This article aims to tell you all about the top 10 dynamic applications security testing tools. Before we get into the specifics of dynamic application security testing, it’s important to understand what it is. This article takes care of this and more. So start reading to discover all you need to know for a successful DAST!
Table of Contents
What is Dynamic Application Security Testing?
DAST is a method for detecting problems with online applications during the development and testing stages. It’s a type of black-box testing in which the tester has no awareness of the application’s inner workings. This makes finding possible vulnerabilities more difficult. However, DAST tools can be very effective at finding vulnerabilities that static analysis might miss.
Features of Dynamic Application Security Testing
There are many features that make DAST an attractive option for organizations looking to test their web applications. Here they are:
- Easier to use than static analysis tools – Static analysis can be difficult for developers to learn and use, whereas DAST tools are designed to be easy to use. This makes it more likely that developers will actually use the tool, and find more vulnerabilities as a result.
- They can also be used to find more subtle issues, such as information leakage and insecure direct object references.
DAST tools are frequently used in conjunction with static analysis tools, as they work well together. Static analysis can identify some types of vulnerabilities, but not all. Dynamic testing is needed to fill in the gaps.
Pros and Cons of Dynamic Application Security Testing
There are both pros and cons to using dynamic application security testing. Here are some of the most important ones:
Pros:
-Can find vulnerabilities that static analysis might miss
-No need for access to source code
– Easy to use
Cons:
-Difficult to identify false positives
-May miss some types of vulnerabilities
Top 10 Dynamic Application Security Testing Tools With Explanation
Now that you know all about dynamic application security testing, it’s time to take a look at the top tools in this space. Here are the ten best DAST tools, according to our experts:
- Astra’s Pentest is a commercial penetration testing tool that is designed to find vulnerabilities, faults, and loopholes in web applications, systems, and networks. Astra’s Pentest is simple to use and may be used to discover a variety of flaws.
- The Burp Suite is a web application security scanner that can find SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and session hijacking flaws. Burp Suite is simple to use, and it’s frequently used together with static analysis tools.
- Foobar is a web application security checker that looks for flaws in online applications. It can discover SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and session hijacking bugs. Foobar is simple to use and may be used to discover a variety of vulnerabilities.
- AppScan is a web application security scanner that may discover a variety of issues, such as SQL injection, and session hijacking. It’s easy and is frequently used.
- Mathias Bynens of code review fame developed WebInspect.This is a web application security scanner that can find a number of flaws, such as SQL injection, session hacking and more.
- Netsparker is a security scanner that may be used to discover a variety of flaws, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and session takeover.
- Arachni is a web application security scanner that can discover a wide range of issues. Arachni is simple to use.
- Wapiti is a web application security scanner that you can use on your own without the assistance of an IT professional. Wapiti is simple to operate and is frequently used in tandem with static analysis tools.
- Skipfish is a web application security scanner that is designed to be easy to use. SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and session hijacking are just a few of the issues that Skipfish can discover.
- ZED Attack Proxy (ZAP) is a web application security scanner that is supposed to be simple to use. ZAP can identify both SQL injection and cross-site scripting, which are two types of flaws that it may find.
As you can see, there are a variety of dynamic application security testing tools available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The finest tool for you will be determined by your demands. Do some research and try out a few different ones to see which one works best for you.
Alternatives to Dynamic Application Security Testing
If you’re not sure whether DAST is the right approach for you, there are a few other options to consider. The alternatives to DAST are:
– Static Application Security Testing (SAST): It is a type of security testing that is performed on source code. SAST is a time-consuming and expensive process, but it can be very effective.
– Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST): IAST is a type of security testing that combines static and dynamic testing.
– Pen testing: Penetration testing, also known as pentesting, is a form of network security testing that focuses on identifying flaws in systems and networks.
Conclusion
So this article has told you all about DAST its features, pros, and cons, and most importantly, the top 10 dynamic application testing tools! But besides this, for a more unbiased look, other alternatives besides dynamic application security testing have also been stated. I hope that this post was useful to you.
Also Read: Dynamic Application Security Testing : The Basics