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Best Application Security Tools for DevSecOps: SAST, DAST, IAST & SCA Explained

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Choosing the right application security tools is essential for identifying vulnerabilities early and securing software throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). This guide compares top application security testing (AST) tools, including SAST (static application security testing), DAST (dynamic application security testing), IAST (interactive application security testing), and SCA, to help DevSecOps teams build more secure, resilient, and compliant applications.

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

As cybersecurity threats get more complex, tacking security on at the end of development is no longer an effective measure. Advanced frameworks, such as NIST, call for including security testing from the design phase. 

SAST tools let you begin testing your code as soon as you write it. You can incorporate them directly into your integrated development environment (IDE). These tools analyze every line of code for common weaknesses and vulnerabilities to root out issues early in the process, when they can be mitigated quickly and cheaply. You don’t need to compile or run code to perform SAST, and it lets you catch errors before they’re committed to the code base and passed along to the application’s release. As SAST tools work directly on the source code, they’re language specific, so you need a solution that works with your programming languages. 

Another big advantage of using a SAST tool is that it creates better developers. You can customize a SAST solution to enforce coding standards as well as security measures. Build security directly into your codebase with Kiuwan’s SAST solution. Start your free trial today. It integrates directly into your CI/CD development pipeline for automated real-time scanning that promotes a DevSecOps model.

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

Although it’s important to test your code base during development, you also need to test it at runtime. DAST tools simulate an attack on an application in its running state. Because the tools have no visibility into the source code, this is a type of black box testing that determines how an application will respond to outside attacks. This type of testing can catch security vulnerabilities that are only apparent when code is compiled and run. 

The shift toward microservices and serverless functions has fragmented the development process so that it’s more difficult for any one team to have a comprehensive overview of the entire codebase. DAST tools allow you to catch any security flaws or vulnerabilities that slipped through an individual branch, or aren’t visible in a static state. 

Dynamic testing isn’t as language specific as static, but it also isn’t a good standalone testing option. It needs to be combined with other testing tools to avoid overlooking potential vulnerabilities.

Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)

IAST combines elements of both DAST and SAST, but it also differs from both. Like SAST, IAST works inside the application, and like DAST, it analyzes the code at runtime. However, IAST tools don’t analyze the entire codebase. They only analyze the functions that are running during testing. 

IAST tools can be an effective part of reusing test code, avoiding the need to recreate scripts for security testing. They also simplify API testing, making them a good option for teams using microservices. 

You’ll also get a greater level of detail and more actionable results from IAST than from DAST because it has access to the inside workings of the code.

Software Composition Analysis (SCA)

Almost all modern applications contain components of open-source code. Open-source elements simplify and speed up the development process, letting you deliver products to market faster. However, open-source software also opens your applications up to significant security risks. 

Cybersecurity frameworks increasingly require a software bill of materials (SBOM) as a bulwark against unknown vulnerabilities. A SBOM gives you visibility into all of your libraries and dependencies so you aren’t in danger of leaving unpatched vulnerabilities open to exploit.

An SCA tool scans your code base to identify open-source vulnerabilities and can automatically remediate them. It also identifies licensing regulations so you can avoid accidentally violating them or compromising your intellectual property by using the wrong type of software license. 

Why a multi-layered application security toolset Is essential

Relying on a single testing method leaves blind spots in your security posture. Each type of tool—SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA—shines in different areas, and only by combining them through multiple testing methods can you ensure comprehensive coverage.

For instance, static testing might catch hardcoded secrets or injection flaws in source code, but it won’t see misconfigurations in production. Conversely, dynamic testing can reveal exposed endpoints and insecure redirects but won’t help enforce clean, secure coding practices during development.

IAST bridges the gap by providing runtime visibility with code-level context, while SCA ensures that third-party components don’t become the Achilles’ heel of your application.

Together, these tools form a cohesive defense strategy that:

  • Reduces mean time to remediation (MTTR)
  • Lowers the cost of fixing vulnerabilities by identifying them earlier
  • Enhances cross-team collaboration by integrating security into every phase
  • Minimizes false positives by correlating findings across different layers

Kiuwan supports this approach by offering an integrated suite of tools designed to work in unison, including automated scanning, enhancing both visibility and control across the SDLC.

Why layered application security testing Is essential for DevSecOps success

Modern development demands speed, but not at the cost of security. A layered application security testing strategy aligns seamlessly with DevSecOps by embedding security at every stage of the SDLC without slowing down the pipeline.

Here’s how combining SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA tools enhances your DevSecOps workflow:

  • Shift left, catch early: SAST tools integrated into your IDE and CI/CD pipeline help developers identify vulnerabilities before code is committed, when fixes are cheapest and fastest.
  • Guardrails at runtime: DAST and IAST uncover runtime issues that static tools miss, providing real-world attack simulation and contextualized insights.
  • Third-party risk mitigation: SCA protects against vulnerabilities in open-source components, which are often overlooked but frequently targeted.
  • Compliance confidence: By automating testing across multiple vectors, you support industry standards like OWASP, NIST, and PCI-DSS without additional manual effort.

A mature DevSecOps practice isn’t just about tooling—it’s about orchestration. With Kiuwan, each layer works in harmony to reduce risk, boost resilience, and keep delivery on schedule.

The benefits of an integrated AST approach

You’ll get better results from combining tools than from choosing only one for automated testing. 

All major cybersecurity standards, including OWASP, NIST, and PCI-DSS, require automated security testing as part of their guidelines and practices. The 2024 OWASP Top 10 includes multiple security vulnerabilities that SAST and SCA tools can identify and remediate. 

