Best Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tool

Dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools are vital when it comes to the security of an application. As technology continues to evolve, so do security threats. In 2025, staying ahead of these threats is more important than ever. Whether you're a developer, a security analyst, or an IT professional, understanding which DAST tools can provide the best protection for your applications can save you valuable time and resources.

Choosing the best DAST tool for your organization can be difficult with more than 130+ options on the market. Buyers should take into account a number of variables, such as coverage, accuracy, usability, integration, and pricing, in order to make an informed choice. This article will discuss the top DAST tools for 2025, their features, and a buyer's guide to assist you in choosing an appropriate solution.

What Are Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tools?

Dynamic application security testing (DAST) is a type of security testing that evaluates the security of an application by examining it from the outside in. It entails testing an application in real-time while assuming a possible attacker will take advantage of security flaws in the system. By simulating actual attack scenarios, DAST technologies give enterprises a non-intrusive way to evaluate the security of their applications.

These instruments can be used to assess an application's susceptibility to various attacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other web-based exploits. DAST tools function by examining an application's inputs and outputs, locating weaknesses in the network architecture, and producing information on how to address these weaknesses.

Benefits Of Using Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tools

DAST solutions provide numerous advantages for organizations seeking to enhance their application security. Here we will see the benefits of utilizing DAST tools and how they contribute to an efficient and robust security testing process.

1. Flexibility

   Flexibility in DAST solutions allows organizations to conduct security testing across multiple environments. These tools can be seamlessly integrated into various stages of the application development lifecycle, including development, staging, and production. By offering this versatility, DAST solutions enable comprehensive testing that covers the entire spectrum of application deployment.

2. Adaptability

   DAST solutions demonstrate adaptability by accommodating diverse applications, frameworks, and technologies. These tools possess the capability to handle a wide range of software components, making them suitable for various scenarios. The adaptability of DAST solutions ensures that organizations can rely on a single tool to assess the security of their entire application landscape, regardless of the technologies or platforms involved.

3. Comprehensive testing

   Comprehensive testing is a significant advantage of DAST solutions. These tools provide an in-depth examination of the entire application by actively scanning its functionality and simulating real-world attack scenarios. By emulating external threats, DAST solutions uncover security weaknesses that may go unnoticed by other testing methods, such as static analysis. With comprehensive testing, organizations can ensure that their applications are thoroughly evaluated and fortified against potential threats.

4. Identification of vulnerabilities

   DAST solutions excel in the real-time identification of vulnerabilities. By scanning applications during runtime, these tools actively search for security flaws. They can detect issues like input validation vulnerabilities, configuration errors, and authentication weaknesses, among others. This minimizes the likelihood of successful attacks and strengthens the overall security posture of their applications.

5. Continuous assessment

   Dynamic application security testing tools support continuous assessment of applications, ensuring that security testing is an ongoing and iterative process. With automated scans and regular testing cycles, organizations can proactively detect and remediate vulnerabilities as they arise. This maintains a proactive defense against potential threats.

6. User behavior simulation

   User behavior simulation is a valuable feature offered by DAST tools. These tools enable organizations to simulate various user interactions and inputs, evaluating how the application responds to different scenarios. By mimicking attack vectors and manipulating user inputs, Dynamic analysis security testing assess the resilience of the application and identify potential vulnerabilities.

7. Cost savings and risk reduction

   Dynamic application security testing (DAST) software brings about cost savings and risk reduction for organizations. By identifying weaknesses in the development process at an early stage, these utilities aid in avoiding potential security violations that might lead to monetary losses and harm to reputation. By automating security testing, firms can attain greater effectiveness, enabling their personnel to concentrate on other essential responsibilities.

Common Features Of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Software

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) software provides a range of features that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of security testing processes. These common features provide establishments with the tools they need to identify vulnerabilities, automate testing, track issues, and enhance the overall security posture of their applications. Let's see them in detail.

1. Test automation

   Test automation is a key feature of DAST software, enabling establishments to automate the scanning and testing of applications for security vulnerabilities. Without the need for manual assistance, DAST tools can automate repetitive processes like crawling around the application, sending queries, and analyzing answers. This capability provides complete and uniform testing across several applications while also saving time and effort.

