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What is continuous application security testing?

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Overview

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Continuous application security testing (CAST) is the practice of embedding automated security checks throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Instead of testing applications at a single point in time, CAST ensures vulnerabilities are identified and remediated continuously, as new code is written, integrated, and deployed.

Continuous application security testing

Why is CAST important?

Traditional application security approaches rely on scheduled or end-of-cycle scans. While effective at catching some issues, this model leaves blind spots and often introduces delays when vulnerabilities are discovered late.

As organizations adopt agile and DevOps practices, software changes are deployed more frequently, sometimes multiple times a day. Without continuous testing, businesses face:

  • Delayed detection: Security issues discovered only after release.
  • Higher remediation costs: Fixes become more expensive later in the cycle.
  • Increased risk: Vulnerabilities may reach production before being identified.
  • Developer friction: Security seen as a blocker instead of an enabler.

Continuous security testing solves these challenges by delivering real-time feedback within development workflows.

How does CAST work?

CAST integrates with developer tools, CI/CD pipelines, and runtime monitoring platforms to provide always-on security coverage.

Key practices include:

  • Shift-left application security: Automated SAST, SCA, IaC, and API security checks embedded in IDEs and pipelines.
  • Dynamic testing: Ongoing DAST scans of running applications during development and staging.
  • Policy enforcement: Guardrails to block noncompliant builds or releases.
  • Continuous monitoring: Post-deployment scans and runtime alerts for emerging threats.
  • Automation: Streamlined workflows to triage, prioritize, and remediate vulnerabilities quickly.

Benefits of continuous application security testing

  • Real-time visibility: Detect issues as soon as code changes are introduced.
  • Faster remediation: Provide developers with instant, actionable feedback.
  • Lower costs: Fix vulnerabilities earlier when remediation is cheaper.
  • Reduced risk: Prevent insecure code from reaching production.
  • Developer productivity: Integrate security seamlessly into existing workflows.

Continuous application security testing with OpenText Application Security

OpenText provides end-to-end capabilities to enable continuous testing as part of its Application Security platform:

  • Integrated coverage: SAST, DAST, SCA, IaC, API, and mobile testing in one platform.
  • CI/CD integration: Automated scanning embedded in developer pipelines.
  • Application security posture management (ASPM): Unified visibility and risk-based prioritization.
  • AI-powered insights: OpenText™ Application Security Aviator™ (Fortify) reduces false positives and accelerates remediation.
  • Flexible deployment: SaaS, private cloud, and on-premises options for enterprise scale.

Key takeaways

CAST ensures vulnerabilities are detected and remediated at every stage of development, enabling organizations to deliver secure software at the speed of modern business.

Related products

OpenText™ Application Security Testing

Empower developers with trusted, reimagined application security testing

OpenText™ Core Application Security

Unlock security testing, vulnerability management, and tailored expertise and support

OpenText™ Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

Find and fix security issues early with the most accurate results in the industry

OpenText™ Application Security Aviator

Secure smarter, not harder with AI code analysis and code fix suggestions

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