In the world of cybersecurity, there are two main types of tests that are conducted on applications: static application security testing (SAST) and dynamic application security testing (DAST). In this article, we will discuss the differences between SAST and DAST, as well as how each one can help improve your application security.
The importance of application security testing:
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With more and more businesses moving their operations online, there is a greater need than ever to ensure that applications are secure. Hackers are constantly looking for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in order to gain access to sensitive data, and as such, it is important to regularly test your applications for security vulnerabilities.
This is where SAST and DAST come in.
What is SAST?
It involves analysing the code for security vulnerabilities without actually executing the code. This can be performed manually by the developer or any skilled individual, or an automated tool may be run alongside during the coding of the application.
SAST is a great way to find vulnerabilities in an application early on in the development process. By finding and fixing vulnerabilities early, you can avoid costly rework later on.
Advantages of SAST:
- Can be conducted early on in the development process
- Can be used to test applications that are not yet deployed
Disadvantages of SAST:
- May miss vulnerabilities that can only be found through execution
- Can be difficult to conduct on large and complex codebases
- Can be expensive to set up and maintain
- Can provide a false sense of security
What is DAST?
DAST is a type of testing that is conducted by executing the code of an application. It involves running the application and testing it for security vulnerabilities. DAST can be conducted manually or using automated tools.
DAST is a great way to find vulnerabilities in an application that are not detectable through static analysis. By testing the application while it is running, you can get a better understanding of how it behaves in a real-world environment.
Advantages of DAST:
- Can be conducted in a real-world environment
- Can find vulnerabilities that are not detectable through static analysis
- Can be used to test applications that are already deployed
- Can be used to test for website vulnerabilities that require user input
- Can be used to test for vulnerabilities that require specific conditions
Disadvantages of DAST:
- May miss vulnerabilities that can only be found through static analysis
- Can be difficult to conduct on large and complex applications
- Can be time-consuming to set up and conduct
- May cause the application to crash
How do SAST and DAST work together?
They complement each other. SAST can be used to find vulnerabilities within the code, early on in the development process, while DAST can be used to find vulnerabilities on a running application. DAST does not require the complete application to be running, partial running code will also suffice. You’ll get a better overview if you use both SAST and DAST for your application’s security.
Benefits of using SAST and DAST:
They are both great for improving an app’s security. However, using only either of them could give a false sense of security. It is best to use both in conjunction. By finding and fixing vulnerabilities early, you can avoid costly rework later on. Additionally, by using both SAST and DAST, you can get a more complete picture of the security of your application.
Getting started with SAST and DAST:
If you’re interested in getting started with SAST and DAST, there are a few things you can do. First, you can read more about each method of testing and familiarize yourself with the basics. Once you have a good understanding of how each method works, you can start looking for tools that can help you conduct SAST and DAST. Additionally, you can reach out to a security consultant to get started.
Conclusion
SAST and DAST are two important methods of testing for application security. You may get a more complete view of the security of your application by incorporating SAST and DAST in your SDLC. Additionally, by finding and fixing vulnerabilities early, you can avoid costly rework later on. If you’re interested in getting started with SAST and DAST, don’t hesitate to reach out to a security consultant.
