SAST vs. DAST – What’s the Difference and Why You Need Both
CyBox Security Team
9/7/2025
Two Sides of Application Security
When it comes to securing modern applications, two testing methods dominate the conversation:
SAST (Static Application Security Testing) and DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing).
They sound similar, but they solve different problems. Let’s break it down.
What is SAST?
SAST analyzes source code or binaries before the application runs.
It looks for insecure coding patterns that could lead to vulnerabilities such as:
- SQL injection risks
- Cross-site scripting (XSS)
- Hardcoded secrets
With Semgrep, CyBox scans repositories instantly — catching issues before they ship.
What is DAST?
DAST tests the running application as if it were under attack.
It doesn’t care about the code, it cares about what the app exposes to the outside world. Examples include:
- Broken authentication flows
- Insecure session handling
- Exposed endpoints
CyBox integrates Browserless-powered DAST scans, so developers can test their live apps in real browsers — just like attackers would.
Why You Need Both
- SAST is preventive – stop bugs before they go live.
- DAST is real-world – catch what users (and hackers) can actually exploit.
Together, they provide full lifecycle coverage: from writing code → to deploying apps → to monitoring runtime.
How CyBox Makes it Simple
Traditionally, running both SAST and DAST meant juggling multiple tools, configs, and dashboards.
CyBox unifies them in one click:
- Connect your GitHub repo and/or target URL
- CyBox runs SAST + DAST automatically
- Results appear in a single prioritized dashboard
No setup. No silos. Just clarity.
The Bottom Line
SAST and DAST aren’t competitors — they’re partners.
Using both ensures you catch more risks, earlier and later in the lifecycle.
That’s why CyBox brings them together in one streamlined platform.
👉 Curious to see the difference? Run your first scan today and get instant SAST + DAST results in minutes.