2. Manual testing

   While test automation is a critical feature, DAST software also allows for manual testing to supplement automated scans. Manual testing provides an opportunity for security testers to delve deeper into the application and perform targeted tests to uncover specific vulnerabilities. Manual testing enables intricate exploration of complex scenarios. The combination of automated scans and manual testing offers a comprehensive approach to security testing, ensuring that both known and unknown vulnerabilities are thoroughly assessed.

3. Reporting and analytics

   Reporting and analytics capabilities are essential features of DAST software that enable organizations to communicate and track their security testing results effectively. DAST tools generate detailed reports that highlight identified vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommended remediation measures. These reports provide actionable insights for developers and security teams, facilitating the prioritization and resolution of security issues.

4. Static code analysis integration

   DAST software often integrates with static code analysis tools, combining the strengths of both approaches to enhance security testing. Static code analysis allows for the early detection of security vulnerabilities by analyzing the source code of an application without its execution. This integration enables organizations to identify vulnerabilities that may not be apparent through purely dynamic testing and ensures a more comprehensive evaluation of the application's security.

5. Extensibility

   The extensibility feature in DAST software allows organizations to customize and extend the capabilities of the tool according to their specific requirements. DAST tools often provide APIs and integration options that enable seamless integration with other security tools and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. This extensibility empowers organizations to tailor their security testing workflows and incorporate DAST within their existing development and deployment processes.

6. Issue tracking

   DAST software empowers organizations to trace penetrations and exploits back to their sources. It facilitates a deeper understanding of the root causes behind security vulnerabilities. Through the analysis of attack paths and identification of exploited entry points, DAST tools assist organizations in effectively mitigating vulnerabilities. This capability enables the identification of potential weaknesses in the application's architecture, code, or configuration.

7. Trace penetrations and exploits to their sources

   DAST software empowers organizations to trace penetrations and exploits back to their sources. It facilitates a deeper understanding of the root causes behind security vulnerabilities. Through the analysis of attack paths and identification of exploited entry points, DAST tools assist organizations in effectively mitigating vulnerabilities. This capability enables the identification of potential weaknesses in the application's architecture, code, or configuration.

8. Authentication and session management

   The authentication of users and the management of their sessions are both essential to the security of applications. These facets are analyzed by the DAST software. It acts as a simulator for authentication processes, evaluating the efficacy of the mechanisms and discovering flaws such as insufficiently strong passwords and ineffective session management.

9. Compliance testing

   Establishments operating in regulated sectors or adhering to specific security protocols must conduct compliance testing as a crucial aspect of their operations. The DAST system offers assistance for compliance testing, which entails evaluating apps against sector-specific norms, suggested practices, and regulatory requirements. These instruments can assess adherence to a range of requirements, including security controls, encryption techniques, data protection laws, and others.

10. Command-line tools

    DAST software commonly incorporates command-line tools, adding flexibility and efficiency to security testing. Security professionals can execute scans, configure parameters, and analyze results using scripts or batch commands through command-line interfaces. This feature enables automation, seamless integration with other tools, and the incorporation of DAST software into existing workflows.

11. Customization

    Customization is a valuable feature offered by DAST software, enabling organizations to tailor the tool to their specific needs and requirements. DAST tools often provide options for configuring scan settings, defining scanning policies, and adjusting vulnerability severity levels to align with the organization's risk tolerance. Customization capabilities allow organizations to fine-tune the tool's behavior, focus on specific areas of concern, and adapt to their unique application landscapes.

Who Uses Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Software?

Dynamic application security testing (DAST) software plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of web applications. Let's explore how DAST software serves the needs of these user groups:

1. Developers

   Developers are responsible for writing and maintaining the code of web applications. The development process can include thorough security testing thanks to DAST software. Developers can find holes and weak points in the application code by including DAST tools in their process. DAST software gives developers insightful feedback that aids in understanding potential security issues and directing them to create more safe code.

2. IT administrators

   IT administrators play a critical role in managing and maintaining the infrastructure that supports web applications. IT managers can evaluate the security status of the apps they are in charge of using DAST software. It enables them to take proactive steps to fortify the security infrastructure, such as putting in place extra security measures or deploying the required patches.

3. Security teams

   In the realm of safeguarding an organization's valuable assets and upholding security standards, the onus lies on security teams. Embracing the utilization of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools emerges as a favorable approach for these teams seeking assistance. Such tools prove instrumental in unearthing vulnerabilities within web applications. This empowers them to establish priorities and address vulnerabilities based on their level of peril, thereby mitigating the overall risk posed to the organization's most critical assets.

