Where Agility and Security Walks in Unison: Analyze, Automate, and Report deep vulnerabilities across Enterprise Development Landscapes

The astounding rise in the usage of mobile apps, web applications, and enterprise apps to modernize daily and business ‘lifestyles’ have created an unprecedented ‘fodder-verse’ for cybercriminals. Reports predict that as much as 50% of web applications suffer from atleast one severe vulnerability. Further to the same, the studies add that IT teams take six-nine months to detect such loopholes and take adequate remedial actions.

Malicious web application requests have climbed on 88% year on year

Breaches of sensitive data were a threat in 68% of web applications

82% of security issues are found in the application code itself, highlighting necessities for proper security testing in the dev lifecycles

Going by the above timelines, it would be a fallacy to assume that IT personnel are not agile enough. In most business scenarios, developers and maintenance teams heavily outnumber security engineers and specialists. Enterprise owners too, place utmost precedence on product developments, delivery, and market launches rather than adequate testing procedures. In reality, even if considered the case of large organizations with humongous cybersecurity teams, it’s impossible to periodically assess millions of lines of code manually to look for that one lurking vulnerability. Hence, the need for additional reinforcements in modernizing cybersecurity management at the core development environments cannot be undermined at any cost.

Bolster DevOps Security Expertise with Interactive Application Security Testing

Application Security Testing (AST) combines a set of tools, solutions, protocols, software composition analysis solutions, and processes that automate all security administration workflows concerned with app building, development, testing, and deployment including CI/CD pipelines. Usually, AST solutions analyze apps and their backend codebases at an astonishing speed, in the tune with millions of lines of codes per minute. Needless to add, investments in Application Security Solutions and AST have grown multifold over the last few years, regardless of industry and niche.

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) Solutions

The most common types of Application Security Testing solutions are SAST (Static Application Security Testing) and DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing). The former, also known as White Box Testing or Inside-Out Testing, gleans applications at the source code, bytecode, or assembly code levels to pinpoint/graphically represent and report vulnerabilities at particular lines of code.

Often integrated with builds and internal CI/CD pipelines or software development process flows, this scans all modules, libraries, and CI/CD workflows to report security loopholes in real-time during the development phase (When an application is not running or static). The primary advantage of SAST scan or SAST test, hence, lies in the fact that vulnerabilities can be pinpointed down at the code line levels even before the code is running, compiled or the app development is moved to the next phase.

Benefits of Static Application Security Testing (SAST Scan/SAST Test)

Icon for analysis in early app development

Can analyze and pick up errors during the early stages of app development. However, can be applied to any stage of the development lifecycle

Icon for security shortcomings

Pinpoints security shortcomings right at the code line levels

Icon for analyzing app source code

Analyzes the entire app source code, codebases, CI/CD pipelines, builds, and workflows including software composition analysis to report errors in near real-time during the development process

Icon for insightful reports

Insightful reports through graphical representations for proper security analysis and security vulnerabilities overview for cybersecurity teams

 icon for reporting vulnerabilities

Reports vulnerabilities without the code being compiled or executed

Icon for automated workflows

Highly automated workflows for ultra-agile threat analysis

Icon for customizable solutions

Customizable solutions adhering to multiple analysis types: Configuration Analysis, Semantic Analysis, Dataflow Analysis, Control Flow Analysis, Structural Analysis

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Solutions

DAST or Dynamic Security Testing operates on a different model commonly known as Blackbox Testing. In this method, DAST tools don’t have access to application source codes, app data flow, libraries, protocols, builds, or CI/CD pipelines. DAST solutions simulate malicious attacks or artificial threats to try and break into a running application from Outside-in or externally when an application is running (dynamic analysis - runtime application self-protection).

For instance, DAST tools might replicate malicious codes and inject them into the application to look for injection application vulnerabilities in the running app or platform. This allows developers and application teams to realize unforeseen threats and circumstances that might arise not due to coding issues but limitations in their app security deployment strategies. In addition, since the DAST Scan or DAST Test occurs during application run-time, it provides a fantastic model for real-world environments paired with dynamic situations and use-cases for security threats modelling.

