## Pricing Analysis
Application security solutions vary in pricing depending on the protection type and deployment model. Static and dynamic testing tools are often priced per application or developer seat, while software composition analysis may scale with the number of repositories scanned. Cloud-native platforms sometimes charge based on usage, such as API calls or runtime monitoring events.
Entry-level tools and open-source frameworks are available at lower cost, but enterprise-grade suites that combine SAST, DAST, SCA, and runtime application self-protection (RASP) can reach six-figure annual contracts. Professional services for integration into CI/CD pipelines are frequently needed, adding to total cost, especially in large-scale development environments.
## Quarterly Trends & News
| Theme | Update |
|---|---|
| **Shift-left acceleration** | Security testing is increasingly embedded earlier in the SDLC. |
| **AI-assisted exploits** | Attackers leverage AI to discover and weaponize code flaws. |
| **Supply chain attacks** | Vulnerabilities in dependencies and open-source packages remain a top risk. |
| **Runtime defense adoption** | RASP and real-time monitoring gain traction to counter zero-day threats. |
| **DevSecOps maturity** | Organizations automate security checks in continuous integration pipelines. |
## Common Terms & Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| **SAST (Static Application Security Testing)** | Scans source code to detect vulnerabilities before execution. |
| **DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing)** | Tests running applications for exploitable weaknesses. |
| **SCA (Software Composition Analysis)** | Identifies risks in third-party libraries and dependencies. |
| **RASP (Runtime Application Self-Protection)** | Blocks attacks from within the application during runtime. |
| **OWASP Top 10** | Industry-standard list of the most critical web application security risks. |
| **CI/CD Pipeline** | Automated workflow for software delivery where security tools integrate. |
