Top 10 SAST and DAST tools to consider in 2022

To protect your applications from various security threats, it is important to use application security testing (AST) tools. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 static and dynamic AST tools that you should consider in 2022. We’ll also go over the benefits of using AST and how it works. Finally, we’ll leave you with a checklist, so you know what to include in your testing process.

So, whether you are a business owner or developer, read on to learn more about AST and how it can help keep your applications safe.

What is application security testing (AST)?

Application security testing, also known as vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, is the process of identifying vulnerabilities in software applications. AST is an important step in protecting your applications from these threats.

Why is AST important?

Security issues in applications are a major concern for those who use them. In fact, according to the 2016 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 81% of data breaches involve weak or stolen passwords. And, as we all know, hackers are becoming more sophisticated every day. That’s why it’s crucial to use AST tools to find and fix vulnerabilities in your applications before they can be exploited.

Who needs AST?

Small businesses, large businesses, and everyone in between can benefit from using AST. However, it is particularly crucial for businesses that handle sensitive information. This data could include customer information, credit card numbers, or intellectual property. If your business falls into this category, then you should definitely consider using AST to protect your applications.

How does AST work?

AST can be performed manually or automatedly. Manual testing involves testers manually scanning through the code of an application looking for vulnerabilities. Automated testing uses software, tools, and scripts to scan applications while they are running to find vulnerabilities.

Manual Testing

Manual testing is often used at the beginning of the AST process. It is a good way to get a general overview of an application and find high-level vulnerabilities. It is usually not the first option because of how time-consuming it is, and it’s not as effective at finding low-level vulnerabilities. But for certain issues, it may be the only way to get results.

Automated Testing

Automated testing is more efficient than manual testing and can find more vulnerabilities. Additionally, automated tests may not always be accurate, so they should be used in conjunction with manual testing for the best results.

What is Static Application Security Testing (SAST)?

SAST examines applications while they are not running, and it directly looks at the code to find flaws, insecure coding, and errors. It takes no input into consideration.

Why is SAST important?

Static application security testing is one of the most accurate types of AST. It can find both high-level and low-level vulnerabilities in an application. Additionally, it’s a good way to find out if an application has any coding errors that could lead to security issues. Most IDEs and code editors provide basic code analysis, hence investing in a commercial SAST tool may be questionable unless they have something critical to offer.

Advantages of SAST:

• Static application security testing is very accurate and can find many different types of vulnerabilities.
• It’s a good way to find coding errors that could lead to security issues.

Disadvantages of SAST:

• It’s not as effective at finding high-level vulnerabilities.
• Doesn’t look for vulnerabilities that could appear after deployment.

What is Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)?

DAST examines applications while they are running, and it considers inputs being given. DAST is generally performed throughout the development of applications at every stage.

Why is DAST important?

Dynamic application security testing is one of the most popular types of AST. It’s very effective at finding vulnerabilities, especially high-level vulnerabilities targeted by hackers. DAST is generally implemented throughout the application’s development. It is done to test for flaws at every stage and fix them before going to the next stage of development.

Advantages of DAST:

• Dynamic application security testing is very effective at finding vulnerabilities.
• It can be used to test applications that are in a live environment.

Disadvantages of DAST:

• It’s not as accurate as static application security testing due to false positives.
• Can only find vulnerabilities while the application is running.
• May cause applications to crash.

How is DAST different from SAST?

Dynamic application security testing is different from static application security testing in that it tests the code while it is running, versus while it is static. This means that DAST can find vulnerabilities that SAST may not find. Additionally, DAST is better at finding high-level vulnerabilities than SAST.

Top 5 DAST Tools

There are many different dynamic application security testing tools available, but we will highlight five of the most popular ones here:

1. Astra Pentest – Astra Pentest is a comprehensive security testing tool that scans for vulnerabilities in web applications. It has an interactive and easy-to-use interface that can show threats being stopped in real-time. This tool also gives you tips to fix each vulnerability detected. What’s more, Astra Security, the provider of the tool, is always available via chat support. You can rely on their experts for manual testing as well. They offer compliance testing too. So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive application security provider, look no further.
2. HCL Appscan – HCL Appscan is a tool that scans source code for coding errors and security issues. It’s one of the most popular SAST tools available and is used by many large organisations.
3. Nessus – Nessus is a vulnerability scanner that can be used to scan for a variety of vulnerabilities, including web applications.
4. OWASP ZAP – OWASP ZAP is an open-source tool that can be used to test the security of web applications. It’s user-friendly and easy to learn, making it a good choice for those new to application security testing.
5. Nikto – This free tool scans web servers to find harmful files, malicious codes, payloads, viruses, etc. that have been uploaded.

Top 5 SAST Tools

There are many different static application security testing tools available, but we will highlight five of the most popular ones here:

1. Flawfinder – Flawfinder is a tool that scans source code for security vulnerabilities in C and C++ codes. It’s popular among developers and has been downloaded over one million times.
2. OWASP ASST – OWASP ASST is an open-source static application security testing tool that can be used to scan Java, .NET, and PHP applications.
3. HuskyCI – HuskyCI is a CI/CD platform that includes SAST as part of its offerings. It’s popular among organisations that want to include AST in their development process.
4. SecureAssist – SecureAssist is a SAST tool that scans for vulnerabilities in web applications and mobile apps.
5. CloudDefense – CloudDefense is a cloud-based SAST tool that scans for vulnerabilities in web applications and provides real-time alerts.

How to choose the right tool?

When you’re choosing an AST tool, consider what you need to scan for. Most tools will scan for common vulnerabilities but look for a tool that will scan for the specific vulnerabilities in your application.

Additionally, make sure the tool you choose has a user-friendly interface so that you can easily find and fix any vulnerabilities that are found. A bonus would be if the provider of the tools provides support when required, guidance and training to use their tool.

Conclusion

AST is a must for organisations that want to ensure the security of their applications. Dynamic application security testing is more effective than static application security testing at finding vulnerabilities, but it can only find vulnerabilities during the application’s runtime. Static application security testing is better at finding low-level vulnerabilities, and both SAST and DAST tools are important for a comprehensive application security program. When choosing an AST tool, make sure you choose one that scans for the specific vulnerabilities of your organisation and has a user-friendly interface.

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Author Bio:
Ankit Pahuja is the Marketing Lead & Evangelist at Astra Security. Ever since his adulthood (literally, he was 20 years old), he began finding vulnerabilities in websites & network infrastructures. Starting his professional career as a software engineer at one of the unicorns enables him in bringing "engineering in marketing" to reality. Working actively in the cybersecurity space for more than 2 years makes him the perfect T-shaped marketing professional. Ankit is an avid speaker in the security space and has delivered various talks in top companies, early-age startups, and online events.
You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankit-pahuja/