npq is a tool designed to audit npm packages before installation, enhancing security by checking for vulnerabilities, package age, download counts, and other criteria. It integrates seamlessly with npm and can be used with other package managers by specifying environment variables, thus ensuring a safer installation process for developers. However, it is important to note that no tool can guarantee absolute safety from malicious packages.

A critical security alert was issued regarding 18 widely-used npm packages that were compromised to include malicious code, which secretly intercepted crypto and web3 activities in users' browsers. The affected packages, including popular ones like "chalk" and "debug," collectively accounted for over 2 billion downloads weekly. Users are advised to utilize Aikido's safe-chain to avoid such vulnerabilities.