Contrast Security is a cybersecurity company specializing in application security testing, embedded systems, and threat prevention for organizations relying on or developing the latest software.
Businesses of all sizes, from SMBs to enterprise organizations, rely on an increasing number of applications for everyday operations. To safeguard critical data. They need visibility into source code components and how systems interact. Contrast helps clients manage, orchestrate, and optimize security for the software systems powering the digital economy.
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Contrast Security Products & Solutions
Contrast Security specializes in application and software security with solutions for DevSecOps, API security, compliance, monitoring, penetration testing, and software supply chain security. Through the Contrast Platform, organizations get access to its four core products:
| Solution | Description |
|---|---|
| Contrast Scan | Discover vulnerabilities earlier in the software development lifecycle with CS’s static application security testing (SAST) solution |
| Contrast Assess | Combines features of SAST and Dynamic AST (DAST) to provide embedded, interactive application security testing (IAST) |
| Contrast Protect | Security-focused and embedded exploit prevention solution known as runtime application self-protection (RASP) |
| Contrast OSS | While SAST handles proprietary software, software composition analysis (SCA) monitors and analyzes open source vulnerabilities |
Organizations can also elect to go serverless with Contrast Serverless Application Security, including full testing capabilities for AWS Lamda functions.
Read why CS makes ServerWatch’s Top Dynamic Application Security Testing Tools of 2021.
Contrast Security Competitors
- Acunetix
- Checkmarx
- IBM
- Invicti
- Micro Focus
- NTT Application Security
- PortSwigger
- Qualys
- Rapid7
- Synopsis
- Veracode
DevSecOps Platform and API Security
Two of the company’s core solutions address the risks associated with software development lifecycle (SDLC) and application vulnerabilities. Contrast’s DevSecOps capabilities include software composition analysis (SCA), application security testing, and exploit prevention to give organizations visibility and protection for software vulnerabilities.
Similarly, organizations using several applications can benefit from the company’s API Security solution designed to monitor the underlying code of third-party software, libraries, and custom code. With Contrast Protect’s Runtime Exploit Prevention (REP) technology, organizations can spot known vulnerabilities and deploy patching to exploitable systems.
Also read: Top Code Debugging and Code Security Tools | eSecurityPlanet
Cornerstone Integrations and Partners
Contrast Security offers more than 35 integrations to provide clients with functionality across the application security lifecycle. As hybrid IT environments grow more complex, integration with common development, security, and operations, is essential.
Compatible with all top cloud computing platforms – CS’s Premier Alliances are AWS, IBM Cloud, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Pivotal. At the same time, other integrations include Eclipse IDE, Kenna Security, GitHub, Jira, Slack, Maven, Datadog, and more.
Recognition and Reviews
Gartner Magic Quadrant and Gartner Peer Insights
Contrast Security has received consistent praise from Gartner industry analysts in its short history, making the last seven Magic Quadrants for Application Security Testing. CS was a Visionary in its first six appearances, and the 2021 report saw its first shift to Contender.
On Gartner Peer Insights, CS holds an average score of 4.7 / 5 stars with 121 reviews in the Application Security Testing vertical. Users’ highlighted features included the quality and timeliness of vendor support and product capabilities like enterprise-class AST as a tool or cloud service. Based on GPI reviews, Contrast Security has been a Customers’ Choice for the last three years.
Read more: Guide to DevSecOps: What and Why | Enterprise Networking Planet
Forrester Wave
Contrast Security received a Leader designation in the Forrester Wave for Application Security in 2014. More recently, the company was a Strong Performer in the Forrester Wave for Runtime Application Self-Protection.
Contrast Security: Company Background
When the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) launched in 2001, its first global chair was future Contrast co-founder and CTO Jeff Williams. Williams started Aspect Security in 2002 (later acquired by Ernst & Young) and served as CEO until 2014.
In 2014, Williams and Aspect’s Director of Research, Arshan Dabirsiaghi, left to start Contrast Security in Los Altos, California. In November 2021, CS secured $150 million for its fifth round of private equity funding and earned unicorn status with an over $1 billion valuation.
Recent Coverage
- Neural Fuzzing: A Faster Way to Test Software Security | eSecurityPlanet
- Penetration Testing 101: An Overview with Bishop Fox | IT Business Edge
- 13 Best Vulnerability Scanner Tools of 2021 | eSecurityPlanet
- “Need for speed” heightens expectations (and security risks) for software development | TechRepublic
- The Security Implications of Application Proliferation | eWEEK
- OWASP Names a New Top Vulnerability for First Time in Years | eSecurityPlanet
