the connection between visual modeling and version-controlled documentation. Threat models are stored as human-readable, git-diffable YAML files, which supports review and change tracking in development workflows. Six pre-built architecture templates can help teams begin with a defined structure, while imports from Microsoft Threat Modeling Tool .tm7 files support migration from that format. These capabilities make ThreatForge a practical fit for teams that want threat models to live alongside engineering work rather than as isolated diagrams.
AI-assisted threat discovery and mitigation suggestions add another layer, with support for Anthropic Claude and OpenAI through a bring-your-own-key model. That approach gives teams a way to use AI features while managing provider access themselves. The trade-off is scope: the listed capabilities do not include collaboration, verified risk prioritization, or attack-path analysis. Teams seeking a focused, free STRIDE tool with YAML-based version control should consider ThreatForge; teams needing those advanced risk and collaboration capabilities should choose a broader alternative.
ThreatForge pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Automates STRIDE analysis for each element in a visual data-flow model
- Stores models as human-readable, git-diffable YAML files
- Supports AI suggestions, Microsoft .tm7 imports, and six templates
- Where it doesn't
- Does not list collaboration, verified risk prioritization, or attack-path analysis
- AI features require a bring-your-own-key setup with supported providers
- Its focus on STRIDE may not suit teams needing broader methods
ThreatForge fact sheet, pricing and score →
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