Application Security Testing (AST) is the process of analyzing software to detect and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. It ensures applications are secure throughout development by identifying weaknesses in code, configuration, and integrations.
In simple terms, AST helps teams find and fix security gaps early—before attackers can. It includes a range of techniques such as static testing (SAST), which scans source code; dynamic testing (DAST), which simulates attacks on running applications; and interactive testing (IAST), which blends both approaches for real-time insights.
We often see IT and security leaders adopt AST to meet compliance requirements, protect customer data, and maintain trust in digital platforms. Modern testing tools also integrate into CI/CD pipelines, allowing developers to catch vulnerabilities continuously rather than at the end of a release cycle.
Key benefits include:
- Early Detection: Identify vulnerabilities during development.
- Continuous Protection: Integrate testing into agile workflows.
- Compliance Assurance: Meet industry and regulatory standards.
- Reduced Risk: Prevent costly breaches and downtime.
Our take? Application Security Testing is more than a checkbox—it’s a proactive safeguard that turns software security into a shared responsibility across teams.
Want the full breakdown? Explore our Application Security Testing Guide to understand how continuous testing helps organizations secure their applications at every stage of development and deployment.