4. Network operators

   Tasked with the crucial duty of overseeing and upkeeping the intricate web of network infrastructure that underpins web applications, network operators shoulder immense responsibility. In order to assist them in this endeavor, the utilization of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) software proves invaluable, enabling network operators to pinpoint security frailties lurking within network configurations and infrastructure elements. By initiating comprehensive DAST scans, network operators gain the ability to identify vulnerabilities present in critical network devices such as firewalls, routers, and load balancers.

5. Quality assurance (QA) team

   It is the responsibility of the QA team to ensure the quality and dependability of web applications prior to their deployment. The employment of DAST software by the QA team proves advantageous as it facilitates comprehensive security testing. This enables them to offer constructive feedback to developers and guarantee that the application adheres to security protocols before it is launched.

6. Penetration testers

   Penetration testers, who are also called "ethical hackers," are in charge of figuring out how safe web apps are by trying to break into them. DAST software is a valuable asset for penetration testers as it provides them with a comprehensive view of potential vulnerabilities in the application. This helps organizations proactively fix vulnerabilities before they are exploited, minimizing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.

7. DevOps teams

   DevOps teams are responsible for the integration and delivery of software within an organization. DAST software is a crucial component of the DevOps toolkit, allowing teams to incorporate security testing into their continuous integration and deployment processes. This helps them identify and address security issues early on in the development lifecycle.

Pros And Cons Of Dynamic Application Security Testing

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) offers both advantages and limitations in enhancing application security. Understanding the pros and cons of DAST helps organizations make informed decisions when implementing security testing methodologies.

• Pros Of DAST

DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) offers several advantages that contribute to its effectiveness in identifying vulnerabilities and improving the security of applications. These pros include:

1. Technology independent

   DAST is technology independent, meaning it can be applied to a wide range of applications, regardless of the underlying technology stack or programming language. Whether it's a web application, mobile app, or API, DAST can effectively scan and test for security vulnerabilities, providing organizations with a versatile tool to assess the security of their diverse application landscapes.

2. Fewer false positives

   DAST tools are designed to minimize false positives, reducing the number of erroneous vulnerability findings. By employing sophisticated scanning techniques and focusing on the actual runtime behavior of applications, DAST helps identify genuine security risks while minimizing the noise generated by false alarms. This enables security teams to concentrate their efforts on addressing real vulnerabilities and improving the overall accuracy and efficiency of their remediation efforts.

3. Identifies configuration issues

   DAST excels at detecting configuration-related security issues. It can identify misconfigurations in servers, frameworks, databases, and other components of an application's infrastructure. By pinpointing these configuration weaknesses, DAST allows organizations to rectify potential security gaps that might otherwise be overlooked. This ensures that the application is not only secure at the code level but also properly configured to withstand potential attacks.

4. Language agnostic

   DAST is language agnostic, meaning it can analyze applications written in various programming languages. Whether an application is developed in Java, Python, PHP, or any other language, DAST tools can effectively scan and test for security vulnerabilities. This flexibility allows organizations to assess the security of their applications regardless of the technology choices they have made, ensuring comprehensive coverage across their entire application portfolio.

5. A quick retest of fixed vulnerabilities

   After addressing identified vulnerabilities, DAST enables organizations to quickly retest the fixes to ensure they have been properly implemented and the security gaps have been adequately closed. This feature allows for timely validation of remediation efforts, ensuring that vulnerabilities have been effectively patched and the application's security has been strengthened.

• Cons Of DAST

While Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) offers several benefits, it also has certain limitations and drawbacks that organizations should be aware of. These cons include:

1. Not highly scalable

   One of the challenges of DAST is that it may not be highly scalable, especially when dealing with large and complex applications. DAST tools often require significant computational resources and can be time-consuming when scanning extensive application landscapes. As a result, scalability can become an issue, making it challenging to perform comprehensive security testing on a large scale within limited timeframes.

2. No code visibility

   Unlike other testing methodologies like Static Application Security Testing (SAST), DAST does not provide deep visibility into the application's source code. While it can identify vulnerabilities based on the application's behavior, it may not uncover code-level issues that require detailed code analysis. This lack of code visibility can limit the ability to pinpoint specific lines of code responsible for vulnerabilities, making it more challenging to address underlying coding flaws.

