Practical Implementation Strategies

Successful implementation of either tool requires more than technical deployment. Start with pilot projects to understand tool behavior in your environment. Select applications that represent your technology stack but aren't so critical that false positives or performance impacts cause major disruption. Use these pilots to develop tuning strategies, integration patterns, and operational procedures.

For SAST implementation, focus initially on high-confidence rules that generate fewer false positives. SQL injection, command injection, and path traversal represent good starting points. Gradually expand rule sets as teams become comfortable with findings and develop efficient triage processes. Invest in developer training to help them understand and fix SAST findings effectively.

DAST implementation should begin with well-understood applications in stable test environments. Configure authentication carefully to ensure comprehensive coverage of protected functionality. Start with standard scan policies before customizing for your specific applications. Establish clear procedures for handling findings, especially critical vulnerabilities that might require immediate attention.