When it comes to protecting your business’ online assets, you have a few different options when it comes to security testing. You can do a static application security test or a dynamic application security test.
There’s a lot of debate in the security world as to which application security testing (AST) method is better: static or dynamic. So, what’s the difference? Both have their own benefits and drawbacks- so how do you know which one is right for your organization?
In this lesson, we’ll look at the distinctions between static and dynamic AST and the procedures used in both types of testing. We’ll help you decide which type of AST is best for your business!
What Is Static Application Security Testing?
The goal of static application security testing (SAST) is to check your code for possible flaws. This is done before the code is ever put into production.
During a SAST, a tester will look at your source code and static files to find any flaws that could be exploited by hackers. Testers will also check for coding errors and compliance issues.
Because the analysis takes place before the code goes live, SAST can help you catch vulnerabilities early in the development cycle- which can save you time and money down the road.
Static application security testing usually involves:
- Code scanning
- Manual review
Pros And Cons Of SAST
Pros:
- Can catch vulnerabilities early in the development cycle
- Good for large, complex codebases
- Consistent with coding standards
Cons:
- Can’t test live applications
- May not find all vulnerabilities
Steps For SAST
Here are the steps involved in static application security testing:
- Code scanning- tester will scan your source code and static files for vulnerabilities
- Manual review- tester will manually review the code to look for coding errors and compliance issues
- Analysis- tester will analyze the code to find potential vulnerabilities
- Compliance checking- tester will check for compliance issues with industry standards
What Is Dynamic Application Security Testing?
Live applications are subjected to dynamic application security testing (DAST). Testers will actually test the application for vulnerabilities while it’s running.
DAST is a hands-on method of security testing that can be used to detect both known and unknown vulnerabilities.
One of the benefits of DAST is that testers can see how an application reacts under load. This can help you identify bottlenecks and potential performance issues.
Dynamic application security testing usually involves:
- Online penetration testing
- Vulnerability scanning
- Application monitoring
Pros And Cons Of DAST
Pros:
- Finds both known and unknown vulnerabilities
- Can test live applications under load
Cons:
- More expensive than SAST
- May cause application instability or crashes
Steps For DAST
- Here are the steps involved in dynamic application security testing:
- Penetration testing aka Pentest– tester will attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the application
- Vulnerability scanning- tester will scan the application for known and unknown vulnerabilities
- Application monitoring- tester will monitor the application for changes that could indicate a vulnerability has been exploited
- Reporting- tester will generate a report detailing the findings of the test
Which Method Is Better?
So, which method is better? The answer isn’t black and white- it depends on your specific needs. Here are some things to consider when deciding between static and dynamic AST:
- The size and complexity of your codebase
- Your development schedule
- Your security needs
- The budget for application security testing
If you have a large, complex codebase, SAST may be a better option. If time is tight and you need to find vulnerabilities as quickly as possible, DAST may be the better choice. And if your organization is concerned about potential attacks, then both static and dynamic AST is necessary.
Regardless of the type of AST you pick, maintaining security is an ongoing endeavor. You must constantly test your applications to ensure that they are secure from hackers.
Differences- SAST vs DAST
So, what’s the difference between static and dynamic AST? Static application security testing is done on source code before it enters production, whereas dynamic application security testing is performed on live applications. Static AST usually involves code scanning, manual review, and compliance checking, while dynamic AST involves penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and application monitoring.
Conclusion
This article talks in detail about the basics of Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) in detail. It also mentions the pros and cons of doing these tests along with the processes that are part of it.
It tries to draw a comparison between the two to see which method is the best, however, it is important to note that both methods are equally relevant and can be applied in tandem.
It has its pros and cons, so it’s important to decide which one will work best for your organization. No matter what type of AST you choose, remember that security is an ongoing process that requires continual vigilance. Thanks for reading!
