A Roundup Of The 25 Best DAST Tools Of 2024
10 Best DAST Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 25 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
DAST Tools, short for Dynamic Application Security Testing, are essential for development teams and security professionals in today's digital world. Acting as an advanced vulnerability scanner, they delve into applications during runtime, performing automated testing to uncover security issues that may be lurking beneath the surface. This black-box approach allows us to examine how an application behaves with various inputs, including potential attacks.
Whether you use a SaaS solution or opt for on-premises DAST software, the power of these tools lies in their ability to identify issues like authentication problems and misconfigurations, which can often slip through static application security testing (SAST) and manual review of source code. DAST solutions go beyond what SAST tools can detect, providing a comprehensive vulnerability management approach that's crucial for robust security.
As someone who's spent a fair amount of time working with DAST and SAST tools, I can tell you firsthand about the relief of knowing that automated tools are diligently scanning and re-scanning your applications, rooting out any vulnerabilities. The peace of mind you'll get knowing you're proactively addressing potential security issues is invaluable. So let's dive into these options to help you find the DAST tool that will best serve your team's needs.
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What Is A DAST Tool?
DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) tools are software used by IT and cybersecurity professionals to identify potential vulnerabilities in web applications while they are in use. These tools simulate attacks on an application in a testing environment or in live production to detect security gaps that hackers may exploit.
By probing for weaknesses, DAST tools help organizations identify and mitigate risks before they can be used for malicious intent. These tools prove invaluable for developers, security teams, and system administrators looking to ensure the robustness of their applications and safeguard against potential cybersecurity threats.
Best DAST Tools Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Invicti | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Acunetix | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Aikido Security | From $314/month (billed annually, up to 10 users) | Website |
| Intruder | From $138/month | Website |
| Astra Pentest | From $199/month | Website |
| AppCheck | $70/user/month | Website |
| OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) | Free | Website |
| Synopsys Seeker | Upon request | Website |
| Micro Focus Fortify WebInspect | Upon request | Website |
| Portswigger Burp Suite | $39.99/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest DAST Tools Reviews
Invicti is a web application security solution that aids organizations in identifying, managing, and mitigating web security vulnerabilities. It stands out with robust compliance readiness features, making it the ideal choice for organizations aiming to align with compliance standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, or GDPR.
Why I Picked Invicti: In evaluating the list, I opted for Invicti due to its extensive focus on compliance readiness. This tool is unique because of its capabilities to help businesses achieve and maintain regulatory compliance. I firmly believe Invicti is the best for organizations that prioritize alignment with compliance requirements in their security strategy.
Standout features & integrations:
Invicti delivers high-value features such as an interactive application security testing (IAST) tool, automatic website security reporting, and robust compliance readiness capabilities. Furthermore, Invicti integrates with various bug-tracking tools, like Jira, and CI/CD pipelines, such as Jenkins, to provide a comprehensive and streamlined security solution.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration capabilities with bug tracking and CI/CD tools
- Provides interactive application security testing
- Strong focus on compliance readiness
Cons:
- Annual billing could be a deterrent for organizations looking for a monthly subscription
- Some users might find the learning curve steep due to extensive features
- Smaller organizations may find the cost relatively high
Acunetix is a comprehensive dynamic application security testing tool that specializes in automating the process of finding vulnerabilities. Its strong suit is its ability to efficiently automate security testing, making it an excellent fit for organizations needing frequent scans with minimal manual intervention.
Why I Picked Acunetix: I chose Acunetix for this list due to its impressive focus on automating vulnerability scanning. The tool stands out with its ability to perform quick, automated scans across large applications, saving users valuable time. Its focus on automation makes Acunetix best for those looking to regularly test their applications for vulnerabilities without diverting significant human resources to the task.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of Acunetix include deep scan technology for JavaScript-heavy applications, out-of-band vulnerability detection, and a high-speed crawler. Its automation capabilities ensure rapid, thorough scanning, enhancing efficiency and productivity. Acunetix offers integrations with various popular issue trackers and continuous integration systems like Jira, GitHub, and Jenkins, simplifying the task of managing vulnerabilities and remediation processes.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective out-of-band vulnerability detection
- Broad support for modern web technologies
- Strong emphasis on automation for increased efficiency
Cons:
- The user interface could be improved for better user experience
- Mostly focused on web application security, leaving some areas unaddressed
- High starting cost may be prohibitive for smaller organizations
Aikido Security is an application security platform designed to bolster security measures from code development to cloud deployment. It offers a wide array of features, including cloud posture management, open-source dependency scanning, secrets detection, and both static and dynamic code analysis.
