What DAST Does
DAST, or Dynamic Application Security Testing, operates differently from Static Application Security Testing (SAST). SAST examines source code for potential vulnerabilities, whereas DAST assesses a running application by simulating attacks. This ‘black box’ approach reveals vulnerabilities that may only manifest during runtime, such as authentication flaws, session management issues, and misconfigurations. Popular tools like OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite automate this process, sending various requests to the application and analysing the responses for signs of weakness.
DAST in Australian Tenants Today
For AU mid-market organisations, integrating DAST into the software development lifecycle is increasingly crucial. Automated scans of staging environments are a common practice, often triggered by code deployments. While DAST provides valuable automated checks, it's typically complemented by periodic manual penetration testing. Organisations engaged in government adjacent work, particularly those seeking IRAP protection or PSPF accreditation, will find DAST a key component in demonstrating a robust security posture, aligning with the ACSC Essential Eight and broader cybersecurity maturity frameworks.