What is DAST and how does it work?
Dynamic application security testing (DAST) is a cybersecurity assessment method that analyzes running applications to identify security vulnerabilities. Unlike static application security testing (SAST), which examines source code before deployment, DAST scanning simulates real-world attacks by probing a web app’s inputs and responses. The term DAST is generally understood to refer to automated security testing using vulnerability assessment tools.
For small and mid-sized businesses, ease of use and speed are crucial when selecting a DAST solution. Many SMBs do not have dedicated security teams, so tools that provide automated scanning, straightforward setup, and actionable reports are essential. DAST tools help detect security flaws such as SQL injection (SQLi), cross-site scripting (XSS), authentication issues, and misconfigurations, providing an effective first layer of defense against hackers. They work as black-box testing solutions, meaning they do not require access to source code, which makes them compatible with various programming languages and web application security frameworks.
Best DAST tools for 2025
1. Acunetix
Acunetix by Invicti is a web vulnerability scanner designed specifically for small and mid-sized businesses. With its automated scanning engine, intuitive interface, and fast deployment, Acunetix makes security testing accessible to teams without extensive cybersecurity expertise. It detects a wide range of vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, XSS, authentication weaknesses, and server misconfigurations. Acunetix also offers out-of-band vulnerability detection as well as IAST for more advanced security assessments.
Acunetix is ideal for SMBs that need a balance of automation, speed, and accuracy, whether testing modern JavaScript-heavy applications or more traditional websites. The tool integrates with popular issue trackers like Jira and GitHub, allowing teams to manage security flaws within their existing workflows. Unlike enterprise-focused tools that can require extensive setup and customization, Acunetix provides plug-and-play functionality that makes it a strong choice for businesses looking for a user-friendly and effective web application security testing solution.
2. Invicti
Invicti (formerly Netsparker) provides a DAST-first application security platform with advanced automation and proof-based scanning technology. By automatically verifying high-impact vulnerabilities, Invicti minimizes false positives and achieves a 99.98% accuracy rate for exploitable weaknesses. Support for modern web technologies, including JavaScript-heavy applications, single-page applications (SPAs), and APIs (REST, SOAP, GraphQL, and gRPC), makes it well-suited for innovative organizations with fast-growing application environments.
Designed for seamless integration, Invicti fits effortlessly into CI/CD pipelines and security workflows, allowing businesses to implement security testing without disrupting development. It incorporates zero-instrumentation IAST (interactive application security testing) for deeper security validation and runtime analysis as well as dynamic SCA. Its automation, scalability, and wide set of integrations make it a future-proof solution for mid-sized businesses that expect their application portfolio to expand and need a security platform that evolves in step with their development operations.
3. PortSwigger Burp Suite Professional
Burp Suite is a well-known tool among security professionals and penetration testers. While it offers some automation, it is better suited for businesses that require manual testing and customizable security assessments rather than fully automated, plug-and-play scanning. With its plugins and interactive attack surface analysis features, it is a valuable asset for penetration testing efforts.
4. Checkmarx DAST tools
Checkmarx DAST is part of a security suite that also includes SAST tools and interactive application security testing. It provides an easy-to-use interface and integrates with software development pipelines, making it a good choice for SMBs looking for a tool that works seamlessly within existing software development lifecycle (SDLC) workflows. Depending on the specific product offering, Checkmarx can use ZAP (which it currently sponsors) or its proprietary DAST engine.
5. Rapid7 InsightAppSec
Rapid7’s InsightAppSec is a cloud-based DAST tool designed for SMBs that need fast, automated security testing. It provides real-time dynamic attack simulations and integrates with DevOps tools, helping teams identify vulnerabilities without requiring deep security expertise. It also supports runtime security monitoring to help detect potential vulnerabilities in active applications.
6. HCL AppScan
HCL AppScan is designed to help smaller businesses automate security testing without complex configurations. It provides vulnerability assessment scanning tools and security insights in an easy-to-use package, making it an option for teams that need straightforward security testing. It also supports authentication testing, helping businesses secure their login processes.
7. OpenText Fortify WebInspect
WebInspect is a powerful security scanner but may be more than what many SMBs need. It is best suited for businesses that require advanced security features, but those looking for fast and easy scanning solutions may find simpler alternatives more effective. It offers web application security testing, including API security assessments and framework compatibility.
8. Black Duck DAST tools
Black Duck offers Continuous Dynamic and Polaris fAST Dynamic, focusing on security testing for agile development environments. These tools provide automated scanning without requiring dedicated security staff, which may make them a good choice for SMBs with fast-paced development cycles. They also integrate with software composition analysis (SCA) tools to identify vulnerabilities in third-party dependencies.
9. Veracode Dynamic Analysis
Veracode’s cloud-based DAST tool is designed for businesses that want an automated solution with minimal setup. It integrates with DevSecOps workflows, helping SMBs add security testing without slowing down development timelines. Veracode also provides vulnerability management features, making it easier to track and remediate security issues over time.
10. ZAP by Checkmarx (formerly OWASP ZAP)
ZAP is an open-source tool that can be a cost-effective vulnerability scanning option for SMBs with the technical expertise to deploy it and manually triage results. While it requires more manual configuration than commercial tools and provides no automation, ZAP gives flexibility and customization for businesses that want to tailor their security testing. With its extensive plugins, it is also used by penetration testers looking to enhance and customize their security assessments.
The benefits of using DAST
Using a DAST tool is essential for small and mid-sized businesses looking to secure their web applications without the overhead of manual testing. Key benefits include:
- Ease of use: Many SMBs lack dedicated security teams, so a user-friendly interface and simple setup are essential.
- Fast, automated scanning: Quickly detects security vulnerabilities without requiring manual intervention.
- Affordable in-house security testing: Cost-effective options make DAST accessible to SMBs without high security budgets and can cut down on costly external pentesting.
- Seamless integration: Works with CI/CD pipelines and issue tracking tools to build DevSecOps without disrupting development workflows.
- Actionable reports: Provides clear remediation steps that development teams can follow without deep security expertise.
Key features to look for in a DAST tool
When selecting a DAST tool, SMBs should prioritize:
- Automated vulnerability detection: Ensures security scanning is efficient and effective without requiring manual testing.
- Simple deployment and setup: Allows businesses to start scanning quickly with minimal configuration.
- Intuitive user interface: Makes security testing accessible to non-experts.
- Cost-effectiveness and time to value: Provides accurate in-house security testing without lengthy setup.
- Fast scanning speeds: Ensures minimal disruption to development processes.
Final thoughts: Choosing the best DAST tool for SMBs
For small and mid-sized businesses, the right DAST tool should prioritize ease of use, speed, and affordability. Compared to enterprise-focused security solutions, SMB-friendly tools should above all be simple to deploy and use, provide automated scanning, and integrate seamlessly into existing workflows. Choosing a tool that balances functionality with simplicity can help businesses improve their security posture without overburdening their teams—and Acunetix by Invicti is a clear leader.
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THE AUTHOR
Technical Content Lead & Managing Editor
Cybersecurity writer and blog managing editor at Invicti Security. Drawing on years of experience with security, software development, content creation, journalism, and technical translation, he does his best to bring web application security and cybersecurity in general to a wider audience.
