This blog will discuss the basics of automated DAST and provide a step-by-step guide on integrating it into your CI/CD pipeline using OWASP ZAP. By leveraging automated DAST, organisations can identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities in their web applications before they are exploited by malicious actors, thus providing a more secure environment for users.

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Watch the webinar Configuring DAST Capabilities in a CI/CD Pipeline

This blog is based on the webinar Configuring DAST Capabilities in a CI/CD Pipeline. You can rewatch the whole webinar here:

Table of Contents

In this blog, we will teach you the following:

• Securing Your Web Applications with Automated DAST Using OWASP ZAP
• Integrating Automated DAST into Your CI/CD Pipeline with OWASP ZAP
• Benefits of Automated DAST
• Conclusion

Securing Your Web Applications with Automated DAST Using OWASP ZAP

Automated DAST is a type of security testing that simulates an attacker's behaviour on a web application. It scans the application for vulnerabilities like injection flaws, cross-site scripting (XSS), broken access controls, and insecure design. By performing automated DAST, organisations can detect and mitigate security vulnerabilities before they are exploited by malicious actors.

OWASP ZAP is a popular open-source DAST tool that can be integrated into your CI/CD pipeline. It's a powerful tool that can perform various security tests, including authenticated scans, which simulate a user with specific privileges interacting with the application.

Integrating Automated DAST into Your CI/CD Pipeline with OWASP ZAP

Integrating automated DAST into your CI/CD pipeline is a straightforward process. The first step is to select a DAST tool that meets your organisation's requirements. Once you've selected a tool, you must configure it to run automated scans on your web application.

OWASP ZAP can be integrated into your CI/CD pipeline using various plugins, such as the ZAP Jenkins Plugin or the ZAP CLI. These plugins automate the process of running OWASP ZAP scans, making it easy to include them in your pipeline.

Benefits of Automated DAST

Automated DAST provides several benefits to organisations looking to secure their web applications. Firstly, it automates the security testing process, reducing the time and effort required to perform manual tests. Secondly, it provides a more comprehensive and accurate view of the security posture of your web application. Finally, it enables organisations to detect and mitigate security vulnerabilities before they are exploited by malicious actors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating automated DAST into your CI/CD pipeline is essential to securing your web application. OWASP ZAP is an excellent tool for performing automated DAST, providing a range of security tests that can detect and mitigate vulnerabilities before they are exploited by malicious actors. By incorporating automated DAST into your CI/CD pipeline, you can ensure your web application remains secure and protected from cyber threats.