DAST: Dynamic Application Security Testing – What is it?
With cybercrime on the rise, organizations are more aware than ever of the importance of application security. One approach to finding and correcting flaws in applications before they can be attacked by hackers is through static application security testing (SAST). However, SAST cannot identify all potential vulnerabilities, as it does not account for changes that occur at runtime. That’s where dynamic application security testing (DAST) comes in. DAST can identify issues that are not detectable with SAST, making it an essential part of any organization’s app security arsenal.
The technique of revealing vulnerabilities in web applications as they are being utilized is known as dynamic application security testing (DAST). This differs from static application security testing (SAST), which seeks for flaws in apps before they’re published. In addition, DAST may aid in the detection of assaults while they’re occurring since it takes place in real-time. In this article, we will explain what DAST is and how to do it.
Explain The Differences Between SAST and DAST?
The main difference between SAST and DAST is that SAST looks for vulnerabilities in the code of an application, while DAST looks for vulnerabilities in the way the application is being used. This means that SAST can find vulnerabilities that are not detectable with DAST. Additionally, because SAST does not account for changes that occur at runtime, it may miss some potential vulnerabilities.
Top Most Dynamic Application Security Testing Tools?
There are a number of different dynamic application security testing tools available on the market today. Some of the most popular include:
- Astra’s Pentest Suite
- IBM AppScan
- HP WebInspect
- WhiteHat Security Sentinel
- Rapid assessment from Veracode
Pros and Cons of Doing DAST
As with any security testing method, there are both pros and cons to doing DAST. Some of the advantages include:
- Can help to identify vulnerabilities that are not detectable with SAST
- Can help to identify attacks as they are happening
- Can give you a better understanding of how your application is being used
On the other hand, some of the disadvantages include:
- Can be time-consuming and resource-intensive
- It may produce false positives
- Requires access to the application’s runtime environment
Detailed Tips in Choosing The Right DAST Tools?
When choosing a dynamic application security testing tool, it is important to consider a number of factors. These are some of the most important:
- The number and complexity of your apps: You should choose a test tool that is suited to the size and complexity of your applications. Otherwise, you may not be able to obtain reliable results.
- Your budget: There is a wide range of DAST tools available on the market, from free open-source options to expensive enterprise solutions. It’s crucial to pick a program that meets your financial restrictions.
- Your team’s skills and experience: You should also think about your team’s abilities and experience while selecting a DAST tool. If you have a team of experienced security professionals, they will likely be able to get more out of an advanced tool than a less experienced team.
- The types of vulnerabilities you are looking for: Not all DAST tools are created equal. Some are more adept at detecting certain kinds of flaws than others. Make sure to choose a tool that is well suited to finding the types of vulnerabilities you are most concerned about.
Risks Associated With Not Doing DAST Explained?
As mentioned earlier, one of the most serious risks associated with not doing DAST is that vulnerabilities in your application may go undetected. Additionally, not doing DAST can also put you at a competitive disadvantage, as more and more organizations are beginning to realize the importance of application security.
By not doing DAST, you are essentially leaving your applications vulnerable to attack. This can result in significant damage, such as data breaches or lost consumer confidence.
- Data breaches: If vulnerabilities in your application go undetected, it could lead to data being leaked or stolen. This could damage your reputation and cause financial loss.
- Loss of customer trust: Customers might lose trust in your ability to safeguard their data if they find out that your apps aren’t secure. They may choose to go elsewhere as a result of this.
- Competitive disadvantage: As more and more organizations realize the importance of application security, those who do not do DAST will be at a competitive disadvantage. This could make it difficult to win new business and could hinder your ability to grow.
- Regulatory penalties: In some industries, not doing DAST could lead to regulatory penalties. This is due to the fact that many authorities are now asking businesses to take action to guarantee the security of their apps. By not doing DAST, you could be putting your organization at risk of being fined.
Dynamic application security testing is a valuable tool that can help you improve the security of your applications. However, it is important to choose the right tool for your needs and make sure that your team is prepared to use it effectively. You may improve the effectiveness of your DAST activities by following these hints.
