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Software developers face an unrelenting barrage of threats from cybercriminals. Companies must adopt security systems, practices, and frameworks to guard against data breaches. Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools are a practical bulwark against cyber threats, provided the SAST system meets expectations. Given the nature of source code threats, the best time to act is in the beginning.
SAST performs vital functions for companies by securing software, empowering businesses, and reducing risks, costs, and turnover. It provides valuable assistance to application security teams who may otherwise release high-risk software into the production process or to customers. SAST is a power player in the software development life-cycle as part of an all-encompassing application security platform.
Top Factors When Choosing SAST Programs for Your Company
Naturally, several factors must be considered when selecting one SAST program over another.
For this reason, experts recommend focusing on pertinent issues for better decision-making. SAST solutions must be flexible, compliant with the existing application security program, and highly accurate. These are non-negotiable factors when choosing between SAST programs. Ideally, these systems should be field tested to determine their efficacy and applicability for a company's needs.
If available, free trials serve this purpose, including their compatibility with other applications on the network. Several SAST systems provide different price points based on individual or continuous scans. Many different SAST systems are available to companies, but only a few make it into the Ivy League.
For example, Snyk SAST has garnered much media coverage, but it falls hopelessly short in many respects. Far more productive systems exist. The Checkmarx system is a quality Snyk alternative. This SAST software is internationally renowned for its low false-positive rate, extensive framework, and language coverage, and best-in-class fit for AppSec for large enterprises.
Additionally, Snyk SAST systems fail the litmus test in identifying true positives. In fact, extensive analysis and testing confirm that Checkmarx SAST identifies 73% + true positives, while Checkmarx SCA generated 11% more true positives than Snyk. These metrics are important at all levels of company operations, particularly at the enterprise level, where mistakes can be devastating.
- SAST Congruence with the Application Security Program
Security should be simplified, not complicated. A fully comprehensive AppSec program should do precisely that. A single scan must address multiple threats, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities. The right SAST program offers quickfire, accurate, and correlated results. SAST solutions deliver superb value for securing modern-day apps as part of a unified application security platform. Plus, platforms must be future-oriented, allowing for growth and modification if necessary.
- Accurate SAST Systems
The whole point of implementing application security systems such as SAST in a company is to improve the accuracy of scans. False positives are a big problem with many inferior systems. These items are flagged as risks, but they aren't risks. That's right, it is important to have flexible presets and tailored rules or queries. False negatives are equally important but far more dangerous. These are legitimate risks that do not get flagged. If the SAST scan fails to detect risks, it has no value to your company. That's why many programmers opt for app-centric solutions that comprehend application functionality.
- SAST Flexibility is Sacrosanct
Developers and AppSec teams have different needs. That's because applications are unique. It may be necessary to scan wide or deep at certain points. Flexibility allows for all use cases so that organizations can enjoy full coverage. The presets with SAST solutions should support major use cases and fully comply with rules and regulations. However, prepackaged rule sets may not be sufficient, regardless of how thorough they appear. Companies may require custom rule sets to reduce false positives and improve accuracy.
For all of these reasons, it is imperative for companies to conduct due diligence before selecting SAST systems for overall safety, security, integrity and compliance. By addressing these vulnerabilities early on, developers can maintain the integrity of the system.
SAST tools are powerful software solutions geared towards expert analysis of byte code, source code, and binaries for security weaknesses. These programs perform these preventative security analyses without running the application.
Therefore, the premier AppSec systems are enterprise ready, with maximum framework and language coverage, and a low false positive rate. While many options abound in the Static Application Security Testing arena, only the best will suffice.
Anyone involved in securing a company's applications understands the urgency of implementing a comprehensive AppSec strategy.
