Why you need IAST

Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) is a critical tool for enhancing software security by combining static and dynamic analysis techniques to offer real-time vulnerability detection and response. IAST provides a comprehensive assessment by running alongside existing test suites without requiring additional tests, enabling continuous security monitoring throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). The tool is particularly beneficial for detecting vulnerabilities such as SQL injections and cross-site scripting, supporting security simulations, and ensuring compliance with standards like HIPAA and GDPR. IAST can be integrated with CI/CD pipelines to improve DevSecOps practices and is especially useful for identifying risks in third-party and open-source software. Best practices for maximizing IAST effectiveness include integrating it throughout the SDLC, fostering a culture of security awareness among engineers, and prioritizing security findings based on their severity and impact. New Relic's IAST, which is available for Java, Node, and Go, further simplifies this process by automating vulnerability detection with minimal setup, offering guided remediation, and providing visibility into potential security threats through its Security RX dashboard.