The risks associated with open-source software include potential vulnerabilities and security issues due to lack of robust support and monitoring. While open-source solutions offer flexibility and cost savings, they may also expose users to threats if not maintained and updated regularly. The community-driven model means that anyone can contribute, which increases the risk of malicious code being integrated. Furthermore, reliance on community support can result in slower response times for bug fixes and security patches. Businesses adopting open-source software must prioritize rigorous security audits and establish best practices for usage to mitigate these risks.