Application Security
In-depth guides and analysis on application security from the Safeguard engineering team.
480 articles
How Does SAST Work? Stages of SAST Scanning
A stage-by-stage breakdown of how SAST scanning actually works — parsing, taint analysis, false positives — with real CVEs and benchmark data.
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
DAST tests running apps like an attacker would. Learn how it works, what it catches and misses, and how PCI DSS 4.0 now mandates it.
Enterprise SCA Platform Buyer Guide 2026
A 2026 buyer guide for enterprise SCA platforms covering language coverage, reachability, policy depth, integration surface, and how the consolidator market is shifting.
Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)
IAST instruments running apps to catch injection flaws and unsafe data flows in real time. Here's how it works, its limits, and where it fits.
Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)
RASP blocks attacks from inside a running app. Learn how it works, how it differs from a WAF, its limits, top vendors, and where it fits with SAST/SCA.
SAST vs DAST: Key Differences
SAST reads code before it runs; DAST attacks it while it's live. Here's what each catches, what each misses, and when to run both.
SAST vs SCA Testing
SAST scans the code you wrote; SCA scans the code you imported. Here's the real difference, with Equifax, Log4Shell, and xz as case studies.
DAST vs IAST
DAST attacks running apps from the outside; IAST watches from inside during tests. Here's how they differ, where each wins, and when to use both.
SAST vs Penetration Testing
SAST scans code before deploy; pentesting attacks it after. Here's where each catches real vulnerabilities, where they miss, and what Log4Shell proved.
What is Penetration Testing
Penetration testing simulates real attacks to prove exploitability, not just list CVEs. Here's how it works, what it costs, and how often it's required.
What is Vulnerability Scanning
Vulnerability scanning automatically checks code, dependencies, and infra against known-flaw databases like the NVD. Here's how it works and why reachability matters.
What is Vulnerability Management
Vulnerability management turns thousands of CVEs into a ranked, fixable backlog. Here's how the lifecycle, prioritization, and standards actually work.