Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)

Simple Definition for Beginners:

IAST is a software testing technique that combines dynamic and static testing methods to identify security vulnerabilities in running applications.

Common Use Example:

A development team uses an IAST tool to analyze their web application in real-time, identifying and fixing security issues while the application is running.

Technical Definition for Professionals:

Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) is an advanced security testing methodology that integrates elements of both Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) to detect vulnerabilities in real-time within a running application. IAST works by instrumenting the application’s code and continuously monitoring its behavior during execution, often in a test environment. This approach allows IAST to provide detailed insights into security issues, including precise locations in the code and contextual information about how vulnerabilities can be exploited. IAST tools often integrate seamlessly with DevOps pipelines, enabling continuous security testing and more efficient remediation of security flaws.