What is Application Security Software?

Application Security Software offers solutions and services to protect applications, both web and mobile, from any form of cyber-attack by detecting and remediating the hidden vulnerabilities. 

Top Application Security Software Vendors 2020:

  • Acunetix
  • Applause
  • Appthority Inc
  • Checkmarx
  • Contrast Security
  • Erpscan
  • Fasoo, Inc
  • High Tech Bridge
  • HPE
  • IBM Corporation

Application security is the method of making apps more secure by finding, fixing, and enhancing the security of apps. It encompasses the security considerations that occur through application development and design. It also involves systems and approaches to protect apps after they get deployed.  Application security software helps organizations to protect all types of applications used by internal and external stakeholders as well as customers, business partners and employees.

Application Security Software market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.5% in the forecast period of 2019-2024.

COMPETITIVE LEADERSHIP MAPPING TERMINOLOGY

Top 25 companies offering Application Security software features were analyzed, shortlisted and categorized on a quadrant under Visionary Leaders, Innovators, Dynamic Differentiators, and Emerging Companies to identified best Application Security Software providers.

VISIONARY LEADERS

Visionary leaders in Application Security Software quadrant are the leading market players in terms of new developments such as product launches, innovative technologies, and the adoption of growth strategies. These players have a broad product offering that caters to most of the regions globally. Visionary leaders primarily focus on acquiring the leading market position through their strong financial capabilities and their well-established brand equity.

DYNAMIC DIFFERENTIATORS

Dynamic Differentiators have established players with very strong business strategies. However, they have a weaker product portfolio compared to the visionary leaders. They generally focus only on a specific type of technology related to the product.

INNOVATORS

Innovators in the competitive leadership mapping are vendors that have demonstrated substantial product innovations as compared to their competitors. The companies have focused on product portfolios. However, they do not have very strong growth strategies for their overall business, when compared with the visionary leaders.

EMERGING COMPANIES

Emerging companies under Application Security Software have a niche product and service offerings. Their business strategies are not as strong as that of the established vendors. The emerging vendors include the new entrants in the market, emerging in terms of product portfolio and geographic reach, and require time to gain significant traction.

Importance of Application Security Solution:

Application security software remains a crucial component of the IT security ecosystem to safeguard enterprise applications and data from external threats and breaches. Presently, organizations face security breaches in their email systems and web applications, which are attacked due to their mishandling of large amounts of data, resulting in financial losses, loss of customer trust, and damage to brand reputation. Hence, it has become very important for organizations to protect themselves against such attacks.

Various technology solutions such as SAST, DAST, IAST, penetration testing, Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP), and Software Composition Analysis (SCA) are used in the application security software market to assess applications for vulnerabilities. Businesses have become more application-oriented as applications are now integrated into devices and platforms, which enable users to interact with each other as well as outside the organization.

Since traditional security solutions can be easily bypassed by advanced threats and zero-day vulnerabilities, the need for application security software has become critical. Application security software offers complete visibility into applications, users, and data running across organizations.

Types of Application Security Software:

Application security software falls into two main categories mentioned below:

  • Testing Tools also called as Application Security Tools which are designed for software development teams who ensures that security is built into applications prior to deployment.
  • Runtime protection tools, which are designed to protect applications running in their target, operational environments.

Testing tools: SAST, DAST, and IAST

Static testing application security (SAST), also called as white-box testing, offers developers a comprehensive evaluation of their source code and often involves use of a compiler to analyze data flow through an application.

Dynamic application security testing (DAST) test web applications while they are running, that is it provides an assessment from the perspective of a user.

Interactive application security testing (IAST) is a hybrid of SAST and DAST that checks vulnerabilities in the code itself as well as after development is complete.

Runtime protection tools: WAF and RASP

Web application firewall (WAF) tools, are designed to protect the security perimeter against intrusion.

Runtime application security protection (RASP) tools are designed to detect intrusion from inside the running application, or inside the security perimeter.

Top features in Best Application Security Solution:

Application Level Security: It enables user to control application access on a per-user role, or per-user basis. This typically includes a role-based menuing system, which displays different menu options to different users based on their role.

Row-level (or multi-tenant) security: Multi-tenant security lets user control data access within a single application at the row level. It means multiple users can access the same application, but only view the data they’re authorized to see.

Application inventory: It is the ability to catalog and classify all of your existing application assets. This includes the ability to profile each application, determine its business impact and, after assessment, calculate its overall security risk. 

Encryption:
In cloud-based applications, where traffic containing sensitive data travels between the end user and the cloud, that traffic can be encrypted to keep the data safe. 

