Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

Simple Definition for Beginners:

DAST is a method of testing the security of an application by simulating attacks while it is running to find vulnerabilities.

Common Use Example:

A security team uses DAST tools to scan their web application in real time, identifying and fixing security weaknesses before they can be exploited by attackers.

Technical Definition for Professionals:

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is a security testing methodology that involves analyzing a running application to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited in real-world attacks. Unlike static application security testing (SAST), which examines source code, DAST interacts with the application from the outside, testing exposed interfaces, inputs, and outputs. DAST tools simulate various types of attacks, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common web application vulnerabilities, to detect potential security flaws. These tools typically operate without access to the application’s source code, making them suitable for black-box testing. DAST helps organizations identify and remediate security issues in web applications, APIs, and services.