When it comes to application security, one of the most crucial elements is DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing). This type of security testing is carried out to identify vulnerabilities in web applications as they are being used. It’s different from penetration testing, which is performed on static applications. DAST is essential for organizations that want to ensure their web applications are secure and meet compliance regulations. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of DAST security and provide a checklist for carrying out a successful DAST security test.
What Is DAST Security Important?
DAST security is important because it helps to identify vulnerabilities in web applications while they are being used. This type of security testing is different from penetration testing, which is performed on static applications. DAST is essential for organizations that want to ensure their web applications are secure and meet compliance regulations.
What Are the Features of DAST Security?
Some of the features of DAST security include:
– Identifying vulnerabilities in web applications while they are being used
– Being able to test for a wide range of vulnerabilities, including those related to authentication, session management, input validation, and cross-site scripting
– Providing comprehensive reports that detail the findings of the tests and recommend remediation steps
How Is It Different from Penetration Testing?
DAST is different from penetration testing in a few key ways:
– DAST is performed on web applications while they are being used, while penetration testing is performed on static applications.
– DAST tests for a wide range of vulnerabilities, while penetration testing focuses on a limited number of specific vulnerabilities.
– DAST provides comprehensive reports that detail the findings of the tests and recommend remediation steps, while penetration testing simply identifies the vulnerabilities present in an application.
Who Needs to Carry Out DAST Security the Most?
Organizations that rely heavily on web applications should carry out DAST security tests on a regular basis. This includes organizations in industries such as e-commerce, banking, and healthcare. DAST security is also essential for firms that are subject to compliance laws, such as PCI DSS and HIPAA.
Checklist for a Successful DAST Security Test
To ensure a successful DAST security test, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
– Make sure you have the right tools in place. There are a number of different DAST tools available, so it’s important to choose one that meets your specific needs.
– Plan your test carefully. You need to think about what you want to test and how you’re going to do it.
– Execute the test according to your plan. This includes setting up the test environment, running the tests, and analyzing the results.
– Fix any vulnerabilities that are found. Once you’ve identified the vulnerabilities in your web application, you need to take steps to remediate them.
Best Tools for DAST
There are a number of different tools available for DAST security testing. Some of the best include:
- Astra’s Pentest Suite- This tool is provided by Astra Security and it provides many cybersecurity measures including DAST.
- IBM AppScan: This tool gives a comprehensive coverage for a wide range of web application flaws. It also offers extensive information and advice on how to fix it.
- HP WebInspect: This tool provides fast and accurate scanning for a wide variety of web application vulnerabilities. It also has a user-friendly design.
- Burp Suite: Burp Suite is a complete web security testing solution. It has several functions, including DAST.
- Microsoft Threat Modeling Tool: This tool helps organizations to identify and mitigate threats during the development process. It’s also free to use.
DAST security is an important part of ensuring the safety of your web applications. Selecting any of these tools will definitely help you safeguard your applications.
Merits And Demerits Of DAST
DAST has a number of advantages over other types of security testing:
– It can be used to test web applications while they are being used.
It can test for a number of threats.
– It provides comprehensive reports that detail the findings of the tests and recommend remediation steps.
However, there are drawbacks to utilizing DAST:
-If not properly prepared, it might be inconvenient for users.
– It requires specialized tools and skillsets.
– The reports generated by DAST tools can be difficult to interpret.
When deciding whether or not to use DAST, organizations should weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully to determine if it is the right fit for their needs.
Conclusion
DAST security is essential to the security of your web applications. By following the checklist in this post, you can ensure that your DAST tests are successful and that any vulnerabilities in your applications are remediated.
Remember, DAST is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to securing your web applications. To truly secure them, you need to take a holistic approach that includes measures like application hardening, firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
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.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankit-pahuja/
