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Portswigger - Shift left without the strain

July 14, 2025 - In the recent webinar, PortSwigger's Alex and Liam looked at the real-world challenges of integrating Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) into CI/CD workflows, and showed how to configure, integrate, and automate DAST effectively with Burp Suite DAST .

The Shift Left Paradox

In theory, “shifting left” brings security into the development process earlier so issues are caught sooner, fixed faster, and resolved before they derail releases.

But in practice? It's not so simple.

Too often, development and security teams are slowed by:

• False positives : Noise that wastes time, erodes trust, and slows down delivery.
• Slow scans : Delayed feedback disrupts CI/CD flows, leading developers to skip security steps altogether.
• Workflow friction : Security feels like a blocker rather than an enabler.

These aren't just technical annoyances, they're cultural and operational hurdles. Poor performance, noisy results, and lack of developer trust can derail even the best-intentioned shift-left strategies.

The Cost of Noisy or Lagging Security

More scanning isn't better scanning. If results aren't fast, reliable, and relevant, they won't get used. DAST can fail teams when it's not built for modern pipelines in a number of ways:

• Scans take too long : developers bypass them to stay on schedule.
• False positives cause failed builds : teams spend hours chasing non-issues.
• Friction grows between dev and security : trust breaks down and adoption stalls.

This leads to a dangerous perception: that DAST is a burden. And once that mindset takes root, it's incredibly difficult to reverse.

Fast, Accurate, Scalable DAST with Burp Suite

PortSwigger's DAST tooling is built to do things differently, starting with speed and trust.

• Precision scanning with minimal false positives : Backed by decades of research and our industry-leading out-of-band testing engine (Burp Collaborator).
• Fast, CI/CD-ready architecture : Our Docker-based scan containers are platform agnostic and plug seamlessly into GitHub Actions, GitLab, Jenkins, or any other pipeline tooling.
• Rich, customizable scan configuration : Use YAML files or runtime environment variables to tailor scanning to each environment or build.

Dynamic Scanning for the Age of AI-Driven Development

AI is rapidly changing how software is built. Automated agents now write code, open PRs, and run builds. But even in these futuristic workflows, runtime security matters more than ever.

Burp Suite DAST provides:

• Runtime-aware scanning : Detect vulnerabilities that static tools miss.
• Seamless automation : Integrates with AI-driven pipelines just as easily as traditional ones.
• Zero-friction operations : No agents, no slowdowns, no false alarms.

DAST isn't just about catching bugs - it's your invisible safety net in a world where software is built faster than ever.

Conclusion: Make DAST a Driver, Not a Drag

To truly shift left and succeed, you need security tools that:

• Developers trust.
• Deliver fast, accurate feedback.
• Fit your pipelines without compromise.

Burp Suite DAST provides:

• Low-noise, high-confidence findings.
• Fast scanning that doesn't delay releases.
• Flexible integration for any CI/CD setup.
• Full runtime visibility for modern applications.

Portswigger Burp Suite DAST and all other Portswigger solutions are available in UK through Simple IT Distribution LTD, Portswigger Partner in the UK.

About Simple IT Distribution LTD

Simple IT Distribution LTD is backed by 10 years of experience in Value Added IT Distribution. What sets us apart from the crowd is our customer-centric approach, the quality services (consulting, implementation, training, support), and the people behind them, which are experienced and certified proffessionals. We provide sales and technical advice and deliver the solutions that best meed our customers' diverse technology needs. Our partners are hand-picked from the top vendors, and we back up their solutions with certified professionals, to give you nothing but the best.

For more information, please visit www.simpleit-distribution.co.uk .