With the growing number of attacks on web and mobile applications, the risk of exploiting vulnerabilities in code or configuration is also increasing. Security flaws often go undetected by traditional functional testing, as they may not occur as visible errors during application behavior.

Security analysis therefore involves specialized techniques that help identify weaknesses before they can be exploited. Among the most widely used methods are Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST).

What is Static Analysis?

Unlike dynamic testing, static analysis is performed without running the application – directly on its source code:

Focuses on identifying bugs and vulnerabilities in the code before deployment,
Helps detect risks in logic, input handling, or authorization,
Identifies issues such as SQL injection, improper password handling, or insufficient identity verification,
The analysis is typically automated using specialized tools, often integrated early in the development process.

From a security perspective, it is a key preventive tool – early detection of weaknesses reduces remediation costs and improves overall application quality.

What is dynamic analysis?

In contrast to static analysis, dynamic analysis is carried out on a running application and monitors its behavior in real time:

Focuses on system responses to different inputs, interactions, and simulated attacks,
Uncovers vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, or path traversal,
Verifies the security of APIs, forms, and access control to sensitive data.

From a security standpoint, it reveals weaknesses that emerge during runtime and may be missed by static checks. It is therefore a critical part of a comprehensive application testing strategy.

Why implement application security analysis?

Benefit	Description
Enhanced application security	Vulnerabilities are identified before they can be exploited.
Efficiency and cost savings	Early detection significantly reduces remediation costs.
Developer feedback	Supports faster and more secure software development.
Compliance with legal and security requirements	Meets the standards and regulations such as DORA, NIS2.
Reduced risk of successful cyberattacks	Combining static and dynamic analysis significantly limits the attack surface.

What requirements does DORA set for application testing?

01

Testing must be part of a comprehensive ICT risk management framework that includes prevention, detection, response, and recovery from cyber incidents.

02

Organizations must regularly assess the security of applications and systems, ensuring the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of data.

03

The identification and management of vulnerabilities in systems, software components, and libraries must be continuous and well-documented.

04

The tools and methodologies used must be appropriate to the scale and complexity of the systems in operation.

How does testing work in practice?

Static Analysis (SAST)

Scope Definition

Determining the codebase, components, libraries, and coverage of the analysis.

Automated Scanning

Running specialized tools directly on the source code without executing the application.

Findings Evaluation

Sorting, validating, and eliminating false positives.

Recommendations & Review

Providing remediation guidance and feedback for developers.

Dynamic Analysis (DAST)

Scope Definition

Defining the target application and test environments.

Attack Simulation

Conducting real-time interaction tests to evaluate the application’s response to simulated threats.

Vulnerability Identification

Detecting issues such as XSS, SQL injection, unauthorized access, or weak API protection.

Feedback & Reporting

Analyzing findings, suggesting remediations, and documenting results for development and management teams.

Why work with BDO?

BDO provides application security testing services (SAST and DAST) in line with the specific requirements of European regulators (e.g. ECB, EBA, ESMA) and frameworks such as DORA, NIS2, and ISO/IEC 27001. Our methodology combines static and dynamic analysis, knowledge of the regulatory framework, and deep technical know-how—including scenarios reflecting sector threats and digital attacks in the European financial space.

01 Independence and credibility

As an independent consulting firm, we do not own any technologies and offer truly objective assessments. Cooperation with BDO is a clear signal of quality and trust for both regulators and clients. 

02 Certified team with expert experience

Our specialists hold certifications such as OSCP, CRTP, eCPPT, BSCP, CEH, CRT, CPSA, CISSP, CCISO, and others. They have experience testing large banks, insurers, and ICT providers. 