Why I Picked Aikido Security: Aikido Security is tailored to focus specifically on securing your web app’s front end, scanning for vulnerabilities that could otherwise be overlooked. Its key features include automatic scanning of web application components, detailed reports on potential vulnerabilities, and tools that help prioritize fixes based on severity. You can quickly assess the security status of your front end and get actionable insights to address issues in real-time. It also integrates security testing directly into your CI/CD pipeline, so you can stay ahead of security risks as your app evolves.
Standout features & integrations:
Additional features include Aikido's cloud posture management (CSPM), which evaluates and mitigates risks within cloud infrastructures. The open-source dependency scanning (SCA) feature is also vital for monitoring code vulnerabilities and ensuring license compliance. Integrations include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure Cloud, Drata, Vanta, AWS Elastic Container Registry, Docker Hub, Jira, Asana, and GitHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Code-to-cloud security
- Has a comprehensive dashboard and customizable reports
- Scalable for growing teams
Cons:
- Can be pricey for smaller teams
- Has limited support for certain programming languages
Intruder is a comprehensive vulnerability management tool designed to simplify security processes for organizations. It offers continuous vulnerability management and attack surface monitoring through various scanning methods, including external, internal, cloud, web application, and API vulnerability scanning.
Why I Picked Intruder: The tool provides visibility into the organization's attack surface, helping identify exposed assets and prioritize vulnerabilities based on their severity. I also like that it offers continuous vulnerability scanning to ensure web applications are constantly monitored for new and emerging threats, providing real-time alerts as soon as vulnerabilities are detected.
Standout features & integrations:
Intruder offers a range of scanning options to assess vulnerabilities in different environments, including external networks, internal systems, cloud services, web applications, and APIs. It also has a cyber hygiene score, which reflects the overall security health of the organization, indicating how effectively vulnerabilities are being addressed. Integrations include AWS, Azure, Cloudflare, Google Cloud, Jira, GitHub, GitLab, Azure DevOps, ServiceNow, Drata, Vanta, Microsoft Sentinel, Slack, and Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Continuous scanning and regular reporting
- Unique threat prioritization
- Proactive security monitoring
Cons:
- Attack surface monitoring limited to Premium plan
- May be expensive for smaller businesses
Best for continuous vulnerability scans with penetration testing
Astra Pentest is a robust security testing tool designed to help businesses identify and address vulnerabilities in their web applications. It offers a variety of services, including penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and compliance certifications.
Why I Picked Astra Pentest: I like that the software has the ability to perform authenticated vulnerability scans behind login pages using a convenient Chrome extension. This feature is particularly beneficial for applications with complex authentication mechanisms, as it eliminates the need for redundant reauthentication during scans. Furthermore, Astra Pentest's compliance scanning capabilities for standards such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and SOC2 make it an ideal choice for organizations that need to adhere to stringent regulatory requirements.
Standout features & integrations:
Astra Pentist's continuous vulnerability scans include over 8000 tests to ensure that businesses stay updated on potential security threats and vulnerabilities. Additionally, the platform's publicly verifiable security certificate offers a transparent demonstration of security measures, building trust with clients and stakeholders. Integrations include GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Slack, Jira, Microsoft Azure, Jenkins, CircleCI.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Centralized dashboard for managing vulnerabilities
- Manual pentesting capabilities
- Automated vulnerability scanner that performs over 8000 security checks
Cons:
- Occasional false positives with automated scanner
- Limited customization options
AppCheck is a vulnerability scanning tool designed to automate the discovery of security flaws within your network, applications, and systems. It's particularly useful for organizations that need in-depth reporting capabilities for insights into security vulnerabilities and effective remediation.
Why I Picked AppCheck: I picked AppCheck for this list primarily because of its comprehensive reporting capabilities. In comparison to other tools, AppCheck stands out with the depth of its security reports, which offer a high level of detail, making it easier to understand vulnerabilities and plan remediation. I chose it as the best tool for in-depth reporting because it delivers extensive data and actionable insights.
Standout features & integrations:
AppCheck provides features such as detailed risk and compliance reports, automated scanning, and deep-dive assessments of various applications. Integrations include leading issue-tracking tools and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions for a cohesive security approach.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated scanning provides ease of use
- Useful integrations with issue tracking and SIEM tools
- In-depth and comprehensive reporting capabilities
Cons:
- Annual billing cycle might not appeal to all businesses
- Users may find the depth of information overwhelming initially
- The cost might be high for smaller organizations
OWASP ZAP is an actively maintained, community-driven dynamic application security testing tool. As an open-source tool, it provides access to a wealth of features and plugins contributed by a vast community of cybersecurity experts and developers. This makes it an ideal choice for those who embrace open-source technology and prefer the communal aspect of solution development.
