Application Security Testing (AST) Tools Market Size, Share, Growth, And Industry Analysis, By Type (On-Premise, Cloud-based) By Application (Large Enterprises, SMEs), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2035

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APPLICATION SECURITY TESTING (AST) TOOLS MARKET OVERVIEW

The global application security testing (ast) tools market is anticipated to witness consistent growth, starting from USD 5.52 billion in 2025, reaching USD 6.39 billion in 2026, and climbing to USD 23.97 billion by 2035, at a steady CAGR of 15.7%.

Application Security Testing (AST) tools are software tools or solutions designed to assess and evaluate the security of applications throughout their development lifecycle. These tools employ various techniques such as static application security testing (SAST), dynamic application security testing (DAST), and interactive application security testing (IAST) to identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential security risks in the application's code, configuration, and functionality. AST tools aim to detect and address security flaws early in the development process, allowing developers to remediate them before the application is deployed, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of the software and reducing the potential for exploitation by malicious actors.

The Application Security Testing (AST) Tools market is currently experiencing significant growth and is expected to continue expanding in the coming years. AST tools are utilized to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities in applications, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and preventing potential breaches. With the increasing number of cyber-attacks and data breaches across various industries, the demand for AST tools has been on the rise. The market is characterized by the presence of numerous vendors offering a wide range of AST solutions to cater to the diverse needs of organizations.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Pandemic Caused Acceleration of Digital Transformation Efforts Boosting the Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with application security testing (AST) tools experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a notable impact on the Application Security Testing Tools market. As the pandemic forced businesses to shift their operations online and accelerate their digital transformation efforts, the importance of securing applications became paramount. The surge in remote work and increased reliance on digital platforms created new opportunities for cybercriminals, leading to a higher demand for AST tools. Organizations recognized the need to bolster their application security measures to protect sensitive data and maintain business continuity in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats. Consequently, the Covid-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for the adoption of AST tools, driving market growth during the crisis and beyond.

LATEST TRENDS

DevSecOps And the Integration of Security into The Software Development Lifecycle to Boost the Market Development

Traditionally, security was often an afterthought, addressed at the end of the development process. However, organizations are now embracing a proactive approach by incorporating security practices earlier in the software development lifecycle. This trend has led to the increased adoption of AST tools that can seamlessly integrate with development and deployment processes, enabling continuous testing and vulnerability management. The DevSecOps approach helps organizations identify and remediate security vulnerabilities early on, ensuring secure and robust applications.

• According to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), over 8,500 enterprises implemented AST tools in 2023 to detect vulnerabilities in web and mobile applications.

• According to the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), 61% of financial institutions in Europe integrated automated AST scanning in 2023 to strengthen compliance with updated cybersecurity regulations.

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APPLICATION SECURITY TESTING (AST) TOOLS MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

According to type, the market can be segmented into On-Premise, Cloud-based. On-Premise being the leading segment of the market by type analysis.

By Application

Based on application, the market can be divided into large enterprises, SMEs. Large enterprises being the leading segment of the market by application analysis.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Cybersecurity Threat Landscape to Drive the Market Growth

The continuously evolving cybersecurity threat landscape is a key driver for the Application Security Testing Tools market. The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks have made organizations more vigilant in securing their applications. AST tools play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in applications, allowing organizations to proactively address them and strengthen their security posture. The need for comprehensive application security solutions to combat cyber threats is driving the demand for AST tools.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements to Drive the Market Development

Various industry regulations and compliance standards require organizations to implement robust security measures, including regular application security testing. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties and reputational damage. As a result, organizations are investing in AST tools to ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and others. The demand for AST tools is driven by the need to meet regulatory requirements, protect sensitive data, and maintain the trust of customers and stakeholders.

• According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), more than 3.2 million application vulnerabilities were reported in 2023, fueling demand for advanced AST tools capable of continuous security assessment.

• According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), 45% of government software projects in 2023 incorporated AST tools to mitigate risk from potential cyberattacks.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Complexity of Modern Applications to Impede the Market Growth

As applications become more sophisticated, with complex architectures and interconnected systems, identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring comprehensive testing can be challenging. Additionally, the rapid pace of software development and the adoption of agile methodologies pose challenges for integrating AST tools into the development process seamlessly. Organizations need to strike a balance between security and speed, ensuring that AST tools do not impede the development process or introduce delays.

• According to the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Commission (CDPC), the average implementation cost of enterprise-grade AST tools ranged between $120,000 and $250,000 in 2023, limiting adoption for small and medium enterprises.

• According to the Information Security Forum (ISF), 38% of IT teams in midsize organizations reported a shortage of trained personnel capable of effectively deploying AST solutions in 2023, delaying full-scale adoption.

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APPLICATION SECURITY TESTING (AST) TOOLS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Presence of These Industry Giants in North America to Bolster the Market Development in the Region

North America dominates the Application Security Testing Tools market, driven by several factors. The region is home to major technology companies, including leading software providers and cybersecurity firms. The presence of these industry giants fosters a competitive environment and encourages innovation in the field of application security. Additionally, North America has a high level of cybersecurity awareness among businesses and consumers, with a strong emphasis on protecting sensitive data. The region has witnessed significant cyber-attacks and data breaches in recent years, which have highlighted the importance of robust application security measures. This increased awareness has led organizations to prioritize application security and invest in AST tools to identify and remediate vulnerabilities effectively. Furthermore, stringent regulatory requirements, such as those outlined by regulatory bodies like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), drive the demand for AST tools in North America. Moreover, the widespread adoption of cloud technologies, mobile applications, and e-commerce platforms in the region further contributes to the demand for AST tools as businesses aim to secure their digital assets and protect user information.

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing substantial growth in the Application Security Testing Tools market, driven by various factors. The region is experiencing rapid digital transformation across industries, with organizations embracing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. This digitalization wave creates new opportunities for cybercriminals, leading to an increased number of cyber-attacks targeting applications and sensitive data. As a result, organizations in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are investing in robust application security measures, including AST tools, to fortify their defenses. The region's expanding IT sector, which includes both established tech companies and a vibrant startup ecosystem, contributes to the growth of the AST market. These organizations develop and deliver a wide range of applications, from enterprise software to mobile apps, and recognize the criticality of securing their software products from potential vulnerabilities.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

• Veracode – According to CISA, Veracode provided AST services to over 1,150 large organizations globally in 2023, with a primary focus on cloud-native and SaaS applications.

• Checkmarx – According to NIST, Checkmarx delivered AST solutions to more than 900 enterprises in 2023, supporting secure software development lifecycles across finance, healthcare, and government sectors.

List of Top Application Security Testing (Ast) Tools Companies

• Veracode (U.S.)
• Checkmarx (Israel)
• PortSwigger (U.K.)
• Micro Focus (U.K.)
• NTT Application Security (U.S.)
• Qualys (U.S.)
• Invicti Security (U.S.)
• Contrast Security (U.S.)
• Rapid7 (U.S.)
• HCL Technologies (India)
• GitLab (U.S.)
• Synopsys (U.S.)
• CAST (France)
• GrammaTech (U.S.)
• Perforce (U.S.)
• Data Theorem (U.S.)
• Parasoft (U.S.)
• Akamai (U.S.)
• Kiuwan (Idera) (Spain)

REPORT COVERAGE

This research profiles a report with extensive studies that take into description the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by inspecting the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, and restraints. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics change.