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Types of Application Security Testing Tools: When and How to Use Them

The pillar on which the entire structure of information technology rests is none other than application security. The ever-increasing number of cyber attacks on all the growing and increasing vulnerabilities in applications requires very strong security. But even with all those threats, organizations must set up application security testing tools to ensure they are one step ahead in the threats. Here are seven types of such tools that every organization should consider using and additional tips on when to execute them and how to do it. 

1. Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

What It Is: SAST tools scan source code, binaries, or bytecode to detect vulnerabilities at the development time. 

When to Use: Early during the SDLC before deployement apply SAST tools so that some issues may be discovered ahead of time, particularly useful in catching code-level issues like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), buffer overflows. 

How to Use: SAST tools for continuous scan can be combined with CI/CD pipeline usage. Some solutions like HCL AppScan are covering almost all SAST features and streamline the processes of vulnerability identification and remediation.

2. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) 

What It Is: DAST tools simulate attacks on running applications to detect vulnerabilities in real time. 

When to Use: DAST tools are useful during testing stages or after deployment to identify other problems such as misconfigurations, authentication weaknesses, and ambush runtime vulnerabilities.

How to Use: Run DAST scans on staging or production environments without access to the source code. The tools excel in identifying issues visible only during runtime, complementing SAST tools.

3. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)

What It Is: IAST combines SAST and DAST techniques by embedding sensors in the application to analyze its behavior during runtime.

When to Use: Ideal for organizations looking for an integrated approach, IAST tools are effective during late-stage testing to gain deeper insights into both code and runtime vulnerabilities.

How to Use: Deploy IAST tools in your QA environment to capture real-time data about application behavior and interactions. These tools provide actionable insights for developers and testers alike.

4. Software Composition Analysis (SCA)

What It Is: SCA tools analyze third-party and open-source components within your application for known vulnerabilities and license compliance issues.

When to Use: Incorporate SCA tools during development and testing phases, especially if your application relies heavily on open-source libraries.

How to Use: Automate SCA scans to identify outdated or vulnerable dependencies. With tools like HCL AppScan, you can monitor your application’s software supply chain for security risks effectively.

5. Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)

What It Is: RASP tools monitor and protect applications in real-time by intercepting and analyzing incoming traffic and application behavior.

When to Use: Deploy RASP tools in production environments to defend against active threats and provide adaptive protection.

How to Use: Integrate RASP with your application to detect and block suspicious activities such as SQL injection attacks and privilege escalations without requiring code changes.

6. Penetration Testing Tools

What It Is: Penetration testing (pen testing) tools simulate targeted attacks to identify exploitable vulnerabilities.

When to Use: Perform pen tests periodically or after significant application updates to evaluate your application’s security posture.

How to Use: Use pen testing tools in conjunction with manual testing for comprehensive coverage. These tools help validate findings from other testing methods and uncover complex attack vectors.

7. Cloud-Native Security Tools

What It Is: This is an application security solution that protects applications running in cloud environments, specifically for cloud-native architectures.

When to Use: Be used throughout the application life cycle on cloud platforms in cloud-native security tools; in particular, when utilizing containerized and microservices-based architectures.

How to Use: Leverage tools that integrate with your cloud provider’s ecosystem to scan for vulnerabilities, enforce compliance, and monitor runtime security. Solutions like HCL AppScan offer capabilities tailored for modern cloud environments.

Conclusion

To protect your applications from diverse cyber-attacks of the modern age choosing the right set of application security testing tools for specific needs is crucial. By knowing when and how to use application security testing and cloud-native tools, you can create a strong and full security framework that complements your business needs. Check out the capabilities of HCL AppScan and ascertain how best to utilize these to strengthen your application security strategy and safeguard your digital assets more effectively.

IEMA IEMLabs
IEMA IEMLabshttps://iemlabs.com
IEMLabs is an ISO 27001:2013 and ISO 9001:2015 certified company, we are also a proud member of EC Council, NASSCOM, Data Security Council of India (DSCI), Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The company was established in 2016 with a vision in mind to provide Cyber Security to the digital world and make them Hack Proof. The question is why are we suddenly talking about Cyber Security and all this stuff? With the development of technology, more and more companies are shifting their business to Digital World which is resulting in the increase in Cyber Crimes.
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