Best Application Security Testing Services to Know

Application Security Testing (AST) services use automated tools and manual techniques to find and fix security vulnerabilities in software, integrating security into the entire development lifecycle (SDLC) to prevent threats and protect applications from attacks. 

Key services include Static Application Security Testing (SAST) for code-level analysis, Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) for runtime testing, and Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) which combines both. Other services cover Software Composition Analysis (SCA) for open-source risks, fuzz testing, and Application Security Posture Management (ASPM). Major providers include Mend.io, Veracode, and Checkmarx.  

How AST services work:

1. Integration into the SDLC: AST services are embedded into the software development lifecycle, from coding to deployment, to catch issues early. 
2. Automated scanning: Tools like SAST and DAST automatically scan code and applications for common vulnerabilities. 
3. Reporting and remediation: AST services provide detailed reports that identify security flaws, prioritize critical issues, and offer guidance on how to fix them. 
4. Continuous monitoring: Some platforms offer continuous security monitoring to maintain security even after the application is deployed. 

Benefits of using AST services include:

• Reduced costs: Identifying and fixing vulnerabilities early in the SDLC is significantly cheaper than fixing them after a release. 
• Faster development: Seamless integration into development pipelines helps developers deliver more secure software quickly. 
• Enhanced security: Proactively identifies and prevents vulnerabilities, making applications more resilient to threats. 
• Compliance: Helps organizations meet security and regulatory compliance requirements.

Notable application security testing services 

1. Mend.io

Mend.io is an AI Native AppSec Platform purpose-built, with AI at its core, to secure the next generation of software. Moving beyond legacy tools that simply layer on AI, Mend.io provides a proactive, AI-at-its-core solution that enables organizations with the visibility and automated remediation necessary to protect complex modern codebases. This allows organizations to secure their applications, regardless of what they’re made of, and lead the speed of innovation. 

Key features include:

• Securing AI components: Detects and remediates both component and behavioral risks specific to AI, providing AI-BoMs for full visibility.
• Ensuring the integrity of AI-generated code: Supports new development methods by discovering and remediating risks within code produced by AI powered coding tools.
• Driving risk reduction through AI-powered remediation: Utilizes AI for detection, prioritization, and remediation across the entire platform, including providing AI-based custom code fixes for continuous, autonomous security.
• Providing a holistic view of risks: Offers comprehensive visibility across the entire codebase, including custom code, open source, containers, and all AI-generated code and components, overcoming blind spots created by rapid AI adoption.

2. Veracode

Veracode Static Analysis is a SAST solution to help organizations identify and fix security flaws early in the development lifecycle. It supports scanning across more than 100 programming languages and frameworks and delivers highly accurate results using whole-program analysis. 

Veracode provides strong enterprise services around governance and compliance. Their solutions are often sold through channel partners that offer professional services as part of the package. 

Key features include:

• Language and framework support: Scans source code in over 100 programming languages and frameworks.
• Accuracy with low false positives: Detects real issues using analysis techniques, minimizing noise and reducing time spent on triage.
• Fast scans: Provides real-time feedback in IDEs and CI/CD pipelines, enabling developers to find and fix issues during active development.
• Integration options: Integrates with over 40 developer tools, including IDEs, repositories, and build systems, to fit into development workflows.
• Scalable across teams and projects: Supports enterprise-scale deployments and can be applied consistently across large codebases and distributed teams.

Source: Veracode

3. Checkmarx

Checkmarx One is a unified, cloud-native application security testing platform that enables organizations to secure their software from code to cloud. Designed to integrate into developer workflows, it combines static analysis, dynamic testing, software composition analysis, and more into a single, AI-powered platform. 

Service offerings: Checkmarx offers in-depth SAST and code scanning capabilities, backed by a large in-house team that provides consulting services to help large organizations embed secure coding practices.

Key features include:

• AppSec coverage:  Offers integrated tools for SAST, SCA, DAST, API security, container security, IaC scanning, and secrets detection.
• AI-powered risk detection: Leverages AI to improve scan accuracy, reduce false positives, and support prioritization and remediation within developer environments.
• Dev-friendly integration: Connects natively with IDEs, CI/CD pipelines, repositories, and other SDLC tools, enabling security to work within existing development workflows.
• Language and framework support: Scans across 75 languages, over 100 frameworks, and 75 technologies, supporting enterprise-scale codebases and multi-stack environments.
• Unified dashboard and ASPM: Provides centralized application security posture management (ASPM) with consolidated reporting, risk scoring, and visibility across assets.

Source: Checkmarx

4. Contrast Security

Contrast Application Security Testing (AST) is a runtime-driven security solution that detects and prioritizes vulnerabilities in both applications and APIs. Unlike traditional scanners, Contrast AST embeds security directly into the running application, providing feedback on actual code execution paths. 

Service offering: The IAST solution is provided together with hands-on services that focus on implementing runtime analysis in the organization.

