What is Security Testing?

What is Security Testing?

Security testing is a type of software testing that identifies vulnerabilities, threats, and risks in a software application and protects it from malicious intruder attacks. The purpose of Security Tests is to identify all potential loopholes and weaknesses in the software system that could result in a loss of information, revenue, or reputation at the hands of the organization’s employees or outsiders.

Why Is Necessary?

The primary goal of security testing is to identify threats in the system and measure its potential vulnerabilities so that threats can be encountered. In contrast, the system remains operational and cannot be exploited. It also assists in detecting all possible security risks in the system and assisting developers in resolving issues through coding.

Security Testing Types

According to the Open Source Security Testing methodology manual, there are seven major types of security testing. They are explained below:

• Vulnerability Scanning: This is done by scanning a system against known vulnerability signatures using automated software.
• Security scanning entails identifying network and system flaws and providing solutions to mitigate these risks. This scanning can be done both manually and automatically.
• Penetration testing: This type of testing simulates a malicious hacker’s attack