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What is DAST and how does it work?
Dynamic application security testing (DAST) is a cybersecurity assessment method that analyzes running applications to identify security vulnerabilities. Unlike static application security testing (SAST), which examines source code before deployment, DAST scanning simulates real-world attacks by probing a web app’s inputs and responses. The term DAST is generally understood to refer to automated security testing using vulnerability assessment tools.
For small and mid-sized businesses, ease of use and speed are crucial when selecting a DAST solution. Many SMBs do not have dedicated security teams, so tools that provide automated scanning, straightforward setup, and actionable reports are essential. DAST tools help detect security flaws such as SQL injection (SQLi), cross-site scripting (XSS), authentication issues, and misconfigurations, providing an effective first layer of defense against hackers. They work as black-box testing solutions, meaning they do not require access to source code, which makes them compatible with various programming languages and web application security frameworks.
Why DAST-first is a better approach to AppSec
When it comes to testing their applications, most organizations rely on SAST, software composition analysis (SCA), and other static scanning tools that flood developers and security teams with false positives and non-actionable findings—and that’s a problem:
- SAST and SCA don’t prove exploitability but do frequently generate hundreds of alerts without showing what can actually be reached and attacked.
- Developers get overwhelmed and waste time fixing low-risk issues instead of real threats—and eventually start treating all security warnings as false alarms.
- Security teams lack clear prioritization when you can’t separate critical issues from less urgent tasks and from sheer noise.
A DAST-first approach flips this on its head:
- DAST scanning focuses on what attackers see by probing live applications to find exploitable vulnerabilities.
- Automated validation confirms potential vulnerabilities with features like proof-based scanning to cut through false positives.
- Faster remediation and higher efficiency with short time to value as teams focus on first fixing what matters most.
Best DAST tools for 2025
1. Invicti: DAST-first AppSec platform
Invicti provides an enterprise-grade, DAST-first application security platform with advanced automation. Its proprietary proof-based scanning technology automatically and safely confirms exploitable vulnerabilities, achieving a 99.98% accuracy rate and virtually eliminating false positives for these security flaws. Invicti’s Predictive Risk Scoring helps prioritize testing and remediation based on risk of real-world exploitation, while vulnerability reports include detailed technical information and remediation guidance, not just generic CVSS scores. With over 50 integrations (including GitHub, Jira, ServiceNow, and Jenkins), Invicti seamlessly fits into existing workflows and CI/CD pipelines.
As a complete AppSec platform, Invicti supports modern web technologies, including JavaScript-heavy applications, SPAs, and all major API types (REST, SOAP, GraphQL, gRPC). It also incorporates IAST (interactive application security testing) for deeper coverage without code instrumentation. Invicti (formerly Netsparker) provides comprehensive security by supporting automated vulnerability scanning and vulnerability management in a continuous process across the software development lifecycle—all on a unified platform that also incorporates discovery.
2. Acunetix by Invicti: DAST for SMBs
Acunetix by Invicti is a powerful DAST-only web vulnerability scanner tailored for smaller businesses and mid-sized enterprises just starting their application security programs. It provides fast, automated security testing at a price point accessible to SMBs.
Like Invicti, Acunetix features proof-based scanning to validate vulnerabilities and Predictive Risk Scoring to prioritize testing and remediation. Its ease of use and rapid deployment make it an ideal entry point for companies beginning their AppSec journey.
3. PortSwigger Burp Suite Professional
Burp Suite is a well-known tool among security professionals and penetration testers. While it offers some automation, it is better suited for businesses that require manual testing and customizable security assessments rather than fully automated, plug-and-play scanning. With its plugins and interactive attack surface analysis features, it is a valuable asset for penetration testing efforts.
4. Checkmarx DAST tools
Checkmarx DAST is part of a web application security suite that includes static and interactive security testing. It integrates with Checkmarx security intelligence for enhanced vulnerability detection and prioritization, complementing SAST tools and SCA for more holistic security coverage.