Logging
: If there is a security breach in an application, logging can help identify who got access to the data and how. Application log files provide a time-stamped record of which aspects of the application were accessed and by whom.

Application security testing
: It is a necessary process to ensure that all security controls work properly.

How to choose best Application Security Software?

Following tips should be followed to select right Application Security Software for your product:

  • Easy Implementation:Security tools should not come with a list of system requirements and complicated installation steps.
  • Results: Ensure that developers are able to understand the scan results and locate the vulnerabilities easily.
  • Compatibility: Ensure that the security tool is compatible with the existing framework and databases.
  • Development environment: Verify that your tool can work with code management tool (TFS, SVN). Development environment (Eclipse, Visual Studio) compatibility must also be examined.
  • Budget: Combine SAST/DAST security tools with Pen Testing. But when on a fixed budget, Source Code Analysis (SCA)is highly recommended.
  • Support: Ensure the company that is providing the security tool has a good support team in place with high-quality technical documentation and online information.

Application Security Software: Trends to watch!

  • Commercial versions of open-source tools are gaining traction
  • Better open-source interfaces
  • Demand for deeper results from tools
  • Gatekeepers are appearing in the CI/CD pipeline
  • Static and dynamic analysis tools are merging
  • Automated results are integrated into the development lifecycle
  • Companies are consolidating their security tools
  • Web application firewalls are getting smarter
  • More cloud security email tools will be entering the market
  • Active monitoring apps are gaining popularity
  • Tools are automating some pen testing
  • Application Monitoring, Alerting and Response
  • The Need for Product Security experts

Best Application Security Software in 2022

Comparing 24 vendors in Application Security Solutions across 24 criteria.
All vendors(24)
Selected by small-360Analysts

ImmuniWeb® Discovery leverages OSINT and our award-winning AI technology to illuminate attack surface and Dark Web exposure of a company. The non-intrusive and production-safe discovery is a perfect fit both for continuous self-assessment and vendor risk scoring to prevent supply chain attacks.

Read less Read more
Selected by small-360Analysts

NSFOCUS is a prominent organization for providing enterprise-level security solutions. It focuses on holistic hybrid security with Cloud in a box, on-premises DDoS Defenses, and Hybrid DDoS defences to businesses around the world with maximizing availability and trustworthy solutions. With more than 18+ years of experience, NSFOCUS is offering protection to four of the five largest financial institutions and four of the ten largest communication companies. 

Read less Read more
4.5
Acunetix specializes in the field of web application security software with the aim of providing high SQL injection and XSS detection rates with minimal false positives. The company utilizes AcuSensor Technology for deep scanning of source code, detecting the vulnerabilities, and reducing false positives. Acunetix Vulnerability Scanner, which scans websites and provides consolidated reporting, thereby helping the customers to be safeguarded from advanced threats. The company specializes in the field of web application security with the aim of providing high SQL injection and XSS detection rate with minimal false positives. The company utilizes AcuSensor Technology for deep scanning of source code, detecting the vulnerabilities, and reducing false positives. The company offers Web Vulnerability Scanner, which scans websites and provides consolidated reporting, thereby helping the customers to be safeguarded from advanced threats.
Read less Read more
4.2

Applause has been around for over a decade, and their aim is to enrich users’ digital experiences. With Applause, the aim is to help software testers obtain better results and give their users a seamless experience. With the digital market growing every day, Applause has become a well-known name and has been the favoured destination for many to find crowdsourced application testing.

Read less Read more
With rising mobile attacks around the world and data leakages from backend resources, Appthority is a formidable name for offering enterprise mobile level security and data privacy to businesses. Founded in 2011, Appthority has remarkably reached unprecedented heights to become one of the market leaders in mobile security intelligence system. As of November 2018, Symantec has acquired Appthority and continues to offer this highly mobile security to its customers with enhanced capabilities.
Read less Read more
Checkmarx enables enterprises to integrate static analysis into their Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to significantly reduce vulnerabilities and operational costs, by automatically enforcing security policies. The security solutions are available on-premises or on-demand via a private/public cloud. Checkmarx provides professional services such as implementation services, technical support, and education and training in the application security market.The company is a key player in the application market and specializes in SAST. The company's product portfolio in the application security market consists of SAST, Open Source Analysis, and AppSec Coach. Checkmarx provides static application security testing solutions for an automated security code review. Checkmarx enables enterprises to integrate static analysis into their Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to significantly reduce vulnerabilities and operational costs, by automatically enforcing security policies.
Read less Read more
You do not need to schedule your information when your critical corporate data handling is managed by Contrast. The application security software have a self-evaluation technique that detects and resolves the errors automatically. Your application’s open-source dependencies are automatically discovered, and that prevents the exploitation of data during runtime. The regular functional testing is accompanied by an assessment of updated policies and prevents any risk of licensing.
Read less Read more
Synopsys provides software, Intellectual Property (IP), and services to software developers, electronic designers and engineers, and other stakeholders that seek to ensure high quality and security of their applications in the industries such as electronics, financial services, energy, and manufacturing. Synopsys is a leading provider of software tools that enable software developers to improve the quality and security of their software code. In the application security market, Synopsys primarily adopted the strategy of acquisitions to enhance its product and service offerings and broaden its customer base. Synopsys is one of the leading providers of application security solutions globally. It offers SAST, DAST, and IAST in the application security market. According to the company, cloud computing and electronics in cars, buildings and appliances, and other consumer products are the two broad areas offering huge opportunities for growth. Thousands of applications are being developed in these areas, creating a landscape of smart devices
Read less Read more

