Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools are a must-have for software development teams. They help catch vulnerabilities in code early in the process, improving the security of applications before they go live. But few teams look closely at the sub-processors these tools rely on, even though these third-party services can impact security, compliance, and performance.
Let’s explore what SAST sub-processors are, the role they play, and why understanding their use is critical when choosing your tools.
What Are SAST Sub-Processors?
A sub-processor is a third-party company or service that a software tool depends on to perform parts of its functionality. In the context of SAST tools, sub-processors could handle tasks like cloud storage, database management, or even additional analysis engines.
For example, a SAST tool might use a cloud provider for storing scanned code or depend on an external service for processing large datasets. These services operate behind the scenes, but they are a part of the tool’s architecture.
Why SAST Sub-Processors Matter
Even though they operate in the background, sub-processors directly affect how a SAST tool performs and aligns with your team’s needs. Below are key areas where sub-processors can have a major impact:
1. Data Security
SAST tools handle sensitive information, including your source code. If a sub-processor has weak security practices, any vulnerabilities in their systems could expose your data.
When deciding on a SAST tool, ensure its sub-processors comply with industry security standards like ISO 27001 or SOC 2. Some providers even publish details about their sub-processors, making it easier to evaluate their security measures.
2. Regulatory Compliance
If your organization operates under strict data privacy laws, knowing where data is processed—and by whom—is non-negotiable. Sub-processors often operate in specific countries, which could create legal challenges for compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, or other regulations.
A compliant SAST tool will disclose its sub-processors and let you review how they align with your regulatory needs. Ask if they support data processing agreements (DPAs) with these vendors for added legal assurance.
The performance of a SAST tool isn’t just about its core features—it also depends on the services its sub-processors provide. Slow or unreliable sub-processor infrastructure can create bottlenecks in code analysis, impacting how quickly your team can respond to critical issues.
Pay attention to the tool’s documentation or performance benchmarks, especially if they explain how their system scales as projects grow. Also, check if any sub-processors are likely single points of failure.
4. Vendor Transparency
Transparency is a sign of trustworthiness in any tool or service you use. The more open a vendor is about their sub-processors, the easier it will be to assess risks related to security, compliance, or scaling.
Consider SAST vendors that proactively disclose updated lists of sub-processors and their roles. Pay extra attention to whether they alert customers to changes or new additions for better long-term planning.
How to Evaluate SAST Sub-Processors
Here’s a checklist to help you review sub-processors when evaluating SAST tools:
- Published List: Does the vendor provide a full, detailed list of their sub-processors?
- Certifications: Are sub-processors certified or audited for security standards like SOC 2 or ISO 27001?
- Locations: Where are the sub-processors located? Does the location create compliance risks for your organization?
- Notifications: Will the vendor notify you about changes in sub-processors?
- Opt-Out: Can you opt-out of certain sub-processors or control data flows to manage risk better?
Comprehensive answers to these questions will ensure the SAST tool aligns with your team’s needs while maintaining strong security and reliability.
A Smarter Way to Understand Vendor Sub-Processors
Navigating vendor transparency doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Hoop.dev streamlines security tool evaluations by giving you instant visibility into sub-processor usage. Try it today and see everything you need to know—live in minutes.