Digital Security

Application Security Testing: Types and 5 Best Practices

When it comes to security, all things digital are very important in this current world, which is quite fast-paced and very moving. Cyber threats are becoming smarter every day, and such aspects will mean developing better and stronger application security testing tools and practices for the enterprise. Here, this blog will elaborate more on the types of application security testing software and their uses, and at the same time have light on five actionable best practices to reinforce your security strategy.

Types of Application Security Testing

1. Static Application Security Testing (SAST):

SAST tools assess the source code or binaries of application builds at the very beginning of the software development lifecycle for finding vulnerabilities due to insecure coding practices.

2. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST):

DAST tools apply attacks at runtime during testing-session action, checking web applications, and APIs, and control dynamic components to expose security vulnerabilities.

3. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST):

IAST comes with integrated runtime inside your application to yield real-time reviews of code and determine flaws efficiently.

4. Software Composition Analysis (SCA):

SCA tools will look out for security flaws concerning third-party libraries as well as open-source components used in the applications.

5. Cloud Native Security Testing:

Today’s applications are going to be cloud-compliant. Therefore, the tools now also test the containerized environments, Kubernetes configurations, and serverless functions.

5 Major Best Practices for Application Security Testing

1. Shift Left with Early Testing

Include security testing in the DevSecOps pipeline by introducing SAST, DAST, and SCA tools early into the SDLC. This helps in minimizing remediation costs and getting defects prior production.

2. Automate Security Testing

Employ automation in testing so that a broader touch can be achieved by programs. For instance, HCL AppScan carries out vulnerability detection and gives detailed points to act upon saving time and tireless efforts.

3. Continuous Monitoring and Testing

Understand that security tests are not done on time- that they are really continuous. Continuous testing practices need to be implemented to catch those vulnerabilities introduced by updates, changes in integrations, and even changes to threat models.

4. Train Developers on Secure Coding

Cultivate the training for your developers to make them aware of common vulnerabilities such as SQL-injection, XSS but also for example insecure deserialization. Such secure coding practices will root out a plethora of vulnerabilities.

5. Try It First, Free

Judge a piece of application security testing software by utilizing its free trial. For example, HCL AppScan offers an application security free trial for assessing the functionality of the platform before making any commitments.

Why Should You Choose HCL AppScan for Application Security Testing? 

HCL AppScan is the leader in the application security testing market and has: 

-comprehensive SAST, DAST and SCA capabilities, 

-automated driven AI speed and accuracy in detecting vulnerabilities, 

-integration with CI/CD pipelines to facilitate seamless DevSecOps, and 

-customization for reporting to meet the needs of regulation and organization.

Certainly, it is also recommended that appropriate application security testing tools be invested in, along with other relevant practices, to ensure application security. With HCL AppScan, you have access to a very powerful and comprehensive solution that is set to safeguard its applications from evolving threats.

Start your security journey with an HCL AppScan application security free trial today and gain unmatched protection in your application.

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