What Is Application Security Testing ?
Application security testing means finding and fixing weaknesses in apps to protect them from cyber attacks. This process uses different tools and methods to check the code, cloud settings, container setups, and any outside code the app uses during development.
Attackers often target applications because they are the main way to access business operations and sensitive data. By testing application security, organizations can prevent breaches and make their apps safer and more reliable.
Why Application Security Testing Matters ?
An application is made up of custom code, third-party libraries, system settings, and the environment where it runs. If any of these parts are not tested, they could create security risks.
Key benefit of Application security testing :
- Lower risk of breaches by finding vulnerabilities before attackers
- Reduced cost compared to fixing flaws when the application is already in production
- Compliance with regulation and industry standard
- Stronger trust with customers and partners
Types of Application Security Testing
You can use a different approach for each stage of development :
1. Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
SAST (Static Application Security Testing) analyzes the application source code (original code written by programmers) without running the program. It detects coding flaws such as validation errors or insecure cryptography (methods to protect information).
Example : SAST scan might find a developer who uses MD5 for password hashing instead of a secure algorithm like bcrypt
When to use : During development, before code is merged
2. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
DAST checks an app’s security while it is running. It acts like a real attacker, interacting with the app to find weaknesses, without needing to see the source code.
Example : A DAST might find a vulnerability in a login form which have the possibility of getting SQL injection
When to use : In staging or QA development. before deployment
3. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)
IAST works from inside the app being tested. It gives feedback by watching how the app responds to test requests and how data moves within the app.
Example: While a QA tester clicks through the app, IAST might give a flag that the user input is reaching the database without validation
When to use : during functional testing
4. Software Composition Analysis (SCA)
Modern apps also use third-party libraries in their application; SCA addresses vulnerabilities and license risk in the libraries used by application.
Example : when you use log4j, an SCA will flag it when new vulnerabilities are discovered
When to use : Along with the development lifecycle and in production. since new vulnerabilities keep appearing over time.
5. Penetration Testing
Penetration testing (pen testing) is done by a security expert, simulating a real-world attack to find complex vulnerabilities such as logic, privilege escalation, etc. The goal is to find vulnerabilities that might be missed by automated testing.
Example : A penetration tester exploits weak session handling to hijack another user’s account
When to use : Periodically, after a major update, to complement automated testing.
All together combined will multilayer defense for your application. SAST catches vulnerabilities in code, DAST checks the app with real attacker simulation, SCA protects against risky dependencies, and penetration testing uncovers hidden vulnerabilities that security automation might miss