What Are AppSec Tools? 

With each year setting new records for security and data breaches, application security (AppSec) tools are more important than ever. Explore some of the different AppSec tools every developer team should have in their arsenal and how they can benefit you, your project, and your users.

What Are Application Security Tools?

Application security (AppSec) is the process of finding, fixing, and preventing security vulnerabilities within applications throughout the software development process. AppSec tools, in turn, are designed to make this process as easy as possible.

Many AppSec tools can automate the application security process or make it easier to identify known vulnerabilities.

Benefits of AppSec Tools

There are countless reasons why so many developer teams rely on application security testing tools to improve their apps.

Early Issue Detection

Adding the right AppSec tools allows you to find potential bugs and other issues before they become serious. As a result, you’ll be able to keep your app running smoothly and take a proactive approach to protecting your users.

Improved Code Quality

AppSec tools enable you to both protect your code and streamline it—meaning your whole app will be easier to maintain, faster, more reliable, and consistent across all environments and platforms.

Better Compliance

Many component libraries have their own terms and conditions you must follow when using their software components. It’s also surprisingly easy to fall out of compliance without occasional monitoring. AppSec tools like Kiuwan, which provides detailed information about license terms and conditions, make it easier to stay compliant with these regulations and requirements.

Less Liability

Failure to comply with license terms and conditions—or adhere to security standards in general—can leave you and your company liable to fines, lawsuits, and other damages. By taking a DevSecOps approach from the beginning of the development process, you protect your company and brand from damage due to avoidable security oversights.

Types of AppSec Tools

AppSec testing tools come in multiple forms, all designed to maximize different facets of your code’s security. Here are some of the most trusted tools developers use to identify vulnerabilities:

• SAST: Static application security testing (SAST) tools analyze your source code, bytecode, or binary code for potential vulnerabilities without executing it in a real-time environment. They’re particularly handy during the earliest stages of development since they allow developers to rectify security issues before deployment.
• DAST: Dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools test your application while it’s running by simulating attacks to identify potential vulnerabilities. It’s a bit like having a white-hat hacker available at any time. DAST tools don’t require access to your source code, and they can detect SQL injections, cross-site scripting, and other common attack methods.
• IAST: Interactive application security testing (IAST) analyzes application behavior in real time from inside the app and contextualizes vulnerabilities so developers and testers can more effectively fix issues.
• SCA: Software composition analysis (SCA) helps developers find vulnerabilities in open-source or third-party code. Since open-source code is so common in software, SCA ensures that apps are safe from known vulnerabilities in external libraries.
• RASP: Runtime application self-protection (RASP) tools monitor and protect apps in real-time by blocking attacks as they occur. Using RASP tools allows you to monitor your app’s behavior and catch suspicious activities in the act.

How to Choose the Right AppSec Tools

Not all AppSec tools are created equal. Likewise, not all of them will be the right fit for every developer team. To figure out which AppSec tools are right for you, here are some factors to consider and steps to take.

Identify Your Needs

Every team of developers has a unique set of needs, depending on the type of application they’re creating, the intended users, and the application’s primary purpose.

Identifying these needs may involve auditing your current tech stack, including the tools your team wishes they had—and ones they might not know they need. For example, if your team doesn’t have an adequate way to test your open-source components in-house, you may need SCA tools.

Evaluate the Features

Every AppSec tool on the market has different features that you should compare directly. For example, some only cover certain coding languages, while others can only work in certain environments with specific browser types.

Other common features to look for in potential additions to your AppSec stack include but aren’t limited to:

• Automation: The more you can test automatically, the easier it will be to consider security in your CI/CD lifecycle.
• Multi-user seating: Some programs only allow a set number of seats, usually assigned to usernames or email addresses. Others, like Kiuwan, do not have a limited number of seats.
• Continuous testing: While performing a single security test is great for a one-off audit, Kiuwan also offers continuous testing with unlimited scans on one of its licenses. This is ideal for teams looking to take a DevSecOps approach to their projects.
• Integrations: Finding an AppSec tool that integrates with the other tools you use in your development workflow can make the difference between having a streamlined SDLC and one that’s disruptive and disjointed.
• False positive reduction: False positives can happen, notably with SAST, DAST, and IAST. False positive reduction features make it easier to get a clear view of your application’s security situation.

Look at Scalability

You could create an application for internal use by a team of just 15 people or develop an app for the public with over 15 million users. No matter how big or small your application is, your application security tools should be able to scale with it.

However, many development teams simply don’t have the manpower to comb for security issues manually. AppSec tools that allow for automation make it easier for your team to address potential security issues no matter how many people you have or how intricate your app is.

Check for Community and Support

The right AppSec tool also comes with a team of people who can provide insights and support for your security needs—rather than leaving you to search for answers on your own.

For example, Kiuwan offers technical support for single and continuous scanning licenses. This way, you know you’ll have someone who understands your AppSec tools inside and out, so both your newest and most experienced developers know how to use them.

How Kiuwan Can Help

Kiuwan offers both security testing and analytics features with SAST and SCA capabilities. Our vulnerability management tools are OWASP accredited and trusted by some leading brands to keep their applications safe. At a glance, here is what our products can do:

• Code Security: This SAST tool enables development teams to continuously scan their apps for potential security vulnerabilities and easily categorize vulnerabilities based on priority. Kiuwan Code Security categorizes issues by priority and characteristic, all in over 30 programming languages and without having to use a runtime environment.
• Insights: This SCA tool from Kiuwan allows you to cross-reference your code against some of the most up-to-date national-level databases for open-source components. Its real-time analysis features enable developers to protect their apps from the security issues of using outdated open-source code.
• Add-ons: Kiuwan also offers tools to help you take a holistic approach to app security, manage SLAs, and measure vendor contributions from a high-level vantage point.

Request a Demo of Kiuwan

Ready to take a proactive approach to all facets of your application security process? Request a free, 30-minute demo of Kiuwan Application Security and take the first steps to a safer app.