3. Results late in CI/CD pipeline

   DAST is typically performed during the later stages of the software development lifecycle, such as the testing and deployment phases. As a result, security vulnerabilities may only be identified and addressed towards the end of the development process, potentially causing delays and rework. Waiting for DAST results late in the Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline can disrupt the development flow and may require additional iterations to remediate the identified vulnerabilities.

4. Manual testing may be required

   While DAST tools automate a significant portion of the security testing process, there are instances where manual testing becomes necessary. Complex business logic scenarios, edge cases, or application-specific vulnerabilities may require human intervention and expertise to detect. This means that organizations may still need to allocate resources for manual testing alongside DAST to achieve comprehensive coverage and identify more nuanced security issues.

5. Slow scans

   DAST scans can be time-consuming, especially when evaluating large and complex applications. The process involves interacting with the application in real-time, mimicking user behavior, and analyzing responses. This thorough approach, while beneficial for accuracy, can result in slower scan times compared to other automated security testing methods. The longer scan durations can impact productivity, especially when organizations aim to maintain agile development cycles and deliver applications promptly.

Steps For Implementation Of Dynamic Application Security Testing (Dast) Tool

Implementing a dynamic application security testing (DAST) tool involves a series of strategic steps to ensure effective security testing of applications. These steps aim to align the tool with organizational goals and integrate it seamlessly into the development process.

1. Discuss your user needs

   The first step in implementing a DAST tool is to sit down with the users who will be involved in the security testing process. Recognize your customers' needs, goals, and expectations. Gather information on the specific security threats and concerns and talk about the size of the application landscape that needs to be evaluated. The installation of the DAST tool will be in line with the organization's security objectives. It will take into account the particular needs of the application ecosystem thanks to this collaborative approach.

2. Automate interactions

   To effectively utilize a DAST tool, it is crucial to automate interactions with the application being tested. This involves creating scripts or leveraging automation frameworks that simulate user behavior, such as login, form submission, navigation, and data input. By automating interactions, organizations can ensure consistent and repeatable testing scenarios, enabling comprehensive security testing across various application states and user workflows.

3. Adding test scripts to CI/CD

   Integrating the DAST tool into the Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline is a vital step for seamless security testing. By incorporating test scripts into the CI/CD process, security scans can be triggered automatically as part of the build and deployment stages.

4. Addition of regression tests to the testing suite

   As the DAST tool identifies vulnerabilities and security issues, it is essential to add these tests to the organization's existing testing suite as regression tests. These tests should be executed regularly. It is to ensure that previously identified vulnerabilities remain remediated. Also, no new vulnerabilities are introduced during subsequent code changes or deployments.

Common Tips For Using Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tools

Implementing effective security testing with a Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tool requires careful consideration and adherence to best practices. These tips help organizations maximize the benefits of DAST in securing their applications.

1. Use DAST early and often for the best results

   In order to maximize the benefits of a DAST tool, it is crucial to incorporate it early in the software development lifecycle. By conducting security testing with DAST from the initial stages of application development, vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed promptly, reducing the overall risk exposure.

   Additionally, regular and frequent use of the DAST tool throughout the development process allows for continuous security assessment, enabling proactive vulnerability management and ensuring that potential security issues are addressed before they become more significant and costly.

2. Enable effective collaboration with DevOps

   Successful utilization of a DAST tool requires effective collaboration between security teams and DevOps. Establishing clear lines of communication and integrating security testing into the DevOps workflow ensures that security becomes an integral portion of the development process.

   By involving both security and development teams, potential security vulnerabilities can be identified early on, and remediation efforts can be aligned with the development cycle. Collaboration also facilitates the sharing of knowledge, best practices, and the incorporation of security requirements into the application development and deployment processes.

3. Follow a comprehensive approach to web application

   Although DAST technologies are useful for locating vulnerabilities in online applications, they work best when integrated into a thorough strategy for web application security. To create a comprehensive security assessment, DAST should be used with other testing approaches like Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and manual security assessments.

   Each testing method brings its own unique benefits and insights, and by combining them, organizations can uncover a wider range of vulnerabilities and strengthen their overall security posture.

Considerations While Selecting Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tools

Selecting the right Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tool requires careful consideration of various factors. Let's learn each of them in detail:

1. Understand your web application and environment

   Before selecting a DAST tool, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of your web application and its environment. Evaluate the complexity and intricacies of your application, including its technology stack, architecture, and any unique components such as web frameworks, APIs, mobile applications, or cloud environments.

