# Qualys TotalAppSec vs Source Defense How it works: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Qualys TotalAppSec](https://cybersectools.com/tools/qualys-totalappsec) is a commercial [dynamic application security testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/dast) solution by [Qualys](https://cybersectools.com/companies/qualys). [Source Defense How it works](https://cybersectools.com/tools/source-defense-how-it-works) is a commercial [runtime application self-protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/rasp) solution by [Source Defense](https://cybersectools.com/companies/source-defense). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Our take

What our shortlists say about the one we picked.

### [Qualys TotalAppSec](https://cybersectools.com/tools/qualys-totalappsec)

Best for: Teams already running Qualys for vulnerability management

It earns its place because it finds the web apps and APIs you may have lost track of before it tests them, which matters in large, spread-out estates. It fits best if you already run Qualys VMDR or CSAM, so web findings share one risk score with the rest. Because it can pull in results from other scanners, decide whether you want it as your single view of web app risk or as one source among several.

From [Best DAST Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-dast-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

Need the answer fast? [Best DAST Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-dast-solutions) picks PortSwigger Burp Suite DAST, Invicti DAST, Rapid7 InsightAppSec and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Qualys TotalAppSec | Source Defense How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Dynamic Application Security Testing | Runtime Application Self-Protection |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Qualys | Source Defense |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Qualys TotalAppSec | Source Defense How it works |
|---|---|---|
| DAST | Yes | – |
| OWASP | Yes | – |
| PII | Yes | – |
| Web Security | Yes | Yes |
| Sandbox | – | Yes |
| Browser Security | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Qualys TotalAppSec**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Source Defense How it works**

8 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

### Integrations

**Qualys TotalAppSec**

20 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Source Defense How it works**

No integrations listed.

## Qualys TotalAppSec vs Source Defense How it works FAQ

Common questions when comparing Qualys TotalAppSec vs Source Defense How it works for dynamic application security testing.

### What is the difference between Qualys TotalAppSec and Source Defense How it works?

**Qualys TotalAppSec**: Cloud-based DAST solution for web app & API security with AI-powered scanning. Built by Qualys.

**Source Defense How it works**: Client-side security for websites against 3rd party vendor attacks. Built by Source Defense.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes Qualys TotalAppSec and Source Defense How it works?

**Qualys TotalAppSec** is made by Qualys. **Source Defense How it works** is made by Source Defense. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Qualys TotalAppSec a good alternative to Source Defense How it works?

In part. Qualys TotalAppSec and Source Defense How it works are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Both cover Web Security. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs Halo Security Application Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/halo-security-application-scanning-vs-qualys-totalappsec)
- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs Probely (Snyk API & Web)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/probely-snyk-api-and-web-vs-qualys-totalappsec)
- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs Tenable One Web App Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/qualys-totalappsec-vs-tenable-web-app-scanning)
- [Source Defense How it works vs Halo Security Application Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/halo-security-application-scanning-vs-source-defense-how-it-works)
- [Source Defense How it works vs Probely (Snyk API & Web)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/probely-snyk-api-and-web-vs-source-defense-how-it-works)
- [Source Defense How it works vs Tenable One Web App Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/source-defense-how-it-works-vs-tenable-web-app-scanning)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Qualys TotalAppSec alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/qualys-totalappsec)
- [See all Source Defense How it works alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/source-defense-how-it-works)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/qualys-totalappsec-vs-source-defense-how-it-works

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/qualys-totalappsec.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Qualys TotalAppSec and Source Defense How it works: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md