Why SAST is a Must-Have Skill for AppSec Professionals!

2 days ago 10

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👋 Hello, Fellow AppSec Engineers! I’m Sahil Dari, an AppSec Engineer with 4 years of experience in Web App Security, API Security, Secure Code Reviews, and more. Today, I want to shed light on an often-overlooked yet critical skill in the AppSec world — Static Application Security Testing (SAST)! 🔍💻

🚀 Why Should You Master SAST?

If you’re serious about Application Security (AppSec), SAST is non-negotiable! It completes the AppSec circle — whether you’re working on:

✅ Android & iOS Security 📱
✅ Web Application Security 🌐
✅ API Security 🔗
✅ Thick Client Security 🖥️

Understanding SAST gives you an edge because it allows you to:

🔎 Peek into the code where developers add validation (and find ways to bypass it!).
🛠️ Analyze complex logic in Android, iOS, and Thick Client applications.
⚡ Automate security testing for better efficiency.
🎯 Become part of the top 2% of AppSec professionals who can bridge the gap between manual testing and secure coding!

🎓 Prerequisites for Learning SAST

Before diving into SAST, here’s what you’ll need:

📌 Basic to Intermediate coding knowledge — Familiarity with any programming language is great (Python, Java, etc.), but Java and C# are the most commonly used in enterprises.
📌 A hunger to learn — SAST requires a curious mindset to explore code and security flaws.
📌 A little dedication — It may not be as thrilling as popping a shell, but SAST mastery pays off big time!

🧠 But Isn’t SAST Boring?

I get it. Unlike exploiting a live system and getting that dopamine rush when a payload works, SAST can feel tedious. 😅

But trust me, this skill will set you apart in the security field. Very few professionals have mastered it, meaning huge opportunities await those who do!

📚 Lack of Resources? I Got You!

Compared to buzzword-heavy skills like Web, API, or Mobile Security, SAST resources are scarce. But that’s where I come in! 😎

🔹 I’m launching a SAST-focused blog series on my Medium profile!
🔹 Expect real-world vulnerabilities, secure coding examples, and pro tips on Secure Code Reviews!
🔹 I’ll break down common security flaws and how to detect them efficiently using SAST tools!