DAST for Developers: Enhanced Application Security from HCL AppScan

In today's fast-paced development environment, developers are being asked to take on more responsibility for software security. Despite having a host of tools to help them identify incorrect syntax, merge errors, and integration issues, they often still have no idea if they are introducing vulnerabilities into the code they write. Since this can lead to bottlenecks when it reaches security teams, organizations are seeing time and resource savings by enabling developers with increased security tools much earlier in the development lifecycle. 

Static application security testing (SAST) has traditionally been the most important tool for developers to test the code they write. Dynamic application security testing (DAST) has been used later in the cycle by security teams. But there is an increasing demand for DAST tools that are easy for developers to use as well, providing them with a system of checks and balances that produce more secure code as part of the development process.

Whether you call it DAST for Developers or Developer-centric DAST, HCL AppScan has the tools that developers need to seamlessly integrate DAST scanning, remediation and validation into their workflow whether they are using HCL AppScan on Cloud (ASoC), HCL AppScan 360º (AS360), HCL AppScan Standard (ASD) or HCL AppScan Enterprise (ASE) early in the cycle.

Seamless Integration into Your Workflow

• Integration with familiar tools: Leverage plugins for Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub , Defect Tracking System integration, or community plugins to initiate scans directly within your existing CI/CD pipeline. (ASoC, AS360, ASE).
• Personal scans before promotion: Run quick scans on your code before promoting changes, catching vulnerabilities early and preventing them from entering the main branch (ASoC, AS360).
• AppScan CMD/Software development kit (SDK): The AppScan CMD/SDK lets you build your own integrations to run super quick tests within developer IDE, similar to unit tests, that are focused on only the changes introduced to the code.

Presets and Workflows for Efficiency

• Simple scans for beginners: AppScan offers pre-configured workflows for basic scans, ideal for developers new to DAST. Get started quickly and identify common vulnerabilities.
• Scans with advanced configuration needs: For intricate security testing, AppScan provides options for detailed configuration, catering to the expertise of AppSec professionals.

Automation for Efficiency

• Automate security tasks: DAST Integrations with APIs, SDKs, CLIs, and webhooks empower you to automate repetitive security tasks, freeing up valuable development time.
• Incremental scanning: Focus your DAST scans on only what has changed in your codebase with Incremental Scanning. This saves time and resources while maintaining thorough security testing.
• Targeted scans with recorded traffic: Use the AppScan Traffic Recorder or Activity Recorder to capture specific user interactions or application activity. This allows you to create focused DAST scans that target only the areas where the code has changed, leading to quicker results.

Optimize Scans for Efficiency

• Test optimization and policies: Tailor your DAST scans using test optimization features and predefined security policies. This ensures you're focusing on the most relevant security checks for your specific application.
• Exclusions and exceptions: Exclude irrelevant areas of your codebase from scans using the exclude and exception functionalities. This helps streamline scans and reduces noise.
• Control scan depth: Define the depth of your scans to achieve the right balance between comprehensiveness and speed.

DAST and IAST Together Offer Greater Visibility and Insights

• IAST agent for real-time insights: The Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) Agent integrates with your IDE proactively, pinpointing vulnerabilities as you code/test. Fix issues immediately and prevent them from becoming bigger problems later. Learn more.
• Call stack visibility: The IAST agent provides call stacks for DAST issues, allowing you to pinpoint the exact location of the vulnerability within your codebase for faster remediation.

Beyond Basic DAST

• Remediation made easy: HCL AppScan goes beyond just identifying vulnerabilities. It provides detailed descriptions, prioritization, and auto-close validation to streamline remediation. Plus, the roadmap for ASoC includes exciting GenAI-powered auto-fix recommendations.
• Vulnerability component detection: HCL AppScan goes beyond traditional DAST by identifying vulnerabilities within third-party components used in your application. This provides a more holistic view of your application's security posture (ASE, ASD).
• Rich compliance and reporting: Generate detailed reports that align with industry standards and compliance requirements. This simplifies security audits and demonstrates your commitment to secure coding practices.

Conclusion

Whether your application security strategy is “shift left” or “shift anywhere”, your developers will bear more and more of the responsibility and they will need easy to use tools that give them actionable findings and maximize efficiency. HCL AppScan is dedicated to providing the best solutions for developers who care about security. Our DAST solutions, found in multiple products and platforms, empower developers to take an active role in application security. With streamlined integrations, actionable insights, and automation capabilities, our tools help you avoid security bottlenecks, reduce development costs, and release software with confidence.

Ready to experience the power of HCL AppScan DAST? Download your free trial today!