What is SAST and DAST in Cyber Security?

SAST and DAST are key cybersecurity practices for identifying vulnerabilities in applications.

SAST (Static Application Security Testing) analyzes the application's source code, bytecode, or binaries before the program is executed. It helps detect security vulnerabilities early in development, such as code errors or security flaws like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS). It is performed from the inside out, offering developers insights to fix issues before deployment.

DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) on the other hand, tests a running application by simulating external attacks to find vulnerabilities during execution. This approach identifies security weaknesses like configuration errors, authentication issues, or vulnerabilities exploitable by hackers.

In combination, SAST and DAST offer comprehensive security coverage, protecting applications from both internal code flaws and external threats. These tools are critical for organizations implementing secure development practices in today's threat landscape.