Why I Picked OWASP ZAP: I selected OWASP ZAP due to its nature as a well-supported open-source tool. It stands out because it isn't just a static product but a dynamic tool that grows with the input and needs of its user community. For open-source enthusiasts, ZAP is the best pick because it offers the flexibility and adaptability of a product that is continuously evolving due to the active participation and collaboration of its users.
Standout features & integrations:
ZAP offers robust features such as automated scanners, manual testing utilities, and traditional proxy functionalities. Its scripting capabilities allow for customization, meeting the diverse needs of its users. OWASP ZAP integrates well with other tools in the software development and security landscape, providing compatibility with tools like Jenkins for CI/CD and various bug tracking systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible and customizable through scripts
- Community-driven development ensures continuous updates and improvements
- A rich feature set for comprehensive security testing
Cons:
- Performance might not be as optimized as with commercial tools
- Being open source, direct professional support may not be readily available
- May require a steep learning curve for new users
Synopsys Seeker is an Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) tool that identifies and confirms application vulnerabilities by actively monitoring application interactions. This dynamic approach to security makes it especially useful for organizations looking for efficient and thorough IAST solutions.
Why I Picked Synopsys Seeker: I chose Synopsys Seeker for its comprehensive Interactive Application Security Testing capabilities. What makes this tool stand out is its ability to detect vulnerabilities in real-time during the application's operation. In my judgment, it is ideal for organizations requiring robust IAST security solutions due to its interactive and dynamic approach.
Standout features & integrations:
Synopsys Seeker boasts features like seamless CI/CD integration, custom vulnerability reporting, and real-time vulnerability identification. Its interactive application security testing sets it apart, providing active monitoring for comprehensive security. It integrates with popular tools such as Jira for easy bug tracking and CI/CD platforms for smoother development workflows.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers real-time vulnerability identification
- Features seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines
- Provides comprehensive IAST solutions
Cons:
- Requires application to be in operation for vulnerability detection
- Might be complex for beginners to handle
- Pricing information is not transparent
Micro Focus Fortify WebInspect is a dynamic application security testing (DAST) solution that identifies application vulnerabilities in real-time. The tool is designed to simulate real-world attacks, which makes it a vital resource for organizations needing to understand how their web applications would stand up to genuine security threats.
Why I Picked Micro Focus Fortify WebInspect: I chose Micro Focus Fortify WebInspect because of its capacity to conduct realistic attack simulations. This characteristic sets it apart from many other tools, providing unique insights into application security. I judged it to be the optimal choice for those who need to understand how their defenses would fare under actual attack conditions.
Standout features & integrations:
Micro Focus Fortify WebInspect offers features like simultaneous crawl and audit (SCA), rapid scan, and guided scan templates. Its advanced technologies allow for more efficient and accurate identification of vulnerabilities. It integrates with various development and security tools such as Fortify Software Security Center and Fortify on Demand.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with various development and security tools
- Features simultaneous crawl and audit for efficient vulnerability identification
- Provides realistic attack simulations
Cons:
- Some users report false positives which require manual validation
- May require technical expertise to operate effectively
- Pricing information is not readily available
Portswigger Burp Suite is a go-to solution for professionals involved in manual security testing. It's designed to aid penetration testers in identifying vulnerabilities that automated scanners might overlook, making it an optimal choice for situations where a human touch is critical.
Why I Picked Portswigger Burp Suite: I chose Burp Suite because of its powerful and flexible toolkit for manual exploration and exploitation of web applications. Its interface and functionality cater excellently to penetration testers and security auditors who prefer hands-on testing. As such, it's the best tool for those who want to dive deep into manual security testing.
Standout features & integrations:
Among Burp Suite's standout features are the Intercepting Proxy, which allows testers to inspect and modify traffic between their browser and the target application, and the Intruder tool, which enables automated attacks on web applications. It also offers a powerful manual scanner and a repeater tool for testing application responses. While Burp Suite doesn’t have specific integrations, it's designed to work seamlessly alongside other tools commonly used in manual penetration testing workflows.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers a free version with limited capabilities
- Active development with regular updates
- Comprehensive toolset for manual penetration testing
Cons:
- User interface can be intimidating for beginners
- Requires experienced users for maximum effectiveness
- Might be overkill for small businesses with simple applications
Other Noteworthy DAST Tools
Below is a list of additional DAST Tools I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- IBM Security AppScan
For large enterprise needs
- Detectify
For crowd-sourced vulnerability information
- Veracode
For the complete application security toolbox
- Rapid7 AppSpider
For integrations with DevOps lifecycle
- Qualys Web Application Scanning
For continuous web app security
- Pentest-Tools.com
Good for comprehensive online penetration testing
- Wallarm FAST
Good for security testing in CI/CD pipelines
- Radware AppWall
Good for web application and API protection
- ImmuniWeb
Good for AI-based vulnerability detection and remediation
- Contrast Security
Good for continuous application security in DevOps
- Probely
Good for web application security tailored to DevOps
- Wireshark
Good for in-depth network protocol analysis
- CloudDefense
Good for cloud-native application security platform
- Checkmarx
Good for static and interactive application security testing
- Nessus
Good for vulnerability assessment across your entire infrastructure
Other DAST-Related Security Tool Reviews
- Network Access Control Software
- Application Monitoring Tools
- Infrastructure Monitoring Tools
- Application Development Platforms
Selection Criteria For Choosing DAST Tools
In my journey to discover the best application security tools, I've evaluated dozens of software, focusing on core functionality, key features, and usability. In this specific category, there were certain criteria that were particularly relevant, which I'll delve into below.
