10 Types of Application Security Testing

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Author: Prajwal Gowda Published Date: March 19, 2025
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Types of Application Security Testing

As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms to deliver products and services, the importance of application security testing cannot be overstated. In today’s world, where cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, ensuring that your applications are secure from the ground up is critical.

This comprehensive guide explores the most common types of application security testing, detailing when to use them, where they fit in the software development lifecycle (SDLC), and the benefits they offer.

API Security Testing

API security testing focuses on ensuring that APIs, critical interfaces between applications and services, are free from vulnerabilities. Since APIs connect different services and systems, they often serve as an entry point for cybercriminals. Security testing for APIs involves evaluating authentication methods, data validation, encryption, and the security of input and output data.

When to use:
API security testing is crucial whenever APIs are used for communication between various software components or third-party services. It is especially critical when building web and mobile applications that rely on API interactions.

Benefits:

  • Detects potential flaws in data handling and validation.
  • Ensures secure communication between applications and systems.
  • Protects sensitive data being leaked out during transmission, preventing data breaches.

Cloud-Native Application Security Testing (CNAST)

Cloud-Native Application Security Testing (CNAST) focuses on applications built specifically for cloud environments. These applications often use microservices, containers, and serverless computing. CNAST evaluates security at both the application and cloud infrastructure level.

When to use:
This type of testing should be conducted when deploying cloud-native applications, especially those built on platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

Benefits:

  • Identifies vulnerabilities specific to cloud-based infrastructure.
  • Improves security in dynamic, scalable environments.
  • Helps businesses comply with cloud security standards and regulations.

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

DAST analyzes running applications in real time to identify vulnerabilities in the runtime environment. It does not require access to the source code and simulates external attacks on live systems, looking for vulnerabilities such as authentication flaws, misconfigurations, and insecure data transmission.

When to use:
DAST is best used during the testing phase of application development or during regular security audits of live applications. It is particularly useful for identifying runtime vulnerabilities that SAST may miss.

Benefits:

  • Provides insights into vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
  • Detects issues with configurations and running systems.
  • Helps businesses simulate real-world cyberattacks.

Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)

IAST combines the strengths of SAST and DAST by analyzing running applications while also inspecting the source code. IAST is integrated into the development environment, providing immediate feedback to developers while applications are running.

When to use:
IAST is ideal for environments that require fast feedback, such as DevSecOps pipelines, where developers continuously deploy and test code.

Benefits:

  • Offers real-time vulnerability detection during runtime.
  • Provides in-depth analysis of both application code and live environments.
  • Speeds up development by offering continuous testing feedback.

Manual Application Penetration Testing

Manual penetration testing involves skilled security professionals simulating cyberattacks to discover vulnerabilities that automated tools might overlook. Unlike automated methods, this type of testing leverages human intelligence to mimic sophisticated attack techniques.

When to use:
Penetration testing is best used periodically, particularly after major software updates, changes to the infrastructure, or the introduction of new features. It is particularly effective in highly sensitive environments or when compliance with industry regulations requires deep testing.

Benefits:

  • Simulates real-world attack scenarios, providing insights into exploitable vulnerabilities.
  • Uncovers hidden issues that automated tools cannot detect.
  • Enhances overall security posture by identifying complex attack vectors.

Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST)

Mobile application security testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in mobile apps for both iOS and Android platforms. This includes issues related to data storage, insecure APIs, improper authentication, and more.

When to use:
Mobile security testing should be conducted for all mobile apps, especially when dealing with sensitive user data, financial transactions, or integration with third-party services.

Benefits:

  • Protects user data and application integrity.
  • Identifies specific threats unique to mobile platforms, like insecure APIs or data leakage.
  • Ensures compliance with mobile security standards like OWASP Mobile Top 10.

Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)

RASP is a security technology that is embedded within an application and works in real time to detect and prevent attacks. Unlike traditional security measures, RASP operates from within the application and monitors behavior, blocking malicious activities before they cause harm.

When to use:
RASP is best used in production environments where the application must be protected against live, sophisticated attacks.

Benefits:

  • Provides real-time protection without the need for external security tools.
  • Detects and mitigates attacks such as SQL injections, command injections, and buffer overflows.
  • Reduces response time to security incidents.

Secret Scanning

Secret scanning focuses on detecting sensitive information like API keys, passwords, and other secrets embedded within the application code, logs, or configuration files.

When to use:
Secret scanning should be used as part of the code review process or when deploying applications to prevent accidental exposure of sensitive credentials.

Benefits:

  • Prevents data leaks by identifying secrets stored improperly.
  • Helps meet regulatory requirements for secure key management.
  • Avoids accidental exposure of credentials to unauthorized users.

Software Composition Analysis (SCA)

SCA scans an application’s open-source components to identify known vulnerabilities in libraries and packages that may be included in the application. These components can be a major source of security issues if not managed properly.

When to use:
SCA is essential during the development phase when integrating open-source libraries or when auditing an application for known vulnerabilities.

Benefits:

  • Identifies and mitigates risks from third-party libraries.
  • Provides insights into licensing and compliance risks.
  • Helps ensure that the application does not contain outdated or unsupported components.

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

SAST analyzes an application’s source code for potential vulnerabilities without running the application. It looks for issues like buffer overflows, SQL injections, and cross-site scripting (XSS) in the codebase.

When to use:
SAST should be used early in the software development lifecycle to identify vulnerabilities before code is deployed. It is ideal for catching basic coding errors early in the process.

Benefits:

  • Detects vulnerabilities early in the development process.
  • Improves code quality and security from the outset.
  • Provides detailed insights into the application’s source code.

Application Security Testing Best Practices

  • Start Early: Begin security testing in the design and planning phase to integrate security into the application from the start, rather than addressing it after development.
  • Use Multiple Testing Techniques: Combine static and dynamic testing methods to get a comprehensive view of the application’s security and identify a wider range of vulnerabilities.
  • Test Regularly: Perform regular testing, especially after code changes or updates, to catch vulnerabilities before new code is deployed.
  • Prioritize Vulnerabilities: Not all vulnerabilities are equal. Address the most critical ones first based on their severity and potential impact.
  • Involve All Stakeholders: Application security is a shared responsibility. Engage developers, testers, and operations teams to raise awareness and ensure comprehensive security.
  • Monitor and Respond to Findings: Security testing is ongoing. Continuously monitor applications for new vulnerabilities and promptly address findings to maintain security.

Conclusion

Whether you’re focusing on web applications, mobile apps, APIs, or cloud-native environments, leveraging the right combination of security tests will significantly reduce the risk of attacks, data breaches, and compliance violations. Implementing a layered approach to security testing is the key to staying ahead of threats and ensuring the longevity and integrity of your applications.

Get a consultation today to integrate application security testing into your development process and safeguard your business from cyber threats.

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