What is the goal of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)?

The goal of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is to execute software under test to find vulnerabilities. DAST is a testing methodology that assesses the security of a running application, typically while it interacts with a runtime environment, simulating real-world attacks. By running the application in its operational state, DAST can discover security flaws such as input validation errors, authentication issues, and session management weaknesses that may not be evident in a static analysis of the code.

This approach focuses on the application’s behavior and responses while executing various test cases to identify weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. Unlike static analysis methods, which review the code without executing it, DAST assesses the application from an external perspective, allowing security professionals to see how the application functions in practice and identify vulnerabilities under actual operating conditions. This makes it an essential tool for organizations looking to enhance the security posture of their applications.