Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tests an application while it is running, from the outside, the way an attacker would see it. It is a black-box method, so the scanner does not need the source code. Where SAST reads the code, a DAST solution sends crafted requests to your web applications and APIs and watches how they respond. It looks for weaknesses such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), broken authentication and server misconfiguration. Because it sees how the application really behaves, it can find runtime and logic problems that static code analysis misses. Scans can run regularly against staging or production, and each finding comes with details your developers can use to fix it.
Running DAST lowers the chance that an attacker finds an exploitable flaw before you do. Its reports also help when you need to show testing against references such as the OWASP Top 10, or meet PCI DSS and GDPR expectations for systems that handle card or personal data. For a business with web-facing applications, building DAST into the software development lifecycle means each release is checked before customers and their data rely on it.
DAST scans a running application automatically. For a deeper manual check, see our penetration testing service.
A DAST scanner crawls your web application the way a visitor would, finds pages, forms and API endpoints, and then sends many crafted requests to them. It watches the responses for signs of weakness, such as an error message that reveals the database or a page that returns another user’s data. Because it only needs a running application and an address, it can test applications written in any language, including ones you did not build.
DAST is usually run against a staging copy before release and again at regular intervals against the live site. It works well with SAST, which checks the code, and with a web application firewall, which can shield a weakness until it is fixed.
Scans send a lot of requests and can fill in forms and create test data. Run them against staging when you can, agree the time with the application owner and use test accounts. If you must scan production, limit the scope and the speed. Make sure the scanner can log in, or it will miss everything behind the login page.
DAST (dynamic application security testing) tests a running web application or API from the outside, the way an attacker would, to find weaknesses such as injection flaws and broken authentication.
DAST tests the running application from outside and does not need the code. SAST reads the code before it runs. DAST finds run-time and configuration problems, and SAST finds coding flaws early. Teams usually use both.
Yes, if the scanner is given the API definition, such as an OpenAPI file, or a way to learn the endpoints. Coverage depends on the product.
It can be, with care. Scans create load and test data, so many teams scan a staging copy and limit scans of the live site to agreed times and scope.
Before each major release, and on a regular schedule for applications that change often or face the internet. Many teams run it monthly or quarterly. The right rhythm depends on your risk.
Yes. We work from our base in Sharjah with businesses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE. Most of the work can be done remotely, and we arrange site visits where they are needed.
