7 Best Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tools For 2024

Overview

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools are safety tools that scan active applications from an external standpoint, that is, from the perspective of a potential attacker. This approach helps in identifying vulnerable features for a security breach, before malicious attackers can misuse them to their advantage. Further, DAST tools do not require access to the application source code. That is why, they are particularly beneficial in later stages of development and can be used in live production environments.

You can read more on how DAST works along with its benefits and disadvantages and much more in our blog on Dynamic Application Security Testing – DAST Basics

What are DAST Tools?

External scanning: DAST tools test live applications from an external viewpoint. To detect potential weak points, tools interact with the running applications and simulate how a real-life attacker would behave.

Source code independence:  While some other tools inspect the source code to find security related issues, the DAST tools do not access the application source code. These tools assess the applications at runtime without any engagement with the code. Applicable in Production: DAST tools are the most suitable for live production environments as they assess the ongoing security measures without interfering with the application operations.

7 Best DAST Tools

 SNYK

Snyk is a developer security platform that smoothly integrates with your development tools and workflow. The developer-centric tool supports 20+ programming languages, platforms, and packages. It not only scans and analyses your code but also evaluates the open-source dependencies of your application to identify probable weak areas. The insights offered by Snyk help mitigate any severe threats before they cause any harm. By integrating Snyk into your workflow, security becomes an effortless part of your development process, thus allowing you to build useful and secure software confidently.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Scanning:
  • Analyses code in 20+ languages, including JavaScript, Python, and Java.
  • Identifies vulnerabilities in open-source dependencies for a secure supply chain.
  • Ensures containerized applications are free of vulnerabilities before deployment.
• Proactive Security Integration:
  • Integrates seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines for automated vulnerability detection.
  • Embeds within IDEs for real-time security feedback during coding.
  • Offers API access for integration into custom workflows and tools.
• Actionable Insights and Remediation:
  • Prioritises vulnerabilities based on severity and exploitability.
  • Provides clear remediation recommendations for efficient issue resolution.
  • Delivers detailed reports, tracking security posture progress and identifying trends.

Intruder

Intruder stands beyond typical vulnerability scanners, serving as a cloud-based guardian for your attack surface. With continuous network monitoring, automated vulnerability assessments, and proactive threat intelligence, it offers a comprehensive view of your security posture. Intruder facilitates efficient remediation of critical vulnerabilities through an intuitive interface, actionable insights, and transparent guidance. Whether a novice or expert, it empowers users to navigate the complex security landscape, transforming them into digital guardians with unwavering confidence in safeguarding systems and data.

SOOS

SOOS, a rising star in application security, employs a dual approach to fortify software creation. Its software meticulously analyses open-source dependencies, ensuring compliance and generating Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) for transparency. SOOS, the company, advocates proactive security, providing expert guidance in Software Composition Analysis (SCA) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST). This comprehensive strategy enables organizations to establish robust security measures, minimizing vulnerabilities and fostering a culture of security-conscious development throughout the entire lifecycle.

Invicti

Invicti orchestrates a continuous security symphony for web applications, empowering developers and security professionals. Acting as a tireless conductor, its web vulnerability scanner automatically detects diverse vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS. Going beyond identification, Invicti prioritizes flaws based on context and exploitability, offering actionable insights for efficient remediation. Seamless integrations with CI/CD pipelines and development tools allow security to be seamlessly woven into the development process, ensuring a harmonious and secure software concerto.

Acunetix

Struggling with web app security? Acunetix, a powerful DAST tool, scans web applications deep enough to uncover all potential issues. It can identify 7000+ vulnerabilities even in the most complex and dynamic web applications regardless of their back-end technology. The tool fits seamlessly into your workflow as it not only provides a priority list of the risks but also guides you to fix them. No wonder, it is a perfect security option for all skill levels, be it a pro or a newbie. Also, secure all your on-premise and cloud-based web applications equally with Acunetix. Try their free scan to experience the difference yourself. 

Appknox

Appknox dominates mobile application security with an extensive arsenal, featuring automated scans like Static (SAST) and Dynamic (DAST) Application Security Testing. It reveals vulnerabilities such as code flaws, API weaknesses, and data leaks. Appknox goes beyond scanning, offering AI-powered penetration testing and store monitoring for continual threat vigilance. With a user-friendly dashboard and actionable insights, developers can efficiently priorities and remediate vulnerabilities, fortifying their mobile apps. Appknox enables organizations to release secure applications, building trust and safeguarding their mobile empire.

Veracode Dynamic Analysis

Veracode Dynamic Analysis serves as a cyber sleuth for web applications, replicating real-world attacks to unveil hidden vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and XSS. Interacting with applications, it injects malicious data to identify weaknesses, allowing proactive resolution of critical security flaws. With a user-friendly interface and actionable insights, developers can efficiently priorities and remediate vulnerabilities, reinforcing applications against cyber threats. This approach minimizes risk and builds trust by addressing security issues before they escalate into problems.

How DevTools can help you integrate DAST in the best way possible?

Elevate your software security with our cutting-edge DAST integration and support services. Seamlessly integrate automated scans and manual debugging through our DevTools partnership, empowering you to dissect findings with precision. Streamline the workflows, get deeper insights into vulnerabilities, and optimize improvement and fixing efforts. Also, promote collaboration between development and security teams as our expert team ensures a smooth integration. Entrust our team to help you create applications with hack proof security measures and make your offerings safer and reliable for your customers.

Conclusion

At DevTools, we promise to provide excellent software security services. As a holistic approach, we leverage high-end tools like Snyk, Intruder, and StackHawk to strengthen your applications against any security attacks. We promote and prioritise DAST integration to achieve complete vulnerability management while utilising DevTools to connect automated scans and perform manual debugging. Our focus on robust security, expert services, and smooth workflows make us a natural choice as a secure software solution provider. Connect with us today to strengthen your software security and race ahead in your digital journey.