Benefits of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST Scan/DAST Test)

Icon for simulation of attacks

Simulation of attacks and vulnerabilities that are external to the current development environment. Helps in detecting unknown threats

Icon for automating vulnerability testing

Automates vulnerability testing, assessment, and analysis

Icon for simulating threats and app security

Simulates threats and analyzes security in app runtime

icon for insightful reporting of threats and attacks

Insightful reporting of common threats, attacks, vulnerabilities the app is susceptible to

Icon for faster fixation of issues

Faster fixation of issues usually external to the knowledge of app security teams till then

Icon for longterm cybersecurity strategy

Assistance in long-term cybersecurity strategy building based on real-world threat modeling

Icon for completely automated solution

Completely automated solution

Connect with our DevSecOps Experts

Talk to us

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) vs Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST): A Comparative Analysis

SAST

DAST
White Box Testing: SAST tools access all source code files, codebases, libraries, CI/CD pipelines to analyze from the inside out
Black Box Testing: Deploys simulated attacks to penetrate into the app from outside without any integration with internal codebases
Works when an application is at rest, cannot work on runtime software
Deployed when an application is running
Detects security loopholes and threats in the early stages of the Software Development Lifecycle
Detects security loopholes and vulnerabilities in the latter and deployment phases
Cheaper to fix loopholes because detected in the source code at the code line levels
Comparatively more expensive as once errors are detected, the vulnerability location needs to be further assessed
Scans all kinds of software as it operates at the source-code level
Usually applicable to only web apps
Usually dependent on the language the app was built
Operates independent of the language or core platforms the app was built on

Interactive Application Security Testing: The Pillar for a Successful DevSecOps Model

DevSecOps as a practice and culture has taken the IT world by storm. For eons, IT security, operational, and development teams have functioned independently leading to frequent clashes in objectives that ultimately delayed delivery timelines. A common scenario was software being newly deployed to run critical systems after repeated testing and iterations only to be blocked by a security filter predicting vulnerabilities in the codebase. This necessitated the rise of modernized application, software building, testing, and deployment environments that integrated security checks, frameworks, and tools at every step of the operational process. The modernized development environments are secured with stringent Application Security Testing solutions such as SAST, DAST that drive the core of a firm’s DevSecOps model.

Cloud4C End-to-end DevSecOps and Application Security Testing (AST) Solutions and Services

It helps in the faster identification of weaknesses and vulnerabilities through the periodic delivery and assessment of software, application code in small chunks or fragments. Run specialized assessments for penetration testing (integrating security) with software and web application firewall in agile and DevOps environments.

It enables users to submit changes that can bolster efficiency and speed. It also plays a big part in helping security teams to determine the impact of the changes on codes, CI/CD pipelines, and adopted solutions, etc. Deploy security tools and technologies to identify loopholes and bolster security in the changed parts.

Compliance is a very important metric to preserve process security. All enterprises should be compliant with regulations such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Payment Card Industry Digital Security Standard (PCI DSS) and always be prepared for audits at any time by the regulators. Cloud4C delivers in-depth compliance audits, assessments, and framework deployments adhering to local, national, and international regulations.

Shield all secrets or sensitive information stored in CI/CD solutions such as Keys, APIs, login IDs and Passwords, authentication, User access controls, and more. If needed, distribute information across multiple safe vaults and update them periodically for maximum security.

It involves a comprehensive assessment and analysis of unidentified threats and new vulnerabilities. Analyze potential vulnerabilities across all source code, open source files, code repository, libraries, development platforms and environments, containers, systems or VMs running development operations, and more to minimize future risks and threats.

Automated app development workflows and functionalities are central to an effective, efficient DevOps environment. These deploy automation tools and technologies to automate code building, deployment, and testing phases. Hence, proper security assessments are a must, periodically. SAST or Static Application Security Testing runs continual threat monitoring and auditing on in-development software, apps, etc. DAST or Dynamic Application Security Testing promises advanced monitoring and risk assessments on applications and software currently running or in use by different enterprise factions.

Achieve improvement and consistency with a comprehensive view of security infrastructure across all codebases, storages, platforms, open source files, libraries, CI/CD pipelines, and more. Monitor 24/7 for threats detection, investigation, hunting, and analysis. Ensure risk-proof code and systems delivering high efficiency.

Share roles, authentication, and platform access control with users basis their responsibilities. Manage identities with ease, analyze user behaviour, and shield systems and apps from leaks and suspicious activities.

Security tools and solutions are often integrated with asset data and dataflows to ensure instant analysis of risks and vulnerabilities. Preserve data integrity and security with ease. Compile threat monitoring and historical data from development environments and CI/CD solutions to gain a proper understanding of threats behavior followed by concrete action plans.

Deploy advanced security automation solutions and platforms such as Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration Automation and Response (SOAR), Managed Detection and Response (MDR), and more to development and operations processes. Bolster security by design and run continual checks and assessments on lurking threats and vulnerabilities. Let all security management workflows be automated around the CI/CD landscape.

With development, operations, and security workflows in collaboration, optimize redundant processes, risky loopholes, and vulnerabilities with ease. Deploy highly secure and high-performance systems to minimize security-related losses and hence maximize IT ROI in the long run.

Enterprises need to bridge the gap between the security team and the IT software developers. This can be achieved through adequate security-related training backed by a complete set of guidelines. With proper awareness, the administration of CI/CD pipelines becomes at ease.

  • Code Analysis and Automated Code Scanning

    It helps in the faster identification of weaknesses and vulnerabilities through the periodic delivery and assessment of software, application code in small chunks or fragments. Run specialized assessments for penetration testing (integrating security) with software and web application firewall in agile and DevOps environments.

  • Change Management

    It enables users to submit changes that can bolster efficiency and speed. It also plays a big part in helping security teams to determine the impact of the changes on codes, CI/CD pipelines, and adopted solutions, etc. Deploy security tools and technologies to identify loopholes and bolster security in the changed parts.

  • Compliance Monitoring

    Compliance is a very important metric to preserve process security. All enterprises should be compliant with regulations such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Payment Card Industry Digital Security Standard (PCI DSS) and always be prepared for audits at any time by the regulators. Cloud4C delivers in-depth compliance audits, assessments, and framework deployments adhering to local, national, and international regulations.

  • Secrets Management

    Shield all secrets or sensitive information stored in CI/CD solutions such as Keys, APIs, login IDs and Passwords, authentication, User access controls, and more. If needed, distribute information across multiple safe vaults and update them periodically for maximum security.

  • Vulnerability Scanning (Source Code, Libraries, Infra, Containers)

    It involves a comprehensive assessment and analysis of unidentified threats and new vulnerabilities. Analyze potential vulnerabilities across all source code, open source files, code repository, libraries, development platforms and environments, containers, systems or VMs running development operations, and more to minimize future risks and threats.

  • Core Application Security Testing Tools, Solutions, and Services

    Automated app development workflows and functionalities are central to an effective, efficient DevOps environment. These deploy automation tools and technologies to automate code building, deployment, and testing phases. Hence, proper security assessments are a must, periodically. SAST or Static Application Security Testing runs continual threat monitoring and auditing on in-development software, apps, etc. DAST or Dynamic Application Security Testing promises advanced monitoring and risk assessments on applications and software currently running or in use by different enterprise factions.

  • Software Security and Quality Monitoring

    Achieve improvement and consistency with a comprehensive view of security infrastructure across all codebases, storages, platforms, open source files, libraries, CI/CD pipelines, and more. Monitor 24/7 for threats detection, investigation, hunting, and analysis. Ensure risk-proof code and systems delivering high efficiency.

  • Web Applications Roles and Access Management

    Share roles, authentication, and platform access control with users basis their responsibilities. Manage identities with ease, analyze user behaviour, and shield systems and apps from leaks and suspicious activities.

  • Data Integrity and Analytics

    Security tools and solutions are often integrated with asset data and dataflows to ensure instant analysis of risks and vulnerabilities. Preserve data integrity and security with ease. Compile threat monitoring and historical data from development environments and CI/CD solutions to gain a proper understanding of threats behavior followed by concrete action plans.

  • Software Security Automation Integration

    Deploy advanced security automation solutions and platforms such as Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration Automation and Response (SOAR), Managed Detection and Response (MDR), and more to development and operations processes. Bolster security by design and run continual checks and assessments on lurking threats and vulnerabilities. Let all security management workflows be automated around the CI/CD landscape.

  • Web Application Security Testing Process Optimization

    With development, operations, and security workflows in collaboration, optimize redundant processes, risky loopholes, and vulnerabilities with ease. Deploy highly secure and high-performance systems to minimize security-related losses and hence maximize IT ROI in the long run.

  • Training

    Enterprises need to bridge the gap between the security team and the IT software developers. This can be achieved through adequate security-related training backed by a complete set of guidelines. With proper awareness, the administration of CI/CD pipelines becomes at ease.

Connect with our DevSecOps Experts

Talk to us

DevSecOps Tools and Solutions

Process/System

DevOps Tool
SecOps Tool
Source Code
GitLab
sonarQube
CI Server
Jenkins
Splunk
Test Scan
Maven
nessus
Artifacts
nexus
sonatype
Deploy
icon for deploy
Ansiblesaltstack
Monitoring
Zabbix
Splunkmetasploit

Cloud DevSecOps Landscape

The Difference: Why Avail Cloud4C’s DevSecOps and Application Security Testing Solutions and Services?

Icon for application focused managed cloud services provider

Trusted, World’s largest Application-focused Managed Cloud Services Provider and one of the leading managed cybersecurity companies

Icon for clients and geographies served

Serving 4000+ enterprises including 60+ Fortune 500 organizations in 25+ countries across Americas, Europe, Middle East, and APAC for 12+ years

 Icon for security controls and centres of excellenc

40+ Security Controls, 20+ Centres of Excellence, 2000+ global cloud experts

con for dedicated DevSecOps and SecOps

Dedicated DevSecOps and SecOps practices with Compliant ISO Certifications

Icon for Collaborative Security Management

Specialized in the deployment and administration of CI/CD pipelines in DevOps environments and end-to-end security management of the same

Icon for specialized deployment and administration

Increased cross-operational collaboration, greater delivery agility with continuous security enablement, and Automatic Security of Code

Icon for increased cross-operational collaboration

Pre-met compliance needs for local, national, and global compliance requirements including IRAP, GDPR, HIPAA, SAMA, CSA, GXP, and ISO Certifications

Icon-for-pre-met-compliance-needs-ASTpage-22

3200 UTMs, 13000 HBSS, 800000 EPS

Icon for UTMs, HBSS, EPS

7 Security frameworks utilizing the MITRE ATT&CK, CIS Critical Security Controls, and more

Icon for 7 security frameworks

Periodic quality assurance, automated builds, and deployment of CI/CD pipelines

icon for periodic quality assurance

Automated Security Solutions for threat prediction, detection, and response: Advanced Managed Detection and Response Solutions (MDR)

Icon for security solutions

Global expertise in managed SOC (Security Operations Center) services and solutions

Icon for managed SOC

Dedicated Cybersecurity Consulting, Cybersecurity Assessment, and Audit Reporting offerings

 Icon for dedicated cybersecurity consulting

Advanced Cloud4C Cybersecurity Incident and Response (CSIRT) team

icon for advanced Cloud4C CSRIT

Threat Intelligence powered by Industry-leading platforms such as Microsoft, OSINT, STIX&TAXI, MISP, etc. and Cloud4C Threat experts

Icon for threat intelligence

Experience in deploying and managing robust SIEM – helping enterprises to proactively assess vulnerabilities and automate, accelerate incident response

 Icon for deploying and managing robust SIEM

Comprehensive expertise in public, private, multi, and hybrid managed cloud security services powered on AWS, Azure, GCP, Oracle Cloud, IBM Cloud, and more

Application Security Testing (AST) - FAQs

  • How do you check application security?

    -

    Application security can be checked both at the source code levels and in different phases of deployment. The widely used Static Application Security Testing checks when the app is being developed to look for errors inside-out, pinpointing specific code lines. The Dynamic Application Security Testing checks the application during its run-time and tries to penetrate the app from outside-in via simulated attacks, intrusion attempts, etc. Both these methods are widely deployed to reduce threats due to internal code errors or external security integrations.

  • What are SAST and DAST?

    -

    The widely used Static Application Security Testing (SAST) or Whitebox testing checks when the app is being developed to look for errors inside-out, pinpointing specific code lines (Software and Web Application Security Testing). The Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) or Blackbox Testing checks the application during its run-time and tries to penetrate the app from outside-in via simulated attacks, intrusion attempts, etc. Both these methods are widely deployed to reduce threats due to internal code errors or external security integrations.

  • Why do we need SAST?

    -

    SAST is needed primarily to check errors at the code levels.i.e malicious attacks that can happen due to code-based shortcomings. The advantage of SAST is that the monitoring and auditing happen automatically during the development processes, notifying builders of any code-based limitations that can compromise security. SAST reports are comprehensive with charts, diagrams, and insights that pinpoint errors down at the code levels.

  • Why is DAST needed?

    -

    DAST is important when the application is running and hence subjected to a dynamically changing environment. DAST checks from outside in, that is tries to break into the app’s defense with simulated attacks. This is important as it tests the app’s perimeter security protocols and the degree of protection assigned to different modules

  • How do you perform a DAST test?

    -

    DAST is performed by deploying or integrating an automated assessment solution to the app’s runtime environment. Then the solution mirrors different attacks, vulnerabilities, injections, and intrusions to check the degree of protection and defense strength of the applications. The attacks are modified to emulate a wide variety of threats hence accurately pinpointing the security posture of the running application or software. DAST tools don’t have access to internal app codebases and source code files as the penetration testing happens externally for above stated purposes.

Solidify your Enterprise Cybersecurity with Cloud4C

Talk to us