Which of the following best describes the purpose of SAST?

The purpose of Static Application Security Testing (SAST) is accurately captured by the choice that defines it as analyzing source code for security vulnerabilities. SAST tools operate by examining the codebase without executing the programs, allowing developers to identify potential security flaws during the early stages of development. This proactive approach enables teams to detect vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and other coding errors that could lead to security breaches.

By focusing on the source code, SAST helps to ensure that security considerations are integrated into the development process, reducing the likelihood of vulnerabilities making it into the final product. It is particularly effective in identifying issues before the application is deployed, as it encourages best practices in coding and adherence to security standards.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of security assessments or regulatory compliance that do not align with the core function of SAST. For instance, assessing runtime behavior relates more to dynamic application security testing (DAST), while implementing security checks during deployment pertains to operational security practices. Providing compliance with financial regulations typically involves adherence to standards and frameworks rather than direct code analysis.