2. Know your business needs

   It is vital to precisely identify both your needs and your goals in order to choose the DAST solution that will best meet your requirements. Take into mind not only the acceptable level of competence for the security testing but also the breadth of the testing. Also, don't forget the security goals of your establishment. Establish the testing requirements while keeping in mind the specific compliance standards that have to be attained.

3. Ensure compatibility

   Ensuring compatibility with your existing technology stack is a critical consideration when selecting a DAST tool. Verify that the tool supports the programming languages, frameworks, platforms, and databases used in your web application. Assess whether it integrates seamlessly with your development and testing environments, including your IDEs, build systems, and version control systems.

4. Assess coverage capabilities

   When evaluating DAST tools, it is important to assess their coverage capabilities. Look for tools that offer comprehensive scanning and testing for common vulnerabilities, such as injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and others. Consider whether the tool provides coverage for both front-end and back-end components of your application, as well as APIs and mobile applications.

5. Evaluate licensing options

   Consider the licensing options available for the DAST tool. Assess whether a commercial license or an open-source solution best fits your organization's needs and budget. Understand the limitations and perks associated with each licensing model. Evaluate factors such as ongoing maintenance and support services provided by the vendor or the open-source community.

6. SDLC integration

   Integration with your Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is crucial for efficient and effective security testing. Look for DAST tools that seamlessly integrate with your existing development and testing processes. Consider features such as integration with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and support for automation.

7. Evaluate the scalability

   Evaluate the scalability of the DAST tool to ensure it can meet your organization's future needs. Consider its performance when testing large-scale applications or when multiple applications need to be tested concurrently. Assess the tool's ability to handle the increased workload and its capacity to scale as your application portfolio expands.

8. Level of support and community

   When selecting a DAST tool, it is important to evaluate the level of support and community engagement associated with it. Consider factors such as vendor support, access to documentation, training resources, and the availability of a user community or online forums for knowledge sharing.

Top 5 Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tools: Comparison

We curated a collection of the top 5 Dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools. These powerful solutions provide thorough vulnerability assessments for web applications. Explore our expert recommendations to discover the leading DAST tools that enable establishments to identify and address security risks effectively, ensuring robust application security.

1. Acunetix

Acunetix, developed by Acunetix Ltd, is a web application security software designed to help safeguard web applications and websites against various security vulnerabilities. Its primary objective is to identify hazards like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other comparable problems. Security consultants, IT managers, website owners, and security experts all make heavy use of Acunetix.

This is done to properly identify and handle any potential security vulnerabilities. It provides a wide range of features like auditing, reporting, compliance checking, and more through both cloud-based and on-premise solutions. Additionally, Acunetix creates thorough reports identifying potential risks and offering suggestions for remedy.

Features

• Advanced web application security scanner
• Integration with DevOps and issue-tracking tools
• Cloud-based architecture
• Software composition analysis
• Comprehensive reporting
• Network scanning

Pros

• Acunetix detects 7,000+ web vulnerabilities with its advanced web app scanner
• It has an intuitive interface for easy navigation and comprehensive security assessments
• It provides a holistic view of vulnerabilities with combined DAST and IAST scan results
• Its SCA feature scrutinizes open-source components to mitigate risks from third-party libraries
• It integrates with CI/CD pipelines and issue-tracking tools for streamlined security processes
• Its flexible API allows for smooth integration with other systems and customization
• It has a 99% customer satisfaction rate and exceptional customer support

Cons

• Acunetix's features may be challenging for new users, making it a steep learning curve
• Acunetix requires significant computing resources, which may impact system performance

Pricing

• Custom Pricing.

2. Astra Pentest

Astra Pentest is a powerful solution developed by the Astra company. This software is specifically designed to enhance the security of web applications. By conducting comprehensive penetration testing, Astra's software assists in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities within web applications.

Also, ensures robust protection against potential attacks. The primary goal of Astra's web application security software is to provide web application owners, developers, and security professionals with the necessary tools to identify and mitigate security risks effectively.

