Contrast Security Assess vs Qualys Web Application Scanning comparison

Contrast Security Assess vs. Qualys Web Application Scanning

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

ROI

Sentiment score

6.8

Contrast Security Assess improves code quality, reduces costs, and streamlines workflows by detecting vulnerabilities early, enhancing efficiency.

Sentiment score

2.5

Qualys Web Application Scanning delivers positive ROI, competitive licensing, scalability, and reduces failure rates with 70% time-saving automation.

Contrast has probably saved us a couple hundred hours over the past six years.

Threat & Vulnerability Management Senior Analyst at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

The speed of fixing issues is significantly improved due to the vast amount of information provided by Contrast Security Assess, making it quite essential for finding the root cause of problems in the source code.

For more quotes and insights, download the Contrast Security Assess report

Management Of Quality Managers at a tech vendor with 1,001-5,000 employees

No quotes available

For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Web Application Scanning report

Customer Service

Sentiment score

8.4

Contrast Security Assess support is responsive and knowledgeable, with efficient issue resolution and high user satisfaction despite customization challenges.

Sentiment score

3.8

Customer service is generally positive but inconsistent, with some noting efficiency while others suggest improvements in speed and engagement.

They go out of their way to respond quickly and very knowledgeably.

Threat & Vulnerability Management Senior Analyst at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Customer support is one of the strongest points of Contrast Security Assess, as they are really responsive and answer tickets in less than one hour.

For more quotes and insights, download the Contrast Security Assess report

Management Of Quality Managers at a tech vendor with 1,001-5,000 employees

They have various options in the vulnerability management process, and when we initially bought our license, we didn't realize we needed PCI for better results, which isn't included in the default configurations.

Security Officer at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Once we purchase the license, we have access to top-notch support.

For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Web Application Scanning report

Team Lead, Cyber Security at Uridium Technologies

I have dealt with Qualys's technical support, and any enhancements are challenging.

PankajKhullar

Senior Security Engineer at Charter Communications

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score

8.0

Contrast Security Assess offers scalability across platforms but faces challenges with change management and limited technology support.

Sentiment score

7.2

Qualys Web Application Scanning offers scalable cloud integration but faces challenges with concurrent scan limits and report limitations.

It is fairly simple to install the agents for Contrast Security Assess and keep them updated.

Threat & Vulnerability Management Senior Analyst at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Contrast Security Assess's scalability is not an issue at all.

For more quotes and insights, download the Contrast Security Assess report

Management Of Quality Managers at a tech vendor with 1,001-5,000 employees

My concern remains the lack of deep dive analysis and that it produces similar vulnerability results as other tools such as Nessus based on version checks instead of real impact checks.

Security Officer at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

It is licensed for assets, so we just contact the team for additional licenses if needed.

For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Web Application Scanning report

Team Lead, Cyber Security at Uridium Technologies

At one point, there was a limitation on reporting for 100,000 assets at a time.

PankajKhullar

Senior Security Engineer at Charter Communications

Stability Issues

Sentiment score

7.9

Contrast Security Assess is highly stable and reliable, with occasional environment-related issues and limited ColdFusion support.

Sentiment score

7.9

Users praise Qualys Web Application Scanning for its stability, reliability, minimal bugs, and consistently high-performance ratings.

We opened a ticket to customer support and experienced four weeks of disruption due to the extension malfunctioning in some of the .NET servers running Contrast Security Assess.

For more quotes and insights, download the Contrast Security Assess report

Management Of Quality Managers at a tech vendor with 1,001-5,000 employees

No quotes available

For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Web Application Scanning report

Room For Improvement

Contrast Security Assess offers effective automation but requires better documentation, integration, reporting, support, pricing flexibility, and AI enhancements.

Qualys Web Application Scanning needs improvements in detection, usability, integration, performance, pricing, and feature set to compete effectively.

Regarding Contrast Security Assess's AI capabilities, I think they are missing a huge opportunity because they could lead the way in automatic testing and AI security testing.

Management Of Quality Managers at a tech vendor with 1,001-5,000 employees

Contrast support has been great in fixing any issues or getting back to us with questions.

For more quotes and insights, download the Contrast Security Assess report

Threat & Vulnerability Management Senior Analyst at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Contrast Security Assess can be improved as it checks the code and asks to fix the code that is vulnerable, and in that way, we can prevent potential hacking or attempts for people to inject malicious code.

reviewer2882520

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at a program development consultancy with 1-10 employees

With the growing reliance on AI, Qualys Web Application Scanning should be updated to handle AI-based applications and LLM-based attacks.

MukeshSaha

Associate Principal, Software Engineering at LTI - Larsen & Toubro Infotech

Qualys Web Application Scanning does IP-level testing, requiring direct input of credentials, and can only scan a few pages to provide known generic vulnerabilities.

Security Officer at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

I would like it to be cheaper because it is a bit expensive compared to competitors like Tenable Nessus.