Core Functionality:
- Application Vulnerability Detection: The tool should be able to uncover weaknesses within the application.
- Remediation: Besides identifying vulnerabilities, the tool should provide remediation guidance to fix them.
- Compliance Reporting: For businesses needing to meet certain regulatory standards, the tool should generate compliance reports.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of applications to catch threats as soon as they arise.
- Integration Capabilities: The ability to integrate with existing tools and platforms for a more streamlined workflow.
- Advanced Threat Intelligence: Uses up-to-date information to anticipate and guard against new and emerging threats.
- Automated Scanning: Regular, automated scanning of applications to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Usability:
- User-Friendly Interface: The tool should provide a straightforward dashboard that shows clear, actionable insights about an application's security.
- Simple Onboarding Process: It should be easy for teams to start using the tool, with minimal training required.
- Responsive Customer Support: In the event of issues or queries, customer support should be accessible and effective.
- Customizable Alerts: The tool should allow users to set and receive alerts based on their specific needs and preferences.
Most Common Questions Regarding DAST Tools (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using DAST tools?
Using DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) tools offers several advantages:
- Identifying Vulnerabilities: They help uncover security flaws within a running application.
- Remediation Assistance: Beyond just identifying the issues, these tools also suggest how to fix the vulnerabilities they find.
- Real-Time Protection: These tools monitor applications in real time, catching potential threats as soon as they arise.
- Compliance Support: If your business needs to comply with certain regulations, DAST tools can assist with necessary reporting.
- Automated Checks: Regular, automated scanning of applications can be done, increasing the efficiency of your security protocols.
How much do DAST tools cost?
The pricing for DAST tools can vary widely, depending on the scope of the features offered and the size of the business they cater to.
What are the typical pricing models for DAST tools?
Most DAST tools adopt a subscription-based pricing model, which is usually charged on an annual basis. These subscriptions can either be per user or per application.
What is the typical range of pricing for DAST tools?
Prices can range from $100/user/month for smaller solutions to well over $10,000/user/year for comprehensive enterprise-level software.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive DAST tools?
Among the tools I evaluated, Detectify offers the lowest starting price of $50/user/month. On the higher end, tools like Checkmarx can cost more than $10,000 per user per year.
Are there any free DAST tool options available?
Yes, there are free options available. For instance, OWASP ZAP is an open-source tool that offers dynamic application security testing for free. However, free options may lack some advanced features and customer support that come with paid versions.
Summary
To wrap up, when it comes to selecting the best Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tool for your use case, there are three critical factors to consider:
- Core Functionality: Make sure that the DAST tool you choose is able to identify security vulnerabilities in your web applications effectively. Whether it's SQL injection, cross-site scripting, or insecure server configurations, the tool should provide extensive coverage for various types of threats.
- Key Features: Important features to look out for include automated scanning, comprehensive reporting, and integration capabilities. The tool should be capable of not just discovering vulnerabilities but also assisting you in managing and mitigating them effectively. It's a bonus if the tool supports seamless integration with other systems in your software development lifecycle.
- Usability: Lastly, a good DAST tool should be user-friendly. Look for an intuitive interface, a simple onboarding process, and robust customer support. Remember, even the most feature-rich tool won't be helpful if it's too complex to use.
In conclusion, the ideal DAST tool should align with your specific security requirements, seamlessly integrate into your existing infrastructure, and offer a smooth user experience. With these factors in mind, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision.
What Do You Think?
I understand that the field of DAST tools is vast and rapidly evolving. If there's a tool that you believe should be included in this list or if you have experiences to share about the ones I’ve listed, I’d love to hear from you.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions as I continually strive to provide my readers with the most relevant and updated information!