Gartner Information Technology Research

How to Deploy and Perform Application Security Testing

Published: 20 March 2020

ID: G00451295

Analyst(s): Frank Catucci, Michael Isbitski

Summary

Application security testing is crucial for modern application development and release. Security and risk management technical professionals focused on application security can use this analysis to understand security testing approaches for web applications, mobile applications and web APIs.

Table Of Contents

Analysis

  • The Analysis
    • Implementing the Three Phases of AST
    • AST During Development
    • AST During Prerelease Testing
    • AST in Production Environments
  • Integrating AST With Remediation
  • Addressing Common Challenges With AST Types
    • SAST Challenges
    • DAST Challenges
    • IAST Challenges
  • Adapting AST to Specific IT Scenarios
    • AST for Legacy Applications
    • AST for Outsourced Development and Off-the-Shelf Applications and Components
    • AST for Cloud and Externally Hosted Applications
    • AST for Modern Web Applications, Mobile Applications and Associated Web APIs
    • AST for the Internet of Things and Operational Technology Architecture
    • AST for Malicious Code
    • AST in Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery

Guidance

  • Test in Depth All Critical and Exposed Applications — Regardless of Pedigree — at Least Once
  • Implement a Three-Phased AST Approach to Improve Security and Reduce Cost
  • Operationalize AST by Integrating With Security, Development and Operations Practices

The Details

  • Creating Effective and Efficient AST Capabilities
    • Application Security Vulnerabilities by the Numbers
    • AST Methods
    • The Importance of AST-Related Tools and Methods
    • Examples of AST Tools and Services
    • AST Deployment Types
    • Evaluating AST Vendors and Tools
  • Open-Source Software Hygiene
    • A Brief Primer on CVEs
    • Open-Source Licenses
    • SCA Differentiation

Gartner Recommended Reading

©2021 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without Gartner’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization, which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Although Gartner research may address legal and financial issues, Gartner does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by Gartner’s Usage Policy. Gartner prides itself on its reputation for independence and objectivity. Its research is produced independently by its research organization without input or influence from any third party. For further information, see Guiding Principles on Independence and Objectivity.

Already have a Gartner Account?

Log In

Become a client

Learn how to access this content as a Gartner client.