Features

• Vulnerability scanner
• Reporting & dashboard
• Manual pentest
• Interactive application security testing
• Certificate
• Integrations

Pros

• It automates security testing without manual intervention
• Clear reports outline vulnerabilities found and steps for remediation
• Immediate alerts for new vulnerabilities or security issues
• Tailor scans to focus on critical areas of your website
• Seamlessly integrates with DevOps and issue-tracking systems for streamlined security in the development

Cons

• Requires time and effort to understand and effectively use all features
• It has limitations with certain technologies, frameworks, or environments, affecting vulnerability detection

Pricing

• Scanner- $1,999 per year
• Pentest- $4,999 per year
• Enterprise- $6,999 per year

3. Veracode

Veracode's Dynamic Analysis (DAST) software is a cutting-edge solution designed to secure your web applications. This state-of-the-art answer has the capability to identify weaknesses instantly, guaranteeing the ongoing safety of your applications against any potential cyber threats.

By prioritizing user experience, DAST enables enterprises to establish credibility with their clients and safeguard their brand reputation. By employing a data-oriented approach, their technique ensures continuous surveillance and practical feedback. Hence facilitating prompt adaptation to changing security patterns.

Features

• Powerful scan engine
• Combined crawl & audit
• Web app & API scanning
• Granular scan control
• Pre-production scanning
• Reporting & automated ticketing

Pros

• Veracode's DAST excels in comprehensive vulnerability detection for thorough security assessments
• It offers a scalable and flexible architecture, accommodating different application sizes and complexities
• Detailed reports provide a clear overview of identified vulnerabilities and recommended mitigation steps
• Seamless integration with the development workflow enables proactive vulnerability mitigation
• Excellent customer support and additional resources assist users in maximizing the benefits

Cons

• The learning curve associated with utilizing all features of Veracode's DAST solution
• Possibility of false positives, requiring additional time and effort for verification

Pricing

• Custom pricing.

4. GitLab

GitLab is a software development company that provides a complete DevOps platform for building, testing, and deploying software. It provides an extensive array of software tools and services encompassing source code management, continuous integration and deployment, monitoring, security, and more. It aims to foster collaboration and enhance productivity among teams.

Notably, this company operates in a fully remote manner, with employees situated globally, setting it apart from others. This unique characteristic enables them to create a flexible and inclusive work environment that attracts professionals from diverse backgrounds. GitLab, the company in question, is dedicated to pushing the limits of software development and deployment, and numerous businesses worldwide depend on its inventive platform.

Features

• Dynamic application security testing
• Security dashboards
• Vulnerability management
• Dependency scanning
• Container scanning
• Static application security testing
• Multi-level epics

Pros

• Comprehensive DevOps platform with source code management, CI/CD, monitoring, and security
• Remote collaboration appeals to professionals worldwide
• Continuous innovation and evolution of the platform
• Native integrations with CI/CD and issue tracking tools for seamless workflow integration
• Reliable customer support for assistance and resources

Cons

• The learning curve for GitLab's comprehensive platform
• Complexity in customizing the platform

Pricing

• Free
• Premium- $29 per user per month
• Ultimate- $99 per user per month

5. Detectify

Detectify is a cybersecurity company that provides automated web application security testing as a service. Their product enables businesses to monitor their security posture and discover important vulnerabilities. Utilizing sophisticated custom exploits as well as popular content management system exploits, Detectify continuously scans online apps for vulnerabilities.

The establishment also provides a number of extra services, such as web API security testing and vulnerability disclosure programs. Detectify, a web application security solution company with headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, was founded in 2013 and is regarded as a market leader by some of the world's most security-conscious companies.

Features

• Dashboard & reporting
• Alerting
• Vulnerability assessment
• Security auditing
• Performance
• Issue tracking
• Detection rate

Pros

• Continuous 24/7 coverage provides daily insights on every exposed asset in your tech stack
• Unique crawling and fuzzing engine surpasses traditional DAST scanners
• Ability to monitor large enterprise products and protect sensitive data from hackers
• Accurate results save time, with 99.7% accuracy in vulnerability assessments through payload-based testing
• Exclusive features include SSO, API access, bypass/automatic domain verification, custom modules, and customizable attack surface policies
• Proactively identify risks by enriching assets with critical information like open ports, DNS record types, and technologies

Cons

• The learning curve is steep to use all of this solution's features
• Potential for false positives, which would require more time and work to confirm

Pricing

• Custom pricing.

