DAST, or Dynamic Application Security Testing, detects security vulnerabilities in a software application while it runs or is in use. Gartner, a well-known research company, provides important information about the DAST method and its integration into the larger Application Security Testing (AST) area.

In this blog, we will cover DAST Gartner, its view on DAST, how the Magic Quadrant tool works, success stories from DAST implementations based on Gartner reports, best practices for using DAST, and recommendations for DAST scanning.

Let’s get started

What is DAST Gartner?

DAST, short for Dynamic Application Security Testing, is a software testing method that identifies vulnerabilities in applications by simulating attacks. Unlike static analysis methods that inspect code without execution, DAST is dynamic as it tests applications during runtime.

It uses automated tools to detect security flaws, including SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS), among other web application vulnerabilities. In its "Magic Quadrant for Application Security Testing" report, Gartner assesses companies that provide DAST.

In simple terms, Gartner defines the AST market as a place where buyers and sellers meet to trade products and services designed to check applications for security weaknesses, and they include DAST and other similar technologies.

Gartner’s Perspective on DAST

Gartner offers views on Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) as part of the larger Application Security Testing (AST) field. In their Magic Quadrant reports Gartner, they review and rank AST market vendors.

These reports give useful information about different vendors' abilities in application security testing. They are helpful for organizations looking to understand the AST field and choose the right vendor for their security needs.

Gartner's Magic Quadrant report emphasizes the importance of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) for a comprehensive security plan. It emphasizes that organizations must use several fast, easy-to-use security testing tools that can fit easily into the software development process. This strategy is crucial for managing risks as security breaches become more complex and serious.

The report highlights how important DAST is for building user trust. It does this by integrating and automating strong security tests into the software development process. As software development becomes faster and more complex, we need to work quickly without compromising security.

Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for DAST and How It Works

Gartner's Magic Quadrant for DAST

Gartner describes the Application Security Testing (AST) market, with DAST as a key technology. This report evaluates companies that offer at least two types of AST technologies, including DAST.

The Magic Quadrant report ranks top vendors in both DAST and the broader AST areas through detailed analysis. This market research tool dives into the application security testing market, assessing vendors based on their performance and vision. This report is crucial for organizations needing detailed insights into vendor capabilities to make informed decisions.

How the Magic Quadrant for DAST Functions

Gartner's Magic Quadrant organizes vendors based on their Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision. Vendors with mature DAST solutions and who consistently meet the needs of enterprises are ranked as Leaders.

These are placed at the top right of the Quadrant. This tool provides a comprehensive overview of the application security testing market and helps organizations choose the right security tools and strategies. Organizations can identify ideal solutions for their application security by evaluating vendors' performance and future vision.

This is how the Quadrant's Four Quadrants works:

1. Leaders

These are companies with strong market presence and advanced abilities. They excel in doing tasks and have a clear vision for app security testing. They often set trends and shape the market's direction.

2. Challengers

These are newer vendors showing innovative methods and potential for growth. They aim to become leaders. Even if they aren't as well-known as leaders, their unique strategies and potential make them strong competitors.

3. Niche Players

These vendors usually focus on specific market segments. They might be new companies adapting existing products or larger companies struggling to execute their vision. Despite being smaller or focusing on a niche, they often provide specialized and effective solutions.

4. Visionaries

These vendors have a forward-looking vision for app security testing but haven't fully realized their ideas yet. Even though they're not leaders, their innovative approach suggests a promising future in the market.

Gartner updates the quadrant every 1–2 years and retires outdated reports upon new releases to ensure relevance to the evolving market landscape

Success Stories of DAST Implementation Based on Gartner Reports

Let's take a look at some real-world examples of successful DAST implementation, as reported by Gartner:

1. Global Automotive Supplier

A global automotive supplier gained a competitive advantage by implementing DAST as part of their digital transformation strategy. Gartner helped them integrate innovative solutions to enhance their application security posture, resulting in more robust and secure digital services.

2. Legacy Bank Transformation

A legacy bank successfully upgraded its core digital services by incorporating DAST, addressing changing customer needs, and improving the security of its applications. This transformation resulted in increased revenue from core services.