The ERPscan application security software are a helping hand in eradicating the vulnerabilities, misconfigurations that are part of the corporate data. The applications handling the companies’ data require proper analyzation to resolve the issues made during application development. Some probable vulnerabilities are likely to create a problem in the future. With the ERPscan cybersecurity services, we provide persistent control on your applications with our AI-based smart technology.

Read less Read more
Fasoo is a fast-emerging vendor of data and application security software. The company offers static code analysis tool, SPARROW SCE, which helps in detecting and remediating vulnerabilities in the earlier phase of SDLC. It also offers SPARROW QCE, an application quality control tool.
Read less Read more
To strive in today's competent security arena, it is essential to rely on accessible solutions. By employing IBM application security solutions, it gets easy to access recent and forthcoming web requirements. It helps to segregate the network junctions, password security-rich processes. Building a stable digital identity, it provides adaptive authentication and protection from threats or breaches. Its defensive utility is demonstrable, which is in accordance with Analytics and Intelligence.
Read less Read more
The company is one of the prominent vendors of analytics-based security and IT operations solutions. The company's expertise in vulnerability detection, attacker behavior and techniques, a collection of operational data from across the entire IT infrastructure, and applying purpose-driven analytics enables its customers to develop, operate, and manage sophisticated applications and services securely. Analytics and actionable insights are the core strengths of all its solution and service offerings. Rapid7 started offering NTO's web and mobile application security solution, NTOSpider, as Rapid7 AppSpider. The company has a strong partner network (includes resellers, distributors, technological partners, and various others) that consists of leading IT and cybersecurity firms, resellers, consulting partners, and MSSPs
Read less Read more
HPE is a leading global provider of cutting-edge technology solutions. The company's software business division provides enterprise security, application testing, big data analytics, and other solutions for SMEs and large enterprises. HPE has a broad and deep end-to-end solution portfolio to serve its clients. The company's IT security offering includes security management solutions such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), security monitoring, data encryption, and protection. It also offers threat and vulnerability management solutions in application security, endpoint security, network security, and security analytics and threat intelligence. The company's enterprise security services include global incident response, security governance, security consulting and risk management, and data center transformation services. Fortify On Demand is one of solution
Read less Read more
Whether it is your web server or your application, with N-Stalker, you can ensure that there are no weak links in your armour. Using N-Stalker’s Security solutions, one can ensure that there are no security faults within their website or application. N-Stalker helps check for attacks or potential vulnerabilities. SQL Injection, Clickjacking, XSS, Cross-site posting and more, all these concerns are eliminated with the help of N-Stalker.
Read less Read more
Pradeo is a leading vendor of mobile application security solutions and services. The company is leveraging its expertise in mobile application security testing to enter the web application security market segment as well but being a late entrant in this segment, Pradeo is expected to face intense competition from established web application security solution providers. In the mobile application security market segment, Pradeo covers all the major platforms such as Android, iOS, and Windows
Read less Read more
Praetorian helps leading organisations improve their application security. They enable consumers to have the best digital experience and stay safe from cyber threats. Their innovative methods help them ensure that they stay up to date with the latest security threats. Their team of experts are dedicated to researching and helping advance cybersecurity by developing unique methods of security testing. They aim to create a safe digital space for everyone.
Read less Read more
Qualys, Inc. is one of the leading providers of cloud-based information security and compliance solutions that help enterprises to identify security risks, protect their IT infrastructure, and meet compliance requirements. The company offers a cloud-based security suite, namely, Qualys Cloud Suite, comprising solutions for web application security, asset discovery, network security, threat protection, and compliance monitoring. The web application security segment consists of four products: web application scanning, web application firewall, malware detection, and SECURE Website Seal.
Read less Read more
With Security Innovations, you can not only strengthen the security features of your application but learn more about why it is important. They are constantly improving their methods of security testing by researching and learning about new and upcoming threats which could cause potential harm. Hence, they are constantly improving upon their technique to ensure that they have the most innovative approach to security testing.
Read less Read more

Whitehat security inc. is exactly what its name suggests. Simply stating the purpose, the working of the whitehat company, we can say it provides the service of securing applications, protecting them against malicious attacks through which almost all the applications suffer from at least once. 

