10 Essential Steps for Web Application Security Testing

In today’s digital world, web applications are the backbone of business operations — and a prime target for cybercriminals. As data breaches continue to rise, web application security testing (WAST) is more crucial than ever.

In 2020, even tech giant Microsoft suffered a massive data leak that exposed over 250 million customer support records. Shockingly, despite the financial and reputational risks, IBM reports that half of breached organizations still won’t increase their security spending.

The good news? Securing your web applications doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right knowledge and tools, you can build a strong defense against cyber threats. In this guide, we’ll explain the types of security testing and walk you through 10 essential steps to safeguard your web applications.

What is Web Application Security Testing (WAST)?

Web Application Security Testing (WAST) involves identifying vulnerabilities within web applications to ensure they are secure against cyber threats. It focuses on the application layer — including authentication, authorization, input/output handling, and server configurations.

In short, WAST helps uncover weaknesses before hackers do.

Why You Need Web Application Security Testing

Here’s why every organization should prioritize WAST:

Protect sensitive data from evolving cyber threats.
Meet regulatory compliance (PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2).
Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before exploitation.
Enhance customer trust and brand reputation.

Ignoring security testing can lead to costly breaches, loss of customer confidence, and even regulatory penalties.

Types of Web Application Security Testing

1. Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

SAST analyzes your source code without executing the application. It detects common vulnerabilities like SQL Injection, XSS, and CSRF during development. Tools such as Bandit or Jit’s integrated SAST make it easy for developers to automate security scanning directly in their IDEs.

2. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

DAST simulates real-world attacks while the application runs, uncovering runtime issues and misconfigurations. Tools like OWASP ZAP and Legitify help identify vulnerabilities that might be missed by static analysis.

3. Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)

RASP continuously monitors applications during runtime to detect and block threats in real time — acting as a last line of defense against unknown vulnerabilities.

4. Penetration Testing

Penetration testing mimics real-world hacking attempts to uncover deep vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers simulate attacks to test your app’s resilience and highlight weaknesses that automated tools might overlook.

1. Understand Your Security Testing Scope

Define what needs testing — including applications, environments, and resources. Clear boundaries ensure focused testing and optimal resource allocation.

2. Implement Each Tool on All Resources

Different tools serve different purposes. Ensure all your systems are consistently monitored, configured, and updated for maximum coverage. Platforms like Jit simplify multi-tool integration within CI/CD pipelines.

3. Implement SSDLC (Secure Software Development Life Cycle)

Embed security practices at every stage of your development cycle — from design to deployment. SSDLC ensures security isn’t an afterthought but a core component of software development.

4. Perform a Risk Assessment

Identify potential vulnerabilities, estimate their impact, and prioritize remediation. A structured risk assessment helps focus on high-impact areas first.

5. Provide Security Training for Developers

Empower your developers with security education. Proper training enables them to write secure code, identify risks early, and reduce vulnerabilities at the source.

6. Use Multiple Security Layers

Adopt a defense-in-depth approach by layering multiple security measures — such as SAST, DAST, RASP, and firewalls — to strengthen your overall protection.

7. Automate Security Tasks

Automation ensures consistent testing, faster detection, and fewer human errors. Tools like Jit can automate vulnerability scanning, compliance checks, and patch management.

8. Patch and Update Regularly

Outdated software is a hacker’s playground. Regular updates ensure your applications are protected against known vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.

9. Adopt Continuous Security Monitoring

Continuous monitoring tools offer real-time threat detection and visibility into security posture. They enable proactive defense and faster incident response.

10. Document Your Results

Maintain detailed records of all tests, vulnerabilities, and mitigation efforts. Documentation helps track progress, meet compliance requirements, and refine future security strategies.

Final Thoughts