Challenges and Limitations

Language and platform support varies among IAST vendors. While major platforms like Java and .NET enjoy broad support, other languages might have limited options. Legacy applications might use unsupported frameworks. Custom runtimes can prevent agent deployment. These limitations require careful vendor evaluation for your specific technology stack.

Learning curve for operations teams can slow initial deployment. IAST agents require understanding of application runtime environments. Performance tuning needs platform-specific knowledge. Troubleshooting might require vendor support. Organizations should budget time for operations team training and initial deployment support.

Cost considerations extend beyond licensing to operational impacts. IAST typically costs more than SAST or DAST due to its sophisticated technology. Performance overhead might require additional infrastructure. Operations team time for deployment and maintenance adds ongoing costs. However, reduced false positives and faster remediation often offset these costs through efficiency gains.