Whitehat has won many rewards for the application security it provides. The company is based in Santa Clara, California. But there are a number of regional offices established in Europe as well as all over the US.
Read less Read more

As one of the global leaders in managed security Services, Trustwave Holdings has more than 20+ experience in information security and offers support to clients worldwide(90+ countries). Trustwave Holdings is built to aid businesses in ensuring security from cyberattacks, the safety of data, and minimizing risks for IT-based solutions. Along with managed security, they also specialize in security testing, protecting technologies, security consulting, and has systematic training programs to enthusiasts.

Read less Read more
Veracode is a prominent vendor of application security solutions and services. The company offers a broad range of cloud-based security testing solutions that secure the web, mobile, and third-party applications from potential threats. Its solutions combine multiple analysis techniques, including SAST, DAST, and SCA. The company has also recently introduced RASP and IAST solutions to further expand its application security portfolio. Veracode offers the following services: security program management, remediation coaching, eLearning, manual penetration testing, and third-party security. The company's solutions and services, altogether, enhance the security of applications from inception through production.
Read less Read more
As a security testing company, Virtual Forge is dedicated to not only deliver the latest technology and methods in application security testing but also develop them. With thorough research, and working closely with their clients, Virtual Forge aims to help their clients meet the highest quality standard for their application and help their users have great experiences.
Read less Read more
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In today’s hyperconnected business environment, there is a rapid emergence of digital solutions, devices, and associated services. The foundation of this digital infrastructure is based on the communication between various business critical applications and data, which are shared across platforms, devices, and users. As these business applications hold critical organizational data, they have become a prime target for hackers and cybercriminals, as they increase the risk exposure in a corporate environment. Due to an increase in the security breaches targeting business applications, organizations across the world are deploying application security solutions to safeguard their web and mobile applications.
The application security market size is expected to grow from USD 2.79 billion in 2017 to USD 9.0 billion by 2022, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 26.4%. The market is gaining traction due to the increasing need to protect enterprise applications and data from emerging application layer attacks. Many enterprises across the globe still use web and mobile applications that contain vulnerabilities, which if exploited, might result in huge losses for the organizations. Enterprises are expected to increase their security spending in the upcoming years to ensure robust security for their IT infrastructure.
Market Dynamics: Drivers Need to protect enterprise applications and data Government Regulations Increasing sophistication level of cyber-attacks Increasing deployment of third-party applications Restraints Lack of awareness about cybersecurity Opportunities Increasing smartphone adoption and evolution of IoT Rapid digitalization in emerging economies Challenges High deployment costs and need to quickly deploy applications to end-users
Increasing Digitalization, IoT and smart city initiatives are expected to bring huge growth opportunities for the application security solution providers in the coming years. BFSI, Government and Defense are the top 3 industry verticals to show the highest growth which is an opportunity for the vendors to capture these markets.
The application security ecosystem comprises application security solution vendors such as Veracode (Massachusetts, US), HPE (California, US), Synopsys (California, US), IBM (New York, US), WhiteHat Security (California, US), Qualys (California, US), Checkmarx (Tel Aviv, Israel), Acunetix (St Julians, Malta), Rapid7 (Massachusetts, US), Trustwave ( Illinois, US), High-Tech Bridge (Geneva, Switzerland), Contrast Security (California, US), SiteLock (Arizona, US), Pradeo (Paris, France), and Fasoo (New Jersey, US). It also includes application developers, system integrators, and enterprises. Other stakeholders in the application security market include Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), information security consulting service providers, and security auditors.
Major Market Developments: In March 2017, High-Tech Bridge launched Immunize Mobile to enter into mobile market segment. In January 2017, Synopsys released a new version of its Coverity static analysis tool with version number 8.7. The new version includes the capabilities of Cigital and Codiscope, providing enterprise level security to both mobile and web applications. In January 2017, Synopsys acquired Forcheck B.V., the Netherlands-based static analysis tool provider for Fortran applications.