Key features include:

• Runtime code and API analysis: Inspects applications and APIs as they run, mapping data flows and identifying vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, and misconfigurations.
• Fewer false positives: Uses real execution data to confirm exploitability, significantly reducing noise and helping teams focus on true security risks.
• Detection and feedback: Finds vulnerabilities both as code is written and when applications are executed, enabling faster remediation throughout the development lifecycle.
• Contrast graph technology: Provides runtime intelligence through a unified security model that tracks how data flows through applications and APIs, improving vulnerability detection precision.
• DevOps integration: Connects with common development tools like Jira, Jenkins, and GitHub to deliver continuous security insights into developer workflows.

Source: Contrast Security

5. Snyk

Snyk Code is a developer-first SAST tool to help teams find, prioritize, and automatically fix vulnerabilities directly within their development workflows. Built with AI and security expertise, it delivers scanning, remediation advice, and pre-validated fixes integrated into the tools developers already use. 

Service offering: Snyk’s developer-first application security platform is backed by community support, training, and enterprise packages that offer professional services for integration and tool customization.

Key features include:

• Vulnerability detection: Scans source code in IDEs and pull requests, identifying issues as code is written.
• Automatic fixes with Snyk Agent Fix:  Applies pre-screened, auto-generated fixes in one click, reducing the time to remediate.
• AI-powered security intelligence: Leverages a self-hosted AI engine and a knowledge base trained on 25M+ data flows and millions of open source libraries for highly accurate results.
• Context-aware prioritization: Prioritizes the most critical vulnerabilities using broad application context, focusing on issues that are new, deployed, or publicly exposed.
• IDE and CI/CD integration: Works with major IDEs, CI/CD systems, and PR workflows to support secure coding across the SDLC.

Source: Snyk

Related content: Read our guide to application security testing tools

How application security testing services work 

Application security testing services can operate in different modes depending on how they are delivered, either as fully managed services, self-service platforms, or hybrid models. The mechanics vary across providers but generally fall into three categories:

Managed scanning services

In a managed model, the vendor handles all aspects of security testing on behalf of the client. This includes setting up scans, interpreting results, and providing actionable recommendations. The vendor typically operates the tools, schedules regular assessments, and delivers findings through detailed reports or dashboards. This approach reduces the burden on internal teams and is suitable for organizations with limited security expertise or resources.

Consultative security services

These services go beyond automated scanning and involve expert-driven activities such as threat modeling, manual code reviews, and penetration testing. Providers may assign dedicated security consultants to work directly with development and DevOps teams. These engagements often include detailed remediation guidance, architecture reviews, and secure design consultations. This model provides deep insights and is typically used for high-risk or critical applications.

Hybrid platforms (tool + service layer)

Many modern AST providers now offer hybrid models that combine automated testing platforms with optional service layers. The platform may integrate directly into the development pipeline, scanning code in real-time, flagging issues in pull requests, and providing fixes within the IDE. Meanwhile, the service layer can offer expert support, triage complex findings, or help interpret results. This model allows teams to scale security across development workflows while still having access to expert guidance when needed.

Across all models, AST services typically provide dashboards for centralized visibility, integration options for CI/CD pipelines, and APIs for automation. Results can be pushed to issue trackers or security information and event management (SIEM) systems, ensuring vulnerabilities are tracked and managed throughout the software lifecycle.

Benefits and limitations of using application security testing services 

Application Security Testing services offer clear advantages in accelerating secure development, but they also come with trade-offs. Understanding both the benefits and limitations helps organizations decide whether these services are the right fit for their security strategy.

Benefits of using AST services:

• Faster time to value: AST services can be deployed quickly and integrated into existing pipelines, reducing the time needed to establish security testing from scratch. Organizations gain actionable insights almost immediately without building internal infrastructure.
• Expertise on demand: Vendors provide access to specialized security knowledge, methodologies, and tooling that would take years to build in-house. This ensures organizations benefit from the latest detection techniques and vulnerability intelligence.
• Reduced tool complexity: Instead of managing multiple point solutions for static, dynamic, and dependency scanning, AST services consolidate testing into unified platforms or service layers. This simplifies operations and reduces the overhead of tool maintenance.

Limitations of using AST services:

• Cost scaling: Service costs typically increase with code volume, user seats, or number of applications tested. For large organizations, expenses can scale rapidly compared to in-house solutions.
• Dependency on vendor availability: Managed or consultative services rely on vendor scheduling and response times. This can delay remediation efforts if vendor resources are constrained.
• Less control than in-house: Outsourcing scanning and analysis reduces the ability to customize tests, tailor rules, or control how data is processed. Some organizations may find this lack of control limiting for sensitive or specialized applications.

Conclusion

Application security testing services offer a scalable way to embed security across the software development lifecycle by combining automated tools with expert-led analysis. These services help teams detect vulnerabilities early, improve code quality, and manage risk more effectively across modern development environments. By aligning with DevSecOps practices and offering flexible delivery models, AST services enable organizations to strengthen their security posture without slowing down development velocity.