Question 1

What is TotalAppSec and who should use it?

Accepted Answer

TotalAppSec is Qualys's comprehensive application security solution for development teams and security professionals. It covers the entire application lifecycle from code development to production, including SAST (static analysis), DAST (dynamic analysis), SCA (software composition analysis), and runtime protection.

Question 2

How does TotalAppSec support DevSecOps?

Accepted Answer

TotalAppSec integrates into CI/CD pipelines, enabling developers to find and fix vulnerabilities early. It provides fast feedback loops, automated scanning, policy enforcement, and remediation guidance—shifting security left without slowing development velocity.

Question 3

Can TotalAppSec detect open-source vulnerabilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Software Composition Analysis (SCA) component identifies vulnerabilities in open-source libraries and third-party components. It tracks license compliance, provides remediation paths, and alerts teams to new vulnerabilities in dependencies they're using.

Question 4

What types of applications can TotalAppSec scan?

Accepted Answer

TotalAppSec supports web applications, mobile apps, APIs, microservices, and cloud-native applications. It handles modern architectures including containerized applications, serverless functions, and distributed systems.

Question 5

How does SAST (Static Application Security Testing) work?

Accepted Answer

SAST analyzes application source code without running it, identifying coding flaws, logic errors, and insecure patterns. It provides code-level remediation guidance and can be integrated into development IDEs for real-time feedback as developers write code.

Question 6

What is DAST and how does it differ from SAST?

Accepted Answer

DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) tests running applications, simulating real-world attacks. Unlike SAST which analyzes code, DAST tests actual application behavior, finding runtime vulnerabilities like injection flaws, broken authentication, and insecure serialization.

Question 7

Does TotalAppSec include API security scanning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As APIs become central to modern applications, TotalAppSec includes specific API security testing for REST APIs, GraphQL, SOAP, and other API types. It identifies API-specific risks like broken authentication, excessive data exposure, and insecure deserialization.