Software That Integrates With the Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tool

Various software integrates with DAST tools, enhancing security testing by detecting vulnerabilities in real-time during application runtime. Also, it helps organizations proactively address potential cyber threats and safeguard their applications. Let's look at the following software in detail:

1. Static code analysis software

   Static code analysis software is a valuable tool for developers and security professionals alike. It can find weaknesses and flaws in the codebase by looking at the source code without running it. It helps find problems like coding mistakes, unsafe ways of writing code, and possible security holes.

2. Static application security testing (SAST) software

   Static application security testing (SAST) software plays a critical role in ensuring the security of software applications. It analyzes the source code and identifies security weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and coding errors. Unlike Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools, which test applications during runtime, SAST tools focus on examining the code itself.

3. Vulnerability scanners

   Vulnerability scanners are essential tools for organizations aiming to maintain a secure software environment. These scanners actively search for known vulnerabilities in applications, networks, and systems. By identifying weaknesses in software components, configurations, or network infrastructure, vulnerability scanners help prevent potential attacks and data breaches.

Challenges Of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tools

Dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools are essential for identifying vulnerabilities in web applications, but they come with their own set of challenges. Let's see them in detail:

1. Limited coverage

   When it comes to the realm of dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools, there exist a number of challenges that security teams and network operators must navigate. One such challenge is the limited coverage provided by these tools. DAST tools serve as valuable assets in identifying security weaknesses within web applications.

   However, their effectiveness relies on their ability to comprehensively scan and assess the entire application landscape. However, due to the ever-evolving nature of web applications and their complex architectures, DAST tools may struggle to provide extensive coverage, leaving certain areas untested and potentially vulnerable to attacks.

2. Lack of context

   Another challenge that arises with DAST tools is the lack of context they often encounter. In their quest to identify security holes, DAST tools rely heavily on automated scanning techniques. This approach enables a thorough analysis of application vulnerabilities.

   However, it may fall short of providing a deeper understanding of the application's specific context. Without context, the generated findings from DAST tools can be overwhelming for security teams, leading to difficulties in prioritizing and addressing the identified issues effectively.

3. Late-stage issues

   One of the significant challenges of relying solely on DAST tools for security testing is the tendency to uncover vulnerabilities in the late stages of the development cycle. DAST tools typically operate by scanning the running application, meaning they are deployed after the application is built and deployed in a production environment.

   This delayed approach to security testing can result in the identification of critical issues when they are more expensive and time-consuming to fix. Ideally, security testing should be integrated early in the development process to proactively address vulnerabilities and minimize the risk of late-stage discoveries.

4. Limited support for new technologies

   As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the challenge of keeping up with new developments poses a hurdle for DAST tools. Emerging technologies and frameworks often introduce unique security considerations and require specialized testing approaches. However, DAST tools may lag behind in terms of supporting new technologies.

   This can leave security teams grappling with limited testing capabilities. To ensure comprehensive security coverage, it becomes crucial for DAST tool developers to stay abreast of the latest technological trends and continuously enhance their tools to cater to evolving application landscapes.

5. Testing capabilities

   While DAST tools excel in identifying vulnerabilities within web applications, they may exhibit limitations when it comes to certain testing scenarios. For instance, DAST tools primarily focus on the application's external interfaces and may not delve deep into the underlying code or business logic.

   This limitation restricts their ability to detect certain types of vulnerabilities that reside within the application's internal structure. To address this challenge, organizations often employ a combination of testing techniques, such as static analysis and penetration testing, alongside DAST tools to ensure comprehensive coverage and mitigate the risk of undiscovered vulnerabilities.

How Much Does Dynamic Application Security Testing (Dast) Software Cost?

DAST software costs between $50 and more than $400 a month, depending on the user. Other pricing models take into account how big the company is and how many apps are being tested. Some DAST tools let you try them out for free, while others let you set your own price based on your needs. Researching and comparing DAST tools can help an organization find the right one for its budget and security testing needs.

Conclusion

In the quest for the best Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tool, thorough research and user feedback have identified several outstanding options. Each of the top contenders offers unique strengths to meet diverse security needs.

Acunetix impresses with its comprehensive scanning capabilities, while Astra Pentest stands out for its user-friendly interface. Veracode shines with accurate and actionable results, GitLab excels in seamless integration, and Detectify offers a vast library of security checks.

Ultimately, the choice depends on specific requirements and priorities. Organizations should consider factors like scanning efficiency, reporting capabilities, ease of use, and support to select the ideal DAST tool that strengthens their application security.