SAST tools can help you discover: 

  • Broken access controls
  • Cryptographic failures
  • Injection
  • Security misconfigurations 
  • Identification and authentication failures
  • Server-side request forgery

SCA tools can help you find vulnerable and outdated components as well as software and data integrity failures.

When to use SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA

Each application security tool, including SAST testing tools, plays a specific role in your SDLC, and understanding when and how to use them is critical to maximizing their effectiveness.

  • SAST is best suited for the earliest stages of development. Integrated directly into your IDE and CI/CD pipeline, it enables you to catch bugs and vulnerabilities before they’re even committed to the codebase. This makes it ideal for supporting a shift-left strategy.
  • DAST comes into play during testing and staging phases. It simulates real-world attacks against a running application, uncovering issues that only emerge at runtime—like insecure configurations or input handling errors.
  • IAST is valuable during QA testing when you want both runtime insights and detailed, context-rich vulnerability data. It works best in environments using microservices or APIs and where reusing test scripts can accelerate the process.
  • SCA should be used continuously throughout development to scan your codebase for third-party risks. It ensures you’re using secure, compliant open-source components and helps generate a software bill of materials (SBOM) for regulatory adherence.

Matching the tool to the appropriate stage of development allows you to create a defense-in-depth strategy that not only reduces risk but also streamlines your security workflows.

Common vulnerabilities these tools can detect

Each type of application security testing tool has its strengths when it comes to identifying specific categories of vulnerabilities. Using a layered approach ensures broader protection through vulnerability scanning and minimizes risk across the software development lifecycle.

ToolExamples of Vulnerabilities Detected
SASTSQL injection, insecure cryptographic algorithms, hardcoded credentials, buffer overflows, improper input validation
DASTCross-site scripting (XSS), authentication bypass, session hijacking, insecure redirects, exposed error messages
IASTLogic flaws, insecure API calls, improper exception handling, and configuration errors during execution
SCAVulnerable dependencies, known CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), outdated libraries, license conflicts

SAST and IAST are particularly effective at uncovering issues within the code itself, while DAST identifies runtime vulnerabilities that only surface once the application is live. SCA adds another layer by scanning third-party components, essential in today’s open-source-heavy environments.

By combining these tools, teams can proactively address vulnerabilities at every stage, including simulating attacks, and prevent issues before they impact users or compliance.

Bottom line

To get the most comprehensive and effective coverage, you’ll need to take a layered approach to application security testing by using multiple tools, including SAST and SCA. Kiuwan’s end-to-end application security platform can help you shift left and address security issues earlier in the SDLC, when the cost of remediating vulnerabilities is lower. 

Start with Kiuwan’s SAST as a first line of defense in your DevSecOps practice. You can integrate it directly into your IDE and use it to enforce strong coding practices from the earliest iterations. Regularly scan your codebase with Kiuwan’s SCA to identify any open-source elements and protect against licensing violations. 

Request your free demo and explore powerful ways to strengthen your DevSecOps team with the right application security tools


SAST and DAST FAQs

What is the difference between SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA tools in application security testing?

SAST analyzes source code early in development without running it, ideal for catching coding flaws before they’re committed. DAST tests running applications to simulate external attacks and detect runtime issues. IAST combines elements of both while running in real-time, and SCA scans open-source components for known vulnerabilities and licensing issues.

Why is it important to use multiple application security tools throughout the SDLC?

No single tool can catch every type of vulnerability across all development stages. Layering tools like SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA through various testing methods ensures broader coverage and reduces the chance of missing hidden flaws. This approach aligns well with DevSecOps practices that integrate security from design through deployment.

How does Kiuwan’s SAST tool support secure software development?

Kiuwan’s SAST tool integrates directly into IDEs and CI/CD pipelines, allowing developers to detect vulnerabilities as they write code. It supports automated real-time scanning and enforces coding standards. This helps teams build secure applications faster while promoting a shift-left strategy.

What kinds of vulnerabilities can each AST tool detect?

SAST catches issues like SQL injection, hardcoded credentials, and buffer overflows. DAST detects cross-site scripting, authentication bypass, and session hijacking. IAST identifies logic flaws and insecure API calls, while SCA flags outdated libraries, CVEs, and licensing conflicts.

How does a layered testing strategy help with compliance and risk management?

Using a combination of AST tools supports requirements from standards like OWASP, NIST, and PCI-DSS. Automated coverage across multiple attack surfaces reduces manual testing overhead and increases accuracy. It also builds confidence in security posture and compliance readiness.

How do application security tools help identify security vulnerabilities during development?

Application security tools such as SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA help identify security vulnerabilities at different stages of the software development lifecycle. SAST scans source code early to catch issues before deployment, while DAST simulates real-world attacks on running applications. IAST combines both approaches to deliver detailed, real-time insights, and SCA monitors third-party components for known risks. Using a layered toolset ensures broader vulnerability detection and faster remediation.

What’s the difference between a SAST and DAST tool for identifying security vulnerabilities?

A SAST (static application security testing) tool analyzes source code early in development to identify security vulnerabilities before the code is run. In contrast, a DAST (dynamic application security testing) tool tests a live application during runtime, simulating external attacks to uncover vulnerabilities that aren’t visible in the code itself. Using both tools together provides comprehensive coverage across the SDLC, supporting a strong DevSecOps strategy.

Why is web application security important in modern software development?

Web application security is critical because modern applications are constantly exposed to internet-based threats. Vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure authentication can be exploited if not addressed early. Implementing tools like SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA helps ensure comprehensive web application security by detecting and remediating risks across the development and deployment lifecycle.

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