Dynamic application security testing (DAST) is one of the four primary forms of security testing. The other three are static application security testing (SAST), source code analysis (SCA), and penetration testing. DAST is often underrated and misunderstood, so we’re going to clear some things up in this blog post. We’ll start by answering the question: who needs to do DAST? Then we’ll move on to discuss what makes it different from the other AST categories and why it’s important. Finally, we’ll show you the best DAST testing instruments.
Why Is DAST Important And Who Needs To Do It?
DAST is important because it tests for vulnerabilities in web applications that are not detectable by other means. It is the only AST category that can find certain types of vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). The most significant benefit of this technology is that it can be used to test products in the field without having access to the source code. For these reasons, DAST is an essential part of any organization’s website security strategy.
Who needs to do DAST? Any organization with a web application needs to do DAST. This includes organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. Even if an organization does not have its own web application, it may still need to do DAST if it uses third-party applications (such as a customer relationship management system or an e-commerce platform).
What Makes DAST Different From The Other AST Categories?
The main difference between DAST and the other AST categories is that DAST is performed on a running application, while the others are performed on static code. This implies that DAST can find security flaws that no other method can. It also means that without access to the source code, DAST is the only type of testing that may be done.
The difference between DAST and the other AST categories is that its emphasis differs. SAST and SCA focus on finding security issues in the code, while DAST focuses on finding security issues in the application itself. This makes sense when you consider that DAST is the only type of testing that can be done without access to the code.
What Are The Best DAST Tools And Their Distinguishing Features?
There are several different DAST testing tools on the market, but not all of them are made equal. Some are more sophisticated than others. Here are some of the best DAST testing tools, along with their distinguishing features:
-Astra’s Pentest Suite: Astra is a popular choice for web application security testing. It offers a wide range of features, including support for multiple languages (such as PHP, ASP.NET, and Java), detailed penetration testing services, and comprehensive reporting.
-AppSpider: AppSpider is another popular choice for web application security testing. It offers support for multiple languages, comprehensive reporting, and integration with leading development frameworks. One of the best things about AppSpider is its ease of use; it has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get started with security testing.
-Burp Suite: Burp Suite is a favorite tool among pen testers. It includes a number of features that are specifically designed for penetration testing, such as an intercepting proxy, a spider (for scanning web applications), and a suite of tools for testing web application security. One of the best things about Burp Suite is that it is highly customizable; you can use it to test for a wide range of vulnerabilities, or you can focus on specific types of vulnerabilities.
-OWASP ZAP: ZAP is an open-source tool that provides a number of capabilities for web application security testing. It includes an intercepting proxy, a spider, and a number of other features. One of the best things about OWASP ZAP is that it is constantly being updated with new features and capabilities; this makes it a good choice for organizations that want to stay up-to-date with the latest in web application security testing.
-WebInspect: WebInspect is a popular alternative for web application security testing. It offers many of the same features as AppSpider, including support for multiple languages, comprehensive reporting, and integration with leading development frameworks. One of the best things about WebInspect is its ease of use; it has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get started with security testing.
Features Of DAST
Here are some features to muse on when thinking about doing DAST:
- DAST can be used to scan websites and servers.
- DAST may be used to look for security problems in the application itself.
- The unit test is the only kind of testing that may be done without access to the code.
- DAST offers a wide range of features, including support for multiple languages, comprehensive reporting, and integration with leading development frameworks.
- DAST is a popular testing method for web applications.
Final Thoughts
DAST is an important tool for website security. It offers a wide range of features that make it a valuable addition to any organization’s website security arsenal. When selecting a DAST testing tool, certain factors should be considered. Do you require a solution that can be utilized to scan web applications? Do you need a tool that may be utilized to scan web servers? Is it required to have user-friendly software? Do you need a tool that is highly customizable? After you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be able to eliminate options and select the best DAST testing equipment for your needs. I hope you found this essay to be both pleasant and informative!
