What is Dynamic
Application Security Testing (DAST)?
Dynamic
Application Security Testing (DAST) is a method of finding vulnerabilities in
web applications before they go live. It works by scanning the source code of
an application and searching for security issues, such as cross-site scripting
(XSS), SQL injection and other vulnerabilities that could be exploited by
hackers.
Dynamic Application Security Testing is often used as part of a broader
DevSecOps strategy to ensure that your application has been developed with
security in mind from day one.
The Need
for DAST
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is a critical component of
the development process. It's an automated security testing method that helps
organizations identify and fix vulnerabilities in their applications before
they are deployed.
A major benefit of DAST is its ability to detect vulnerabilities that might
otherwise go undetected by other types of testing methods, such as static
analysis or manual penetration testing. This is because DAST uses real-world
data from actual users who interact with the application in real time, which
can reveal issues that wouldn't be apparent if using static data sets or
simulated inputs
The need for DAST has increased significantly over recent years due to several
factors:
- The growing number of
cyberattacks on businesses worldwide has led many organizations take steps
toward improving their cybersecurity posture through better application
security practices - including implementing more robust processes like
dynamic application security testing (DAST).
Implementing
DAST
Implementing
DAST is a big step for any organization, but it's one that can pay off with
huge benefits. The first step to implementing DAST is to choose a tool. There
are many options available, including open source tools like OWASP ZAP and
commercial products like Veracode or IBM AppScan.
Once you've selected the right tool(s) for your team and budget, there are
several best practices that will help ensure the success of your testing
efforts:
- Use automation wherever
possible--this will allow you to scale up quickly when needed or run tests
overnight while everyone sleeps!
- Keep an eye out for false
positives; sometimes attackers do things intentionally that look like
vulnerabilities but aren't actually dangerous (this happens most often
with XSS).
The
Benefits of DAST
- Reduced Security Risks
- Improved Compliance
- Increased Efficiency
Common
Challenges with DAST
- False positives. A false
positive is when the tool identifies an issue in your application that
isn't actually an issue.
- False negatives. A false
negative is when the tool fails to identify an actual vulnerability in
your application, even though it exists.
- Limitations of DAST tools: While
these tools can help you find vulnerabilities, they are not perfect and
sometimes have limitations on what they can detect or where they look for
issues within an application's codebase.
Best
Practices for DAST
- Regular Testing
- Automation
- Comprehensive Coverage
The
Future of DAST
The future
of DAST is looking bright. As the technology continues its evolution, we can
expect to see an increase in automation and improved security testing
capabilities. This will allow organizations to more easily implement DAST into
their SDLCs, which will help them stay ahead of the game when it comes to
application security.
Conclusion
In
conclusion, DAST is an essential tool for developers and security teams alike.
It allows you to identify and fix vulnerabilities in your application before
they are exploited by attackers, saving time and money on the front end of your
development process.
If you're interested in learning more about how DAST works or want help getting
started with dynamic application security testing, contact us today!
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