In the era of cloud computing, serverless applications have become increasingly popular due to their scalability and cost-effectiveness.
However, ensuring these applications are secure is often overlooked. Scanning serverless applications using tools like SAST and DAST is crucial to maintaining security.
Let’s dive into key considerations for applying SAST and DAST in serverless environments and how you can keep your serverless apps secure.
What Makes Serverless Applications Unique?
Unlike traditional server-based applications, serverless computing abstracts the server layer, reducing the need for infrastructure management.
While this simplifies scaling, it introduces unique challenges for security.
- Ephemeral nature: Serverless functions are short-lived and event-driven, making them difficult to monitor.
- Lack of direct control over infrastructure: Cloud services manage much of the infrastructure, so traditional security measures may not apply.
This means that traditional application security scanning methods need adaptation when scanning serverless apps.
SAST in Serverless Environments: Adapting Static Scanning Techniques
SAST is useful for identifying vulnerabilities in the code itself, but serverless environments require careful implementation due to their unique architecture.
Key Challenges with SAST for Serverless:
- Code fragmentation: Serverless apps often consist of many small functions scattered across cloud environments. SAST must analyze each function’s code individually.
- Configuration issues: A serverless app’s cloud configuration can be a potential weak point, and SAST tools should also scan for misconfigurations in cloud settings.
Best Practices:
- Integrate SAST into CI/CD pipelines: Automate scans as part of your continuous integration process to catch vulnerabilities early.
- Focus on dependencies: Serverless functions often rely on external libraries. Regularly scan these libraries for vulnerabilities.
For example, if your serverless app uses an outdated library, a SAST scan can quickly detect the vulnerability before it becomes a real issue.
Read More: Testing Security of 3rd-Party Libraries and Dependencies: Complete Guide!
DAST: Securing Running Serverless Applications
While SAST scans static code, DAST focuses on runtime vulnerabilities, and this is where it becomes essential for serverless applications.
DAST in Serverless: Key Considerations
- Runtime issues: Serverless functions can behave differently depending on the event trigger. DAST can simulate attacks on these functions to spot vulnerabilities.
- API security: Serverless functions often interact with APIs. DAST tools are vital in scanning these APIs for potential weaknesses like improper access control.
Read Also: DAST in Action: Securing APIs Through Continuous Monitoring
Best Practices:
- Regularly test live environments: Given the dynamic nature of serverless, it’s essential to continuously monitor running apps for new vulnerabilities.
- Focus on external communication: Serverless functions often communicate with external services, so DAST tools should specifically monitor these interactions.
For instance, if your serverless function interacts with an unprotected database API, DAST can flag this as a potential risk during real-time testing.
You Might Also Like: DAST Tools for Cloud-Native Applications
Integrating SAST and DAST for Comprehensive Serverless Security
Relying on just one type of scan leaves gaps in your security. To truly secure serverless applications, combining SAST and DAST is the most effective approach.
- SAST helps detect vulnerabilities in the code before deployment.
- DAST identifies issues that arise during the execution of serverless functions.
By combining both, you cover both static and dynamic security aspects of your application.
Conclusion: Ensuring Secure Serverless Applications with TRIOTECH SYSTEMS!
Serverless apps come with their own unique challenges, but with the right combination of SAST and DAST practices, you can ensure your applications are secure throughout their lifecycle.
TRIOTECH SYSTEMS specializes in providing tailored security solutions that integrate both SAST and DAST to meet the needs of modern serverless environments.
Enhance the security of your serverless applications with a comprehensive scanning strategy.
Contact TRIOTECH SYSTEMS & Scale with Confidence!
