Interactive application security testing (IAST)

Interactive application security testing (IAST) is a modern approach to identifying security vulnerabilities in running applications by combining elements of static and dynamic testing methodologies. For cloud security engineers, IAST provides a powerful tool for detecting security flaws in cloud-native applications during development, testing, and production stages.

IAST tools typically work by instrumenting the application code and monitoring its behavior during runtime. This allows IAST to analyze both the application's internal workings and its interactions with external inputs, providing a comprehensive view of potential security vulnerabilities. IAST can detect a wide range of issues, including injection flaws, authentication problems, and sensitive data exposure.

In cloud environments, IAST plays a crucial role in maintaining the security of rapidly evolving applications. IAST solutions often integrate seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines and container orchestration platforms, allowing for continuous security testing in dynamic cloud environments. By leveraging IAST, cloud security engineers can identify and address security vulnerabilities more quickly and accurately than with traditional testing methods alone, helping to ensure that cloud-native applications remain secure throughout their lifecycle.