5. Rapid7 InsightAppSec
InsightAppSec is a cloud-based DAST solution designed for modern web applications and APIs, featuring dynamic attack simulations and SIEM integration to enhance threat response. Its automation capabilities help identify security flaws while integrating with DevOps workflows.
6. HCL AppScan
HCL AppScan is designed to help smaller businesses automate security testing without complex configurations. It provides vulnerability assessment scanning tools and security insights in an easy-to-use package, making it an option for teams that need straightforward security testing.
7. OpenText Fortify WebInspect
WebInspect provides an extensive security scanner that may be more than what many SMBs need. It is best suited for businesses that require advanced security features, but those looking for fast and easy scanning solutions may find simpler alternatives more effective. It offers web application security testing, including API security assessments and framework compatibility.
8. Black Duck DAST tools
Black Duck, formerly known as Synopsys, offers two DAST products: Continuous Dynamic and Polaris fAST Dynamic. Continuous Dynamic is a DAST tool designed to identify security vulnerabilities in web applications by using automated scanning and analysis. Polaris fAST Dynamic is a separate DAST solution that focuses on streamlining the testing process for web applications.
9. Veracode Dynamic Analysis
Veracode’s DAST solution offers continuous security testing through automated vulnerability detection, CI/CD integration, and regular scanning for ongoing protection, making it suitable for enterprises with stringent compliance requirements.
10. ZAP by Checkmarx (formerly OWASP ZAP)
ZAP is an open-source tool that can be a cost-effective vulnerability scanning option for SMBs with the technical expertise to deploy it and manually triage results. While it requires more manual configuration than commercial tools and provides no automation, ZAP gives flexibility and customization for businesses that want to tailor their security testing. With its extensive plugins, it is also used by penetration testers looking to enhance and customize their security assessments.
The benefits of a DAST-first approach
Security isn’t about finding everything but about finding and addressing the right things. Taking a DAST-first approach with the right tools has major advantages for small and mid-sized businesses:
- Cut through the noise: DAST finds and flags vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could actually use, showing you your realistic security posture.
- Work with verified and actionable issues: Exploitable vulnerabilities confirmed with proof-based scanning can be fixed without wasting time on verification.
- Secure more applications with less effort: Prioritize testing and remediation to first focus on high-risk assets and exploitable issues.
- Test everything regardless of technology: Tech-agnostic DAST lets you test your websites and applications regardless of tech stack or programming language.
- Continuously test for vulnerabilities: Integrate DAST both into the SDLC and into production to build a continuous security testing process.
- Integrate with DevSecOps: Incorporate security into CI/CD pipelines and DevOps workflows.
Key features to look for in a DAST tool for smaller businesses
When selecting a DAST tool, SMBs should prioritize:
- Automated proof of exploit: Verifies vulnerabilities to maximize accuracy and cut through false positives
- Predictive risk scoring: Prioritizes testing based on real-world impact
- Workflow integrations: Work with the tools your development teams already use
- API security capabilities: Supports modern API formats and authentication methods
- DevSecOps compatibility: Fits into CI/CD pipelines and development processes
- Actionable security issues: Provide clear remediation guidance for developers
Final thoughts: Start with DAST for real risk reduction
When selecting a security solution for your websites and applications, ask yourself:
- Are you prioritizing vulnerabilities based on real risk across your attack surface?
- Can you validate exploitability or are you drowning in false positives?
- Are you fixing actual security issues or just reacting to incoming reports?
- Can the solution cover both your AppSec and InfoSec testing needs?
A DAST-first approach means finding, validating, and fixing real risks before attackers do. So if you could only start with one tool for your application security program, DAST is the only logical way to go as your fact checker and force multiplier for all other AST tools.
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THE AUTHOR
Technical Content Lead & Managing Editor
Cybersecurity writer and blog managing editor at Invicti Security. Drawing on years of experience with security, software development, content creation, journalism, and technical translation, he does his best to bring web application security and cybersecurity in general to a wider audience.
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