ABC of SAST, DAST, and why use them both?

When it comes to software security, most people only think about one thing: malware. Malware is a big issue, no doubt about it, but there are other risks that your business needs to be aware of as well. One of these risks is software vulnerability. Vulnerabilities can allow hackers access to your systems and data, which can lead to all sorts of problems for your business. This is why you should use static application security testing, also known as SAST, and dynamic analysis security testing, also known as DAST.

In this blog post, we will discuss what SAST and DAST are, the differences between them, and why you should use both of them in order to keep your business safe.

What Is SAST?

SAST is a type of security testing that examines software for vulnerabilities. SAST tools use static analysis, which means that they look at the code without actually running it. They use these indicators in the same way a bug bounty program would—to discover security flaws that might otherwise go unnoticed.

What is DAST?

DAST is a type of security testing that examines software for vulnerabilities using a live system. DAST tools use dynamic analysis, which means that they run the code in order to find vulnerabilities. Static analysis is not always sufficient, as it may miss bugs that are present when the program is running. They use dynamic analysis to look for flaws that wouldn’t be discovered by static analysis.

Importance of SAST and DAST.

Why is it important to use both SAST and DAST? Because they have different strengths and limitations, it is evident that comparing them is a fruitless endeavor. Static analysis can discover problems that dynamic analysis may miss, whereas dynamic analysis can overlook issues that static analysis detects. By using both of these tools, you are able to get the most comprehensive view of your software’s security and identify as many vulnerabilities as possible.

The differences between SAST and DAST.

There are several key differences between SAST and DAST:

• SAST looks at the code without running it, while DAST runs the code in order to find vulnerabilities.
• SAST is used to find vulnerabilities that may not be found through dynamic analysis, while DAST is used to find vulnerabilities that may not be found through static analysis.
• SAST is usually used for applications that are already developed, while DAST can be used for both pre-production and post-production testing.

Similarities between DAST and SAST.

There are some similarities between DAST and SAST:

• Both use dynamic analysis.
• Both tools can be used for pre-production and post-production testing.

While DAST and SAST have several features in common, they also have significant differences. Before making a selection between these tools, it’s vital to comprehend the above-mentioned distinctions too.

Why use SAST and DAST?

There are a few reasons why you should use both SAST and DAST:

• The different methods used by SAST and DAST allow them to find different types of vulnerabilities. Combining the two allows you to have a more comprehensive security assessment.
• SAST has been around longer than DAST and is more widely used. The number of SAST software tools available has increased, and they are typically more developed.
• DAST is better at finding vulnerabilities that are caused by user input. SAST is better at finding vulnerabilities in the code itself.

Pros and cons of SAST and DAST.

There are pros and cons to using both SAST and DAST:

• SAST can be expensive since you need to purchase a tool and then train your team on how to use it. However, this expense can be worth it if it finds serious vulnerabilities in your software.
• DAST is less expensive than SAST, but it also has lower accuracy rates. Additionally, DAST can be difficult to use if you are not familiar with it.
• SAST is more accurate than DAST, but it can be slow and may not find all of the vulnerabilities in your software.
  DAST is fast and easy to use, but it is less accurate than SAST.

Tools for DAST and SAST.

There are many different tools available for both SAST and DAST. Here are a few examples:

You will find Astra’s Pentest to be an excellent tool for dynamic application security testing. It is extremely user-friendly, uses machine learning-powered scanners, and produces fast and accurate reports.

For SAST, some popular tools include Fortify Static Analysis Tool (SAT), Coverity Scan, and HP WebInspect.

For DAST, some popular tools include Burp Suite Pro, OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP), and AppSpiderPro.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, using both SAST and DAST is the best way to ensure that your business is as safe as possible from software vulnerabilities. While there are some pros and cons to both methods, the benefits of using them together far outweigh any disadvantages. So make sure that you include SAST and DAST in your security testing plan!