Top Application Security Testing Tools in 2025

Author

Taylor Hawes
July 31, 2025

✍🏻 From the Editor’s Desk

Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly aggressive. With threat actors coordinating across dark web forums and targeting mid-size U.S. businesses, IT leaders must ask: Are their third-party risk management efforts keeping pace?

🔎 Deep Brief

Dark Web Collaboration Targets U.S. Businesses

A new report highlights how organized cybercriminals are leveraging dark web marketplaces to launch coordinated attacks on small and mid-sized U.S. firms. These forums act as hubs where actors exchange stolen data, sell exploit kits, and crowdsource attack tactics in real time. The trend has shifted from opportunistic hits to structured, outsourced operations.

Access brokers now specialize in selling entry points into vulnerable networks, often acquired through phishing or poorly secured remote access portals. Ransomware-as-a-service groups purchase this access, split profits with affiliates, and even offer customer support for negotiation tools. 

🧠 Strategy in Action

Remote Teams and Cloud Growth Push Enterprises Toward Zero Trust and Unified Security Platforms

A growing number of enterprises are moving away from legacy security models and investing in flexible, integrated tools built for remote work and cloud environments. According to the 2025 ISG Provider Lens Cybersecurity — Services and Solutions report, three areas are driving this shift: identity and access management (IAM), extended detection and response (XDR), and secure service edge (SSE).

👉 Takeaway: Enterprises are unifying cybersecurity around IAM, XDR, and zero trust to secure remote workforces and cloud-first operations.

⚖️ Regulation Radar

CISA to Release Telecom Security Report

CISA is preparing to release a report on the cybersecurity posture of U.S. telecommunications networks, aiming to address vulnerabilities in infrastructure that supports 5G, emergency services, and high-speed internet. The report is expected to highlight risks tied to supply chain exposure, software-defined networking, and cross-border data flows. It will likely include recommendations for telecom operators on patching practices, vendor audits, and improving detection capabilities. 

What IT leaders should know.

  • Telecom providers may soon face stronger reporting requirements or minimum baseline protections.

  • Organizations dependent on telecom services should expect ripple effects in SLA terms and compliance obligations.

  • IT teams should review third-party vendor relationships tied to connectivity, including software-defined WANs and edge devices.

  • Expect new public-private collaboration frameworks or updated guidance from CISA within weeks.

🛠️ Tool Check

Top Application Security Testing Tools in 2025

Application Security Testing (AST) helps identify vulnerabilities before software goes live.

Top 5 tools are: 

  1. Mend AppSec Platform – AI-powered platform focused on secure, AI-driven development.

  2. GitLab Ultimate – Includes DAST features within its CI/CD pipeline for cloud deployments.

  3. AppCheck – Cloud-based tool with project management and issue-tracking integration.

  4. Invicti – DAST scanner that supports HIPAA and PCI DSS compliance; deployable on cloud or Windows.

  5. Aikido Security – Offers SAST, DAST, and software composition analysis in one cloud solution.

🗣️ Community Signal

“Whether we like it or not, we live the majority of our life in cyberspace. Regardless of the amount of time in cyberspace, we need to recognize that our personal, critical information is stored online in computers. If we do not protect our online information, it will cause detrimental damage to us, our families and our businesses. Whether you realize it or not, you are a target. You are going to be compromised. And only by understanding the threat and taking action, can you be safe in cyberspace today.” Dr. Eric Cole, cybersecurity expert.

📚 Don’t Miss This

🗳️ Your Take - The Results

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🔗 Stay Connected

Until next week!