What is the meaning of DAST?

DAST is a security testing methodology focused on identifying vulnerabilities in a web application during its runtime. Unlike static analysis, which examines source code or binaries, DAST tests the application from an external perspective while running. This involves interacting with the application through its user interfaces to detect security flaws such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other runtime vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. By simulating real-world attacks, DAST helps organizations uncover and address security weaknesses before they can be manipulated, ensuring that applications are secure and resilient against potential threats.