Proactive Defense: How Web Application Security Scanning Shields Your Business

Businesses run on numerous web applications, some developed in-house and some built by third parties. No matter their origin, they are all exposed on a network. Without proper testing, these applications are left exposed, harboring vulnerabilities that could be exploited, which can disrupt business operations and cause irreparable harm to the organization’s reputation.

Attackers have nothing but time to probe and determine what vulnerabilities exist. Once discovered, these attacks can steal sensitive data, manipulate or destroy information, and gain unauthorized access to other network parts. However, developers and security teams can identify these vulnerabilities well before threat actors have the opportunity through rigorous web application security testing.

Developers and security teams use automated tools designed to identify and assess vulnerabilities within web applications to help them discover these vulnerabilities. These tools utilize different methodologies to ensure that applications are thoroughly tested for potential security breaches and exploits. This process is vital in maintaining robust security protocols and supports a wide range of applications, from simple web functionalities to complex interactions within applications.

They are essential for detecting and addressing vulnerabilities early, preventing potential exploits that could compromise sensitive data. Organizations that operationalize these assessment processes can continuously monitor applications for new vulnerabilities, helping them remain protected from emerging threats.

Scanning has many benefits, such as being a proactive measure in preventing data breaches by reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data leaks, thereby safeguarding sensitive information. This capability is crucial for security and ensures compliance with stringent regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA, which mandate rigorous data protection standards. Identifying vulnerabilities early in the development cycle, these scans help organizations avoid the hefty costs associated with late-stage fixes, enhancing overall cost-effectiveness.

The assurance of a secure application also bolsters customer trust, which is critical for maintaining and growing a user base in competitive markets. Continuous security assessments provided by web application security scanning adapt to new threats, ensuring that applications remain secure over time. This ongoing vigilance is essential as it allows businesses to respond swiftly to emerging vulnerabilities and maintain a robust security posture, thus supporting sustained operational integrity and trust.

Web application security scanning faces several technical and operational challenges. Modern applications feature complex architectures with multiple integrated components, making comprehensive scanning daunting. Additionally, these scanning processes require significant computational resources and time, placing a strain on an organization’s technological and human resources.

The accuracy and efficiency of scanning are also critical areas of concern. Scanners must be finely tuned to minimize false positives and negatives, ensuring that the security teams focus on genuine threats rather than erroneous alerts. Integrating these scanning tools into continuous integration and deployment pipelines (CI/CD) is vital to maintaining the development speed without compromising security. Furthermore, the rapidly evolving threat landscape demands that these tools be regularly updated to detect new and emerging vulnerabilities effectively, requiring ongoing attention and adaptation from security teams.

There are multiple tools and techniques for scanning a web application. While no single method will detect every vulnerability independently, each one has areas in which it will excel. These tools should be used together in combinations that best fit the tested environment to get the most in-depth assessment.

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

SAST scans source code for vulnerabilities, providing early detection benefits that can enhance code quality during the development phase. This non-intrusive method does not require a running application and is particularly effective for specific programming languages. By educating developers on secure coding practices, SAST helps instill a foundational security mindset from the earliest stages of software creation.

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

DAST evaluates applications in their running state, simulating real-world attacks to identify exploitable vulnerabilities. This testing method is crucial for assessing the operational security of live, deployed applications and can also examine how security measures affect the user experience under actual usage conditions. DAST is typically complemented by manual testing to ensure a thorough vulnerability assessment across the application.

Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)

IAST combines the methodologies of SAST and DAST, offering a more comprehensive analysis of applications by providing real-time feedback during testing phases. This hybrid approach significantly reduces false positives and is highly effective for complex applications. It is a powerful tool for integrated security testing that supports early detection and operational security evaluations.

Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST)

MAST is specifically designed for mobile platforms. It addresses unique vulnerabilities associated with mobile applications, including API and device interface security. Using emulators for extensive device coverage, MAST ensures sensitive data protection and compliance with mobile security standards, tailoring its testing processes to the environments’ distinct requirements and risks.

Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)

RASP integrates directly into applications to provide real-time threat detection and response within the app’s runtime environment. This method offers immediate defense capabilities with minimal disruption to application functionality. Using context-aware protections, RASP effectively adapts to emerging threats, reducing the need for frequent updates and enhancing the application’s inherent security measures.

As a DAST tool, Probely offers a selection of security scans, helping organizations detect over 3000 vulnerability types, including critical ones such as XSS and SQL injections. Probely’s scanners integrate easily with developers’ workflows to streamline the development and assessment process. It helps create automated and continuous security assessments that boost efficiency and fortify their applications throughout their lifecycle.

However, Probely is so much more than just a DAST tool. It also incorporates asset discovery, working as an External Attack Surface Management (EASM) tool to help your organization understand its assets. By identifying assets, especially those added outside of standard IT procurement, organizations can take control of their security and remediate problems before attackers can find them.

Learn more about how Probely can help you secure your applications by trying out a risk-free demo.

Scanning should be integrated into the development process early and conducted regularly throughout the application's lifecycle.

Most scanning tools are designed to operate without disrupting live environments, but it is advisable to schedule scans during low-traffic periods.

Regular scans are crucial, ideally after every major update or on a scheduled basis that aligns with development cycles and security policies.

Different scanners may have varied focuses and strengths, with some specializing in specific types of vulnerabilities, such as XSS or SQL injection.