For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Web Application Scanning report

Team Lead, Cyber Security at Uridium Technologies

Setup Cost

Contrast Security Assess offers scalable pricing based on application size and environment, ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 annually.

Qualys Web Application Scanning offers flexible, negotiable pricing, deemed cost-effective but pricey, with discounts for bulk orders.

Licensing costs are fairly high compared to other DAST and SAST tools, but it seems to be worth the money.

For more quotes and insights, download the Contrast Security Assess report

Threat & Vulnerability Management Senior Analyst at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

They offer discounts on bulk licenses, making it cheaper compared to competitors like Veracode DAST.

MukeshSaha

Associate Principal, Software Engineering at LTI - Larsen & Toubro Infotech

I find it a bit expensive compared to other competitors.

Team Lead, Cyber Security at Uridium Technologies

Regarding pricing, I think for personal use, it is costly, but if organizations are ready to pay, then it is fine as they are using it.

For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Web Application Scanning report

Security Officer at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Valuable Features

Contrast Security Assess offers real-time vulnerability detection with minimal false positives, enhancing security through CI/CD integration and proactive measures.

Qualys Web Application Scanning offers efficient vulnerability management with Selenium IDE integration, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive security features.

The ability to see what is going on and what has been going on in a given application and basically get to see what is coming across it in real time is helpful in finding vulnerabilities to remediate before production deployments.

Threat & Vulnerability Management Senior Analyst at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Instead of fixing each vulnerability reported independently, you can group them and fix them in a single point in the source code, resolving several vulnerabilities at once.

For more quotes and insights, download the Contrast Security Assess report

Management Of Quality Managers at a tech vendor with 1,001-5,000 employees

Contrast Security Assess has positively impacted my organization by improving the security features of our application.

reviewer2882520

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at a program development consultancy with 1-10 employees

It effectively detects vulnerabilities like the OWASP Top 10 without any issues in reporting.

PankajKhullar

Senior Security Engineer at Charter Communications

Credential scanning is very effective because it goes in-depth into the system, crawling the pages, and reporting on vulnerabilities.

For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Web Application Scanning report

Team Lead, Cyber Security at Uridium Technologies

Qualys Web Application Scanning is accurate and provides minimal false positives.

MukeshSaha

Associate Principal, Software Engineering at LTI - Larsen & Toubro Infotech

Categories and Ranking

Contrast Security Assess

Ranking in Application Security Tools

17th

Ranking in Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

12th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Qualys Web Application Scan...

Ranking in Application Security Tools

20th

Ranking in Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

13th

Average Rating

7.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2026, in the Application Security Tools category, the mindshare of Contrast Security Assess is 1.7%, up from 0.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Qualys Web Application Scanning is 1.8%, down from 2.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Security Tools Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Contrast Security Assess	1.7%
Qualys Web Application Scanning	1.8%
Other	96.5%

Application Security Tools

Featured Reviews

Real-time assessments have improved remediation speed and reduced time spent on authentication issues

Threat & Vulnerability Management Senior Analyst at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

I do find that here and there with Contrast Security Assess there are user interface issues, particularly with how they work with libraries. The way that it works is people have access to library data for all applications, not just the applications that they should have access to. However, they are trying to fix that. The way the libraries are handled with Contrast Security Assess could use some work. I know that there is an additional service tier that allows for more in-depth library data. These are small things. Contrast support has been great in fixing any issues or getting back to us with questions. They seem to really be dedicated to the product.

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Web scanning needs improvement but offers good vulnerability detection

Security Officer at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

The downside of Qualys Web Application Scanning is that it cannot crawl automatically. If I provide an IP address and a login form, it does basic testing, but it doesn't go deep as IBM AppScan does. If Qualys Web Application Scanning could improve its crawling capability, it would be more user-friendly. Qualys Web Application Scanning does IP-level testing, requiring direct input of credentials, and can only scan a few pages to provide known generic vulnerabilities, which isn't as beneficial from my point of view. The Vulnerability Management also relies heavily on version numbers and will flag vulnerabilities based on the component version, but it doesn't check if a real fix exists, leading to flags on components that actually have workarounds available.

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914,938 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

13%

Manufacturing Company

13%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Healthcare Company

Financial Services Firm

12%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Outsourcing Company

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	3
Midsize Enterprise	3
Large Enterprise	11

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	8
Midsize Enterprise	6
Large Enterprise	27

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Contrast Security Assess?

I was not involved in the negotiation of pricing for Contrast Security Assess, but I am somewhat familiar with setup cost and licensing. Licensing costs are fairly high compared to other DAST and S...

What needs improvement with Contrast Security Assess?

What advice do you have for others considering Contrast Security Assess?

I would give Contrast Security Assess a score of 8 out of 10. That is a small little issue, but it is a great product and I would recommend it to others. There are a couple things that could be imp...

