Static Application Security Testing : How does it Works

Adding penetration and static application security testing into your app’s SDLC is a perfect process for ultimate defense. Here, static takes care of monitoring and repairing vulnerabilities from the very beginning. In comparison, these debuggable scans are comprehensive and come around the budget. So, learn about its benefits, challenges, and practices with the help of our elaborate blog.

Today’s evolving technological landscape provides hope for a comfortable life but threatens them simultaneously. Cyber security hasn’t grown to resolve and tackle at par, but it shows an inclusive process of building applications. Yes! Static application security testing is one of them, which provides a strong foundation for code and prevents damage.

This kind of lifecycle security strategy is far better at authentication and tracking. It even reduces the need for costly remediation to patch the attacked areas. Hence, your applications will always be error-free and secured to the prime. Curious! Then, know more about its insights and facts by reading our blog till the end. 

How do we define static application security testing?

Static analysis, or SAST, is a common testing technique that analyzes source code to find security vulnerabilities. It’s usually involved in the SDLC from the planning state itself. So that developers can find risks early and quickly resolve them to improve quality and efficiency before the application's final release.

Here, static security testing tools help fix issues and give detailed real-time feedback. Put differently; they provide graphical representations of vulnerabilities found while highlighting their exact location and cause. Moreover, integrating these tools acts as an in-depth guide to creating the best code possible for non-security domain developers, too.

Another key point is that companies employing security tools have a 74-day shorter time than normal recovery. Tools, including static application security testing, must be used to prevent such mishaps. Further, explore its advantages in the next section. 

What are the benefits of using static security testing tools?

Static application security testing methodology provides a more flexible and comprehensive security assessment than other tools. It allows the analysis of entire source code for multiple threat-finding processes, unlike dynamic testing. Now let’s observe more such advantages and benefits:

Code safety

Data loss, leaking, or breaches are prone to creating a larger loss of reputation than it seems. In that case, SAST ensures that code is written to particular security standards before releasing it to the production environment. Thus, it eliminates security flaws and improves overall software quality.

Faster implementation

In reality, static code security scans are quicker and more detailed. They review millions of code lines automatically while monitoring flaws. Also, this testing is very effective in performance and efficiency with its automated and manual testing processes.

Risk mitigation

When security is analyzed at every phase, it minimizes the latter costs. Because most of the weaknesses are found in the source code binaries, it catches them and prevents causing any larger impact on the end users and your business.

Cost-efficient

The major benefit is that static application security testing tools are comparatively more cost-friendly than dynamic analysis. At the same time, giving feedback and guidance to solve issues and security concerns. Thus, it prevents financial stress by solving vulnerabilities at every go.

Poorly written programs are no longer acceptable and are straight targets of hackers. Therefore, adapting SAST is necessary for creating a safe application. Let’s understand how SAST app security works in the next section. 

In what ways does static application security testing work?

SAST can protect your application from all potential dangers in the long run. So, choosing the right static security testing tools and executing them following the standard procedure is important. Let’s see how it works:

Select your tool

First, select the proper tools for static security testing as per your requirements. They should perform accurate code reviews of applications using the same programming languages. At the same time, it analyzes the entire application framework and software compatibility. A few tools may include - GitHub, Coverity, GitLab, Checkmarx, SonarQube, and many more.

Setup scanning infrastructure

This step checks the licensed requirements, access control, and authorization. All this has to be done before we execute static code security scans. Here, you should also finalize resources like platforms, servers, and databases used to deploy the tool.

Rephrase tool settings

Go to the tools settings and fine-tune the necessary configurations. It means you can set up new rules per your app's needs to the existing ones for effectively finding security vulnerabilities. Further, integrating the tool helps in the creation of dashboards. As a result, you can track scan results and build custom reports.

Prioritize activities

By this step, the tool would be ready for testing. But if you have a large number of applications, then first prioritize highly risky ones to scan. Eventually, onboard all the applications into regular scans. In the same way, schedule scans to release cycles in weekly or monthly check-ins.

Analyze scan results

After scanning is complete, measure the results to remove errors like crawlable URLs, false positives, etc. Once the set of vulnerabilities is decided, they should be tracked, and those reports should be given to the QA team. Finally, they will properly remediate the infected parts.

Governance and re-test

Before re-scanning, ensure the developer gets enough training on weaknesses and exploit points. Thus, governance is needed to choose the correct tools. Also, they should know security touchpoints within SDLC to re-incorporate SAST in the application lifecycle.

