Cost-Benefit Analysis

DAST costs typically include licensing, infrastructure, and operational expenses. Scanner licenses vary from open-source options to enterprise platforms costing hundreds of thousands annually. Infrastructure costs depend on deployment model—cloud services minimize infrastructure while on-premises deployments require dedicated scanning servers. Operational costs include scan configuration, result triage, and finding remediation.

IAST costs encompass licensing, performance overhead, and integration effort. License models often charge per application or runtime instance, potentially exceeding DAST costs for large portfolios. Performance overhead might require additional infrastructure to maintain response times. Integration effort varies by technology stack but typically exceeds DAST's simpler deployment.

Value delivery differs between approaches. DAST provides immediate value through quick deployment and universal applicability. IAST delivers superior accuracy and developer experience but requires greater initial investment. Organizations must weigh these factors against their specific requirements, considering both immediate needs and long-term security objectives.