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Organizations may use a variety of different types of security testing to safeguard their data. Dynamic application security testing and penetration testing are two of the most common forms of security testing.
Both of these tests have their own unique benefits, but which one is right for your business? This can make it a tough decision. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between dynamic application security testing and penetration testing, and help you decide which type of test is right for you!
What Is Dynamic Application Security Testing?
The use of automated tools to find flaws in web applications is referred to as dynamic application security testing (DAST). These tools may be used to mimic real-world assaults and help you discover and repair vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by hackers.
One of the benefits of DAST is that it can be performed on live applications, which means you can find and fix vulnerabilities while your business is still running. DAST is a popular choice for organizations that wish to ensure their data is secure since it makes encryption as simple and easy as scanning an email attachment.
Pros And Cons Of Dynamic Application Security Testing
Now that you understand what dynamic application security testing is, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this type of test:
Pros:
- Can be performed on live applications – This means you can find and fix vulnerabilities while your business is still running.
- Identifies vulnerabilities that are not visible during penetration testing – DAST can identify vulnerabilities that are not visible during a pen test, making it a more comprehensive security solution.
Cons:
- Requires access to a live system in order to be effective – Penetration testing requires access to a live system in order to be effective, while DAST can be performed on live applications.
- Less invasive than penetration testing – DAST is less invasive than penetration testing, making it a good choice for businesses that do not want to damage their systems.
What Is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing is a type of security test that involves attacking your systems in the real world to determine if they are vulnerable. Pen testers use a variety of methods, including manual testing and using automated tools, to find and exploit weaknesses in your systems.
One of the benefits of pen testing is that it can be used to test both internal and external systems. This makes it a popular choice for businesses that want to secure their entire network.
Pros And Cons of Penetration Testing
Now that you understand what penetration testing is, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this type of test:
Pros:
- Can be used to test both internal and external systems – Penetration testing can be used to test both internal and external systems, while DAST is limited to web applications.
- More comprehensive than DAST – Penetration testing is a more comprehensive security test than DAST.
Cons:
- Invasive – Penetration testing is a more invasive type of security test, which may not be suitable for all businesses.
- Requires access to a live system in order to be effective – As mentioned earlier, penetration testing requires access to a live system in order to be effective.
Dynamic Application Security Testing vs Penetration Testing: What are the Differences?
Now that you know what dynamic application security testing and penetration testing are, let’s take a look at some of the differences between these two tests:
- Dynamic application security testing can be performed on live applications, while penetration testing requires access to a live system in order to be effective.
- DAST can identify vulnerabilities that are not visible during penetration testing.
- Penetration testing can be used to test both internal and external systems, while DAST is limited to web applications.
- Penetration testing is a more invasive type of security test, while DAST is less intrusive.
DAST can identify vulnerabilities that are not visible during software penetration testing, making it a more comprehensive security solution. One of the benefits of DAST is that it can be performed on live applications, while penetration testing requires access to a live system in order to be effective. Penetration testing is a more invasive type of security test, while DAST is less intrusive. When making the decision between dynamic application security testing and penetration testing, it is important to consider the specific needs of your business.
How to Choose Between Dynamic Application Security Testing and Penetration Testing?
Now that you know the differences between dynamic application security testing and penetration testing, how do you decide which one is right for your business? Here are a few factors to consider:
- The size of your business – If your business is small or medium-sized, then dynamic application security testing may be a better choice, as it is less invasive than penetration testing and does not require access to a live system.
- The type of systems you want to test – If you are only interested in testing web applications, then DAST is the right choice for you. If you want to test internal and external systems, then penetration testing is the better option.
- The security needs of your business – Penetration testing is a more comprehensive security test than DAST, so it may be a better option for businesses that need a higher level of security.
When making the decision between dynamic application security testing and penetration testing, it is important to consider the specific needs of your business.
Conclusion
Two types of security tests that may be used to identify flaws in your systems are dynamic application testing and penetration testing. While both tests have their benefits, penetration testing is a more comprehensive test that can be used to test internal and external systems. If you are only interested in testing web applications, then DAST is the better choice for you. Talk to an experienced security consultant to help you decide which type of test is right for your business!
