What is the main objective of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)?

The main objective of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is to identify security vulnerabilities in running applications. DAST is a security testing methodology that evaluates a web application's security while it is in execution. This approach simulates attacks on the application to uncover potential vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other security flaws that could be exploited by malicious actors.

Unlike static analysis tools that review source code or binaries without executing the application, DAST tools assess the application in a live environment. This dynamic testing process allows security professionals to observe how the application behaves under various conditions, pinpointing weaknesses that might not be evident through static testing methods.

While finding root causes of software inefficiencies, enhancing user experience, and analyzing market competition are important aspects of software development and business strategy, they do not align with the primary focus of DAST, which is security. By concentrating on the vulnerabilities present during runtime, DAST plays a critical role in enhancing the overall security posture of applications deployed in production environments.