Application security testing tools are used to find vulnerabilities in software applications quickly and effectively. No matter how far technology evolves, there will be those who will try to hack into the applications. This is where application security testing/application penetration testing is done with the help of tools.

84% of cyber-attacks happen on the application layer. Since most organizations use and develop software applications, its security should be the biggest priority. And what better way to secure applications than by performing security testing?

With a wide range of application security testing tools available, it can be confusing for developers, testers, and IT leaders to know which tool addresses which issues. This blog is going to simplify this concern and also provide the different types and the right ways to choose a tool.

What is Application Security Testing?

Application security testing (AST) is the process of identifying security vulnerabilities in software applications to make them strong against cyber threats. It is a proven way that help applications be more resilient against cyberattacks.

Application Security Testing is done for:

• Web applications
• Mobile applications
• Cloud applications

Earlier, security testing was mostly manual, but with the advancement of technology, certain tools have emerged that have made the testing process quick. The best form of application security testing is penetration testing, which uses both manual skills and automated scanning tools.

2 Major Types of Application Security Testing:

1. Static Application Security Testing (SAST): It involves examining the source code, bytecode, or binary code of an app for vulnerabilities, without executing the application.
2. DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing): It is a method of evaluating the security of an application in its running phase, without the knowledge of its internal code or structure, by simulating real-world attack scenarios.

What are Application Security Testing Tools?

Application security testing tools are specialized tools designed to identify security flaws and vulnerabilities in software applications. These tools ensure the data and resources present in the applications are protected from attackers.

Whether it’s web applications, mobile applications, or cloud applications, security testing tools’ main goal is to find conceivable flaws that could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and reputational damage.

Importance of Application Security Testing Tools

AST tools are important assets in ensuring the working and reliability of software applications. Here are 7 benefits of using application security testing tools:

1. Detect Vulnerabilities Early

By integrating, AST tools identify security flaws early in the development process. Therefore, it allows developers to fix the issues before the application is released and becomes a major problem. This early detection of vulnerabilities reduces the cost and resources needed to address them as compared to fixing them after the application is deployed.

2. Prevent Cyber Attacks

By identifying potential threats such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS), AST tools help protect applications from being exploited. As a result, this helps prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyberattacks that could harm the applications and their users.

3. Comply with Industry Standards

Many industry standards and government policies have mandated security testing to protect user data. For example, GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, etc. Not complying with these standards can result in legal issues, fines, and penalties. AST tools help ensure applications meet these standards by identifying potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, meeting these standards also boosts the organization’s credibility and trustworthiness.

4. Enhance Application Security

By regularly testing and identifying vulnerabilities, AST tools help strengthen the overall security of applications. Applications with updated security build user trust, as they feel safe while storing their details and continue to use them securely.

5. Continuous Monitoring

Cyber threats are always changing and getting more powerful. Application security testing tools provide ongoing security assessments even after an application is released to the market. This continuous monitoring helps identify and address new emerging threats and ensures the applications remain safe over time.

Also Read: Everything About Application Security Testing

6. It is Cost-Effective

Finding and addressing security vulnerabilities through application security testing tools requires less investment. Additionally, AST tools prevent security breaches, which reduces the financial impact associated with data loss, downtime, and reputational damage.

7. Better Development Practices

Constantly using AST tools encourages developers to follow secure coding practices by integrating them into the software development lifecycle (SDLC). This integration creates a culture of security awareness, making security a priority in each stage of the development process.

Types of Application Security Testing Tools

Application security testing (AST) tools come in various types, each having a specific purpose. Here are the main types:

1. Static Application Security Testing (SAST) Tools

SAST tools analyze the application’s source code, bytecode, or binary code for vulnerabilities without executing the code. They examine the code’s structure, syntax, and logic to identify potential security issues such as insecure coding practices, hard-coded secrets, and compliance issues.

• Usage: Detects security issues early in the development process.

2. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tools

DAST tools test the application while it is running to identify vulnerabilities that occur after the application is deployed. They simulate real-world attacks on a live application to detect security issues such as injection flaws, authentication and authorization problems, and insecure configurations. They do not require access to the source code.

• Usage: Simulated real-world attacks to find security vulnerabilities and runtime issues.

3. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) Tools

They combine features of both SAST and DAST tools by analyzing the application in real-time execution. IAST tools provide detailed insights into the application’s security posture by connecting runtime data with static analysis. As a result, this offers a comprehensive view of security issues in the application.

• Usage: Provides detailed insights into vulnerabilities by monitoring the application in real-world conditions.

4. Software Composition Analysis (SCA) Tools

SCA tools identify vulnerabilities in the open-source and third-party components used in the application. They scan for outdated or insecure libraries and frameworks and check for compliance. SCA tools provide alerts and recommendations for updates or patches.

• Usage: Ensures the third-party components integrated into the applications are secure.

5. Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) Tools

RASP tools monitor and protect software applications in real-time from within the application itself. They alter the execution flow of the application to prevent exploitation of the threats. As a result, it helps provide an immediate response to emerging threats and enhances the application’s resilience to attacks.

• Usage: Provides immediate responses to identified threats while the application is running.

6. Database Security Scanning Tools

Database security scanning tools identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in database configurations, schemas, and query logs. They check for security issues such as weak passwords, unpatched database software, and excessive privileges. Additionally, they also help comply with respective industry regulations.

• Usage: Ensures the databases are secure and compliant with industry standards.

Curious to see what a real application security testing report looks like? Tap the link below and download one for you!