Transforming Application Security Testing with Developer-Centric DAST

Application security testing is critical to finding and fixing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. But many traditional approaches have a history of  slowing software development. Testing code and applications  late in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) can leave vulnerabilities exposed and delay product releases when issues are found that need to be remediated.

To combat these slowdowns in development, more responsibility for security testing is being handed to developers so they can find and fix vulnerabilities early in the SDLC while code is being written. While this has traditionally centered on the use of Static Application Security Testing (SAST), there is increasing interest in empowering developers with the additional capabilities found in Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST).

DAST, which crawls through web applications to map potential exploit paths and execute tests against those paths, has traditionally been a tool for security teams to use late in the development pipeline. But now DAST is being seen as a valuable compliment to SAST and is becoming a game-changer for developers working to secure their code.

This topic is explored in depth in Developer-centric DAST: Empowering Secure Development from the Inside Out, a new whitepaper from HCLSoftware. What the whitepaper makes clear is that, when integrated directly into SDLC workflows, DAST can provide developers with real-time feedback and actionable insights beyond what they have had before.

A New Approach to Application Security

Developer-Centric DAST shifts security ownership to developers, offering tools that provide:

• Real-Time Feedback: Identify vulnerabilities as code is written.
• Actionable Insights: Detailed, easy-to-understand reports for faster remediation.
• Seamless Integration: Compatibility with popular development environments and CI/CD pipelines.

These tools are designed to be developer-friendly, with seamless integration into CI/CD pipelines and intuitive interfaces. By empowering developers to address security issues without relying solely on experts, organizations can eliminate bottlenecks while boosting agility and collaboration across teams.

This proactive approach not only improves security outcomes but also aligns with fast-paced development cycles. By embedding security into everyday workflows, teams can deliver secure applications on time without sacrificing speed or quality. Organizations that embrace this strategy can confidently navigate today’s threat landscape while gaining a competitive edge.

Download the full whitepaper and discover how DAST can transform your security strategy.