3. Medical Device Organization

A global medical device organization reduced operational risk and wastage by investing in smart manufacturing technology and using DAST. This approach helped them identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities in their operational systems.

4. Financial Services Firm

A financial services firm transformed its IT infrastructure with Gartner's guidance and adopted DAST. This initiative enhanced the security and reliability of its applications, helping the firm better meet market challenges.

Best Practices for Implementing DAST

Effective implementation of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) requires several best practices to identify and address security vulnerabilities throughout the application development lifecycle. Here are some best practices for implementing DAST:

1. Integrate DAST Early in the Development Lifecycle

• Shift Left Security: Incorporate DAST into the early stages of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) to identify and fix vulnerabilities as soon as possible. This practice reduces the cost and effort associated with late-stage remediation.

2. Automate DAST Scans

• Regular Scanning: Schedule regular DAST scans, ideally in an automated manner, to continuously monitor and identify new vulnerabilities as the application evolves.

• CI/CD Integration: Embed DAST scans into your CI/CD pipelines to automate security checks and maintain continuous security assurance throughout the development process.

3. Configure Scans for Depth and Breadth

• Comprehensive Coverage: Configure DAST tools to cover a wide range of vulnerabilities, including OWASP Top 10 and other common security issues.

• Depth of Scanning: Ensure that scans are thorough, covering all aspects of the application, including hidden fields, input validation, and error handling mechanisms.

4. Optimize for Performance

• Scan Scheduling: Schedule scans during off-peak hours to minimize the impact on application performance and avoid disruption to users.

• Incremental Scans: Use incremental scanning to focus on recently changed application parts, reducing scan time and resource consumption.

5. Manage False Positives

• Manual Verification: Have security experts manually review and verify findings to reduce the number of false positives.

• Tune DAST Tools: Regularly tune and configure DAST tools based on the specific context of your application to improve accuracy and reduce false positives.

Recommendation by Gartner for DAST Scanning

Gartner recommends considering DAST solutions necessary for testing all web-based business applications. This highlights the importance of DAST as a key part of thorough application security testing.

Here are several DAST tools and solutions recognized by Gartner as leading competitors and alternatives in the market:

1. Akto

Gartner recommends Akto for its Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) capabilities. Akto's platform is appreciated for its features like API discovery, testing for top OWASP vulnerabilities, and integration with CI/CD pipelines. It helps in securing APIs by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities. Akto's platform is crucial for ensuring web application security and provides clear reports to help teams address vulnerabilities.

2. OWASP ZAP

This open-source tool not only boasts high flexibility and robust support for a wide array of languages and technologies but also offers automation capabilities via its API, seamlessly integrating into various development environments and CI/CD pipelines. Moreover, it provides comprehensive reports for easy understanding and remediation of potential vulnerabilities.

3. Checkmarx

Renowned for its extensive support for multiple programming languages and frameworks, Checkmarx delivers automation through its API and effortlessly integrates with diverse development tools, including IDEs and Gitlab. Moreover, it provides comprehensive vulnerability reports for effective security risk management.

4. Acunetix

Known for its broad language support and precision in vulnerability identification, Acunetix offers automation and smooth integration into development workflows, including Gitlab. Additionally, it provides comprehensive reporting for easy understanding and remediation of identified vulnerabilities.

5. AppScan

Developed by IBM, AppScan boasts extensive language and technology support. It facilitates automation and harmonizes with development tools such as IDEs and Gitlab. In addition, AppScan's user-friendly interface and comprehensive reports make it easy to understand and address security vulnerabilities.

Final Thoughts

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is key to identifying and mitigating application security vulnerabilities. Gartner's Magic Quadrant emphasizes the importance of DAST in a comprehensive security strategy. DAST tools simulate attacks and analyze application responses, helping organizations protect their software from advanced threats.

Gartner's recommendations are an essential guide for those seeking effective DAST solutions. Akto, recognized for its API discovery and vulnerability testing capabilities, integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, providing complete application security. By identifying and addressing top OWASP vulnerabilities, Akto API Security helps maintain a strong security posture.

Incorporating DAST into the software development lifecycle is critical for risk management and user trust. By using platforms like Akto, based on Gartner's insights, organizations can enhance their security measures and stay ahead in the application security landscape.