Implementation Complexity and Requirements

Implementation Complexity and Requirements

Implementation complexity varies significantly between approaches, affecting adoption timelines and resource requirements. SCA typically offers the simplest implementation path, requiring minimal configuration to begin generating value. Basic SCA can be as simple as adding a plugin to your build process. However, achieving optimal results requires policy configuration, false positive tuning, and integration with vulnerability management processes. The main complexity lies in managing the volume of findings and prioritizing remediation efforts.

SAST implementation demands more significant effort, particularly around tool tuning and false positive management. Initial deployments often generate thousands of findings, requiring substantial triage effort. Language and framework support must be verified, and custom rules may need development for organization-specific patterns. SAST tools require training to understand custom frameworks and security controls, without which false positive rates can exceed 80%. Success requires dedicated resources for tool management and developer education.

DAST implementation complexity depends heavily on application architecture. Simple web applications might require minimal configuration, while complex applications with sophisticated authentication, dynamic content, and API interfaces demand significant setup effort. DAST tools must be taught how to authenticate, navigate applications, and identify custom error patterns. Testing infrastructure must be provisioned to avoid impacting production systems. The operational overhead of managing DAST scans and investigating findings requires dedicated security personnel.