This progressive testing technique is beneficial if you indulge it in every phase of SDLC. Furthermore, scanning at regular intervals helps in the long run. Now, let’s explore the challenges of using these security testing services. 

List of challenges posed by static analysis security testing

Indeed, static app security testing locates problems more accurately than dynamic analysis. It even finds weaknesses and severity of risks if they aren’t remediated. But it also poses several challenges while testing, such as:

Cannot scan during runtime

Static testing tools can detect vulnerabilities like XSS, injections, etc. But it’s limited to the compiling and writing stage itself. It can’t determine the issues that may arise while the application is running. So, it’s somewhat a little ineffective.

False positives

Usually, static code security scans the whole source code to find vulnerabilities. So, there’s a high chance of finding risks that can be false positives. It’s also assumed that SAST tools have a 50 to 80% false positive rate, making its result accuracy highly questionable.

Not suitable for microservices

Another problem is that static application security testing solutions are useless if used with Microservices architecture. Because they possess advanced coding and the ability to communicate over several small services at a time, highly dynamic testing is required to find any exploit points.

Language dependency

SAST generally has a strong programming code dependency like Java, C#, and many more. Thus, your preferences must match with its prerequisites. But for niche languages like ReScript and Nim, there are barely any SAST tools to adopt.

In the next section, learn the best practices for using the static application security testing technique. 

How do we ensure successful application security testing?

Follow these best practices to ensure that your static application security testing procedure is going well. Or else collaborate with a software development services company like Appsierra, and they will do the accurate testing for you. Let’s see what they are:

Use automated SAST tools

Automation application security testing is best to ensure that security issues do not disturb development workflows. Also, it’s quick and prioritizes feedback loops to create actionable insights for your developers. Thus, it helps in more accurate remediation.

Include abuse test cases

When testing application security, it's better to design test scenarios from the point of view of a hacker. For that, we have abuse test cases, which detect issues that are scripted and integrate QA to understand how case scenarios behave under various misused conditions. 

Combie SAST and DAST

Static app security testing creates an accurate list of vulnerabilities in the application source code. On the other hand, DAST provides real-time demonstration using penetration testing to safeguard apps. If combined, they fix the security flaws for better mechanisms.

Integrate into CI/CD

Integrate patch testing into your CI/CD pipelines and DevOPs. It can reduce the entire finding and fixing issues time and work. Moreover, include virtual patch management tools as firewalls to create more scope for protection in the application.

In the following section, let’s see why we should collaborate with Appsierra’s static application security testing services. 

Why engage Appsierra for top-notch security testing services?

Appsierra is one of the top static analysis security testing companies. Our enterprise IT security solutions ensure robust protection for your systems. Also, we employ cutting-edge technology combined with powerful strategies to attain your expectations. So join us and redeem exclusive benefits and perks like:

Cooperation models

In Appsierra, we offer adaptable cooperation models to fulfill your unique needs. You can merge with our dedicated QA team to develop particular segments or hire entire management support. We can flexibly ensure a seamless integration of our experience with your business objectives and milestones.

Compliance standards

Our commitment to security doesn’t end after application delivery. We continuously check and ensure that the app follows the best of the best industry standards and practices. Moreover, we update our solutions to evolving security regulations. Therefore, your consumers can enjoy enhanced performance with better speed and efficiency.

Tailor-made applications

At Appsierra, we recognize the needs of different domains and sectors. Thus, we encourage purpose-built applications for affordable prices. These are specifically crafted to ensure every ideal of your business requirement is precisely met. For that reason, we leverage our technical expertise to ensure the solution is designed to match future innovations.

Support and maintenance

As a leading static application security testing consultancy, we provide exclusive post-service support and maintenance after application delivery. Our Serverless, Microservices architecture and agile methodologies are highly resilient and futuristic. Also, our clients can contact the tech assistant for no service costs. 

Asset management

Asset management is a high priority for enterprises. In effect, we provide real-time asset tracking and maintenance of sensitive data. Our experts customize security audits to accurately assess your defense mechanism regularly. On the other hand, we ensure your employees can easily access the assets without any security breaches. 

Conclusion

Static application security testing should be present in every application checklist. Also, ensure that your security team has hardwired it to the code. Tools like this can thoroughly examine every phase of the application to make it secure and reliable. Indeed, SAST is affordable for both individual and commercial purposes. 

So, regardless of scale, invest in these debugging and expediting processes as needful security measures. Outsourcing companies like Appsierra have experts and security developers who are experienced in resolving these issues, so it is better to collaborate with them.

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