Astra Security Tool Evaluation (2024): Assessment of Astra’s Capabilities

Astra stands out in the cybersecurity domain by amalgamating both automated and manual penetration testing methods to formulate comprehensive security resolutions. The tool conducts over 9,000 tests and assimilates with Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) tools to institute DevSecOps. Astra’s security evaluations encompass Web Application Pentests, Cloud Security Pentests, Mobile Application Pentests, and API Pentests.

While Astra Security holds a higher cost compared to analogous solutions such as Wireshark and Kali Linux, its dynamic vulnerability management dashboard excels in overseeing, tracking, assigning, and revising vulnerabilities more effectively than most rivals.

Pricing Plans of Astra Security

Astra does not provide a complimentary trial. Nevertheless, it extends paid subscription choices for individuals using web applications, mobile applications, and cloud security, encompassing both vulnerability scanning and penetration testing for certain plans.

Web app schemes

Astra offers subscriptions tailored for web apps, covering scanning, pentesting, and enterprise packages.

Scanner: Priced at $199 monthly or $1,999 yearly per target. Beneficiaries can engage in limitless vulnerability scans with over 9,300 assessments and endless integrations with various third-party utilities. Additionally, it provides AI-infused remedial guidance. An intriguing feature of this plan is users can test it at a reduced cost of $7 weekly before making a commitment.

SEE: The 8 Greatest Penetration Examination Tools for 2024 (TechRepublic)

Pentest: Valued at $5,999 yearly per target, billed annually. Encompasses all aspects of the Scanner plan, along with a cloud security evaluation, compliance report generation, and a publicly verifiable pentest accreditation.

Enterprise: Ideally suited for diverse infrastructures, pricing at $9,999 yearly for multiple targets. Encompasses all components of the Pentest plan, in addition to Customer Success Manager, assistance via Slack Connect or MS Teams, customized SLA/contracts, and a three-month re-examination period.

Mobile app schemes

This category contains two subscription plans — Pentest and Enterprise.

Pentest: Priced at $2,499 yearly per target. Advantages include a vulnerability assessment, penetration test, over 250 test scenarios, and expert support.

SEE: An Overview of Cloud Penetration Testing & Its Significance (TechRepublic)

incorporate over 180 security assessments, review of IAM configurations, and perform one rescan.

Premium: To acquire this, get a tailored estimate from our sales team. It encompasses all features of the Standard package, with the addition of five team members, two extra scans, and specialized assistance.

Astra Security’s vital attributes

Within the suite, Astra Pentest and Astra Vulnerability Scanner collaborate to provide ongoing monitoring, evaluation of security stance, and other functionalities. Here are some standout features of Astra that caught my attention.

EXPLORE: Vulnerability Scanning vs Penetration Testing: Understanding the Contrast (TechRepublic)

Security vulnerability detector

The comprehensive vulnerability scanner by Astra can execute up to 9,300 assessments, including scrutiny for recognized CVEs, OWASP Top 10, and SANS 25. During my trial period of one week, I observed how the scanner evaluates sections beyond the login interface to guarantee the security of every aspect of my application. An aspect I appreciate about this feature is the possibility of obtaining it separately as a ready-to-use software, requiring minimal to no human intervention.

Ongoing assessments via integration

Astra’s Pentest facilitates the transition from DevOps to DevSecOps by integrating with CI/CD platforms. This automation enables you to conduct scans for every code update prior to implementation, resembling a security evaluation conducted by a hacker. My evaluation indicated that Astra offers a straightforward method to monitor scanning progress through Slack, allowing collaboration and flagging of vulnerabilities through Jira. Connecting your Jira account to a project is as simple as a few clicks.

Comprehensive vulnerability oversight interface

This particular facet elevates Astra above many of its contenders. Astra provides you with in-depth insights into your pentest activities, offering an understanding of the significant metrics for each vulnerability. Upon utilizing the interface, I noted the emphasis Astra places on addressing common customer concerns during the UX design process. Additionally, it was noticeable that you can centrally manage the permissions of team members who have access to various targets. Another great feature is the availability of the Astra-naut bot for around-the-clock queries about security matters.

Hand-operated penetration test

The aspect comes as part of the highest program from Astra, and it can attend to your business logic blunders and problems that are unnoticeable by an automatic scanner. Astra accomplishes this by leveraging AI to simulate the hacker mentality and recognize scenarios of business logic susceptibilities in apps. Aside from examining business logic faults, Astra’s hand-operated pen testing also evaluates elements like obscured SQL injection, payment manipulation susceptibilities, and template insertion.

Benefits of Astra Security

• Checks your resources with over 9300 assessments.
• Capable of validating ISO 27001, HIPAA, SOC2, or GDPR adherence.
• The panel enables you to monitor your team’s advancements with intelligent reports.
• Provides a distinct, publicly verifiable security permit.
• Endless integrations with CI/CD tools, Slack, Jira, and more.

SEE: How to Conduct a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment in Five Stages (TechRepublic Premium)

Drawbacks of Astra Security

• Lacks a trial version.
• The monthly subscription is exclusively accessible in the Scanner package.
• Can be costly when compared to rivals.

Substitutes for Astra Security

Acunetix

Acunetix by Invicti is a potent pen-testing application for web applications. While Astra blends vulnerability analysis and manual pen testing in one package, Acunetix is tailored for automated penetration testing. I admire the fact that Acunetix comes with a control panel that categorizes vulnerabilities into different levels such as critical, high, medium, and low. Additionally, it permits endless users and scans.

Metasploit

Metasploit serves as another trustworthy option to Astra Security. The availability of both an open-source and commercial model by Metasploit allows clients to choose the type of pen-testing solution they require. The 30-day trial offered by this tool is a significant advantage over Astra Security, which lacks any trial version. Although the framework edition has restricted functionality, its straightforward web interface and complimentary version for developers and researchers position it well to compete with Astra Security.

Kali Linux

Kali Linux represents an open-source pen-test utility running on the Debian-based Linux distribution. It targets mainly advanced users familiar with command-line commands. I appreciate its straightforwardness in stating that the tool is intended for proficient pen testers and seasoned Linux users, not the average consumer. Even though it supports only about 600 penetration testing tools, its entirely free cost structure makes it a feasible substitute for those unable to afford Astra Security.

Methodology

I evaluated this product using two main checkpoints – practical experience with the tool and insights from Astra Security’s official product documentation, user feedback, and case studies. During testing with the $7 one-week trial, I observed that the scanner scrutinizes pages beyond my login interface to ensure comprehensive coverage of my application’s security. Astra also enables full tracking of your pentest to provide key metrics on each vulnerability, which is a valuable feature in any security solution – complete transparency. The user-friendly dashboard permits effortless monitoring of team progression with smart reporting. I was able to reach out for assistance from the Astra-naut bot around the clock, providing real-time responses to my security inquiries. These reasons influenced our decision to rank the product among the finest vulnerability scanners in 2024.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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