• Operates independently of the application’s internal code structure.
• Quickly detects vulnerabilities that could be exploited in a live environment.
• Works without needing direct access to the source code, making it versatile across different systems.

• It may not pinpoint the exact location of the vulnerability within the code.
• Requires security expertise to correctly interpret the findings.
• The scanning process can sometimes be lengthy.

Application Security involves a blend of processes, tools, and practices aimed at protecting software throughout its lifecycle. Given the challenges developers face in building secure applications, AppSec tools are essential for ensuring that vulnerabilities are identified and addressed early in the development process.

• Static Application Security Testing (SAST): Reviews source code to detect potential security flaws.
• Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST): Tests a running application by simulating attacks from the outside.
• Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST): Focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in mobile applications.
• Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST): Combines aspects of both SAST and DAST to offer real-time analysis during runtime.

By integrating DAST into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), developers can catch security issues before an application goes live. Early detection helps prevent data breaches, reducing potential financial loss and protecting brand reputation. When DAST is part of a Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline, it aligns with the principles of Secure DevOps (or DevSecOps), ensuring that security is an integral part of the development process.