The Best DAST Tools in 2025: Securing Web Apps in Real Time
Sept 24, 2025 ·
As web applications grow more complex and API-driven, the need for robust, real-time security testing has never been greater. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools simulate real-world attacks on running applications, uncovering vulnerabilities that static analysis often misses. In 2025, the DAST landscape is defined by AI-enhanced scanning, CI/CD integration, and deep API coverage. Here’s a look at the top DAST platforms leading the charge.
Invicti – The DAST-First Powerhouse
Why it stands out: Invicti delivers a DAST-first AppSec platform built for enterprise-scale automation. Its proof-based scanning confirms exploitability with 99.98% accuracy, drastically reducing false positives. With native support for REST, SOAP, GraphQL, and gRPC APIs, Invicti is ideal for modern architectures.
- Predictive risk scoring
- 50+ CI/CD integrations
- Role-based access control
- Optional SAST/SCA modules via Mend.io
- AI-powered vulnerability prioritization
Best for: Large enterprises, compliance-heavy environments, and CI/CD workflows.
Fortinet + Lacework FortiCNAPP – Unified Cloud-Native DAST
Why it stands out: Fortinet’s DAST capabilities are now deeply integrated with Lacework FortiCNAPP, following Fortinet’s strategic acquisition of Lacework. This integration brings together Fortinet’s threat intelligence and Lacework’s cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP), delivering full-stack security from code to cloud.
- FortiDAST: Automated black-box testing using FortiGuard Labs’ threat research, advanced fuzzers, and crawlers to detect OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities and runtime misconfigurations.
- FortiCNAPP Integration: Agentless scanning across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, including support for Windows workloads and real-time AWS CloudTrail alerting.
- CI/CD Coverage: Seamless integration with FortiDevSec and major CI/CD tools for end-to-end lifecycle testing.
- Fleet Management: Visibility into agent inventory and deployment health across large environments.
- Security Graph Explorer: Visualizes attack paths and asset relationships for faster investigation and remediation.
Deployment Highlights:
- Uses Terraform and Lacework CLI for automated setup.
- Supports Azure agentless workload scanning with NAT gateway options to reduce public IP overhead.
- Requires specific Azure permissions and quotas for optimal performance.
Best for: Enterprises seeking unified cloud-native security with deep visibility, automated scanning, and simplified operations across AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Black Duck (Synopsys) – DAST for Open Source and Enterprise
Why it stands out: Black Duck offers two DAST products continuous Dynamic and Polaris fAST Dynamic. These tools focus on automated scanning and streamlined testing for web applications, especially those built on open-source components.
- Continuous scanning
- Integration with Synopsys SAST/SCA tools
- API vulnerability detection
- Enterprise-grade reporting
Best for: Organizations managing open-source risk and seeking integrated AppSec solutions.
Rapid7 InsightAppSec – Cloud-Native and DevOps-Friendly
Why it stands out: Rapid7’s InsightAppSec is designed for modern web apps and APIs. It features dynamic attack simulations and integrates with SIEM tools for enhanced threat response.
- Real-time vulnerability detection
- CI/CD and DevOps integration
- API scanning
- SIEM compatibility
Best for: DevOps teams and cloud-native environments.
Fortify by OpenText – Enterprise-Grade Security with Depth
Why it stands out: Fortify offers a comprehensive DAST solution as part of its broader AppSec suite. It supports full API scanning, integrates with CI/CD pipelines, and provides compliance-ready reporting.
- Verified DAST and API scanning
- AI capabilities for threat detection
- Integration with SDLC tools
- Strong support for regulatory frameworks
Best for: Enterprises needing deep security coverage and regulatory alignment.
Final Thoughts: Why DAST-First Matters
A DAST-first approach ensures that security teams focus on exploitable vulnerabilities, not just theoretical risks. By simulating real-world attacks, DAST tools provide actionable insights, reduce false positives, and integrate seamlessly into modern development pipelines.
Whether you're a large enterprise or an SMB, choosing the right DAST tool means balancing accuracy, integration, and scalability. The platforms above represent the best of 2025—each with unique strengths tailored to different organizational needs.