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Qualys Web Application Scanning?

Regarding pricing, I think for personal use, it is costly, but if organizations are ready to pay, then it is fine as they are using it.

What needs improvement with Qualys Web Application Scanning?

What is your primary use case for Qualys Web Application Scanning?

I use Qualys Web Application Scanning, and we are using Vulnerability Management. By Vulnerability Management, I mean not TotalCloud; they have some on-premises solutions also. Patch Management and...

Veracode vs Contrast Security Assess

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Product Reports

Contrast Security Assess

Download Contrast Security Assess product report

Qualys Web Application Scanning

Download Qualys Web Application Scanning product report

Also Known As

Contrast Assess

Qualys WAS

Overview

Contrast Security Assess is an IAST platform known for accurate vulnerability detection. It integrates into development workflows, offering real-time insights into security issues with minimal false positives, supporting legacy applications and enhancing code security visibility.

Designed to integrate seamlessly into DevOps workflows, Contrast Security Assess automates real-time vulnerability detection and reduces false positives through its powerful IAST features. By continuously monitoring vulnerabilities, it provides a robust option for securing legacy applications and identifying vulnerabilities without lengthy scans. This cloud-hosted platform supports numerous programming languages, making it versatile for security testing across enterprise environments. Users benefit from detailed reports that pinpoint exact code locations requiring remediation, enhancing speed and efficiency in addressing security concerns.

What are the key features of Contrast Security Assess?

IAST Technology: Delivers accurate vulnerability detection with reduced false positives.
Seamless Integration: Integrates into development processes, supporting real-time vulnerability detection.
Open Source Security: Analyzes third-party libraries for vulnerabilities.
Continuous Monitoring: Provides valuable insights with real-time security feedback for developers.
API Interface: Enhances operational efficiency and streamlining with minimal false positives.

What benefits should users look for in reviews?

Enhanced Security Visibility: Offers comprehensive insights across application environments.
Speed and Efficiency: Quick identification and remediation of vulnerabilities accelerate development.
Operational Streamlining: Seamless integration into DevOps workflows improves productivity.
Legacy Application Support: Effective for securing existing applications with ongoing monitoring.

Companies in industries requiring high levels of application security, such as finance and healthcare, implement Contrast Security Assess for its ability to enhance visibility and detect vulnerabilities early in the development lifecycle. Its seamless integration with DevOps processes makes it ideal for environments that prioritize agility while maintaining stringent security standards.

Contrast Security

Qualys Web Application Scanning offers advanced vulnerability management, progressive scheduling, and seamless integration with DevOps environments. Its user-friendly design enables enterprises to enhance security with comprehensive scanning and detailed forensic insights.

Qualys Web Application Scanning addresses enterprise-level security challenges by providing robust solutions for vulnerability management, penetration testing, and compliance checks. While easing the navigation process, it supports risk mitigation with precise risk ratings, minimal false positives, and detailed reporting. However, it faces challenges with its complex interface, authenticated scanning, and automation features. Integrating smoothly with CI/CD pipelines, it is suitable for continuous and automated scanning, adapting to diverse company requirements.

What are the standout features of Qualys Web Application Scanning?

Progressive Scheduling: Enables efficient management of scanning activities, optimizing for time-sensitive scenarios.
Vulnerability Management: Offers robust identification and management of vulnerabilities across various applications.
Integration with DevOps: Seamlessly integrates with CI/CD pipelines, supporting rapid development cycles.
Risk Ratings: Provides precise risk assessments, crucial for prioritizing security efforts.
Engaging Dashboard: Offers an intuitive interface for navigating security tasks efficiently.

What benefits or ROI should users look for in Qualys Web Application Scanning reviews?

Scalability: Supports enterprise needs with a design adaptable to diverse security demands.
Risk Mitigation: Detailed alerts and forensic insights aid in reducing potential threats.
Comprehensive Reporting: Facilitates informed decision-making with clear, concise reports.
Penetration Testing: Enhances security assessments with ongoing evaluation capabilities.

Organizations across sectors like education, banking, and international data centers leverage Qualys Web Application Scanning for conducting penetration testing, scanning web applications, and managing vulnerabilities. It aids in audit security and compliance, identifying threats, and generating user-friendly reports, making it a valuable asset for maintaining strong security postures.

Qualys

Sample Customers

Williams-Sonoma, Autodesk, HUAWEI, Chromeriver, RingCentral, Demandware.

BskyB, Cartagena, ClearPoint Learning Systems, Connect Group, du, Fortrex Technologies, HBOR, HDI, Highlights for Children, The Lithuanian State Enterprise Centre of Registers, City of Miami Beach, Microsoft, MidlandHR, MSCI Inc., Northern Arizona University, Ofgem, Olympus Europa, PhoneFactor, RTL Nederland, ThousandEyes, VGZ Organisatie B.V.

Contrast Security Assess vs. Qualys Web Application Scanning