Application Security Testing (AST)

Simple Definition for Beginners:

Application Security Testing (AST) is the process of checking apps for security weaknesses and fixing them to protect against attacks.

Common Use Example:

Before launching a new mobile banking app, the development team conducts AST to find and fix any security issues that could expose user data to hackers.

Technical Definition for Professionals:

Application Security Testing (AST) involves a set of methodologies and tools designed to identify, analyze, and remediate security vulnerabilities within software applications. It encompasses various testing techniques such as Static Application Security Testing (SAST), Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST), and Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP). SAST analyzes source code or binaries for vulnerabilities without executing the program, DAST assesses the application during runtime, IAST combines elements of both SAST and DAST, and RASP provides real-time protection and monitoring. AST aims to ensure the application’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability by uncovering flaws like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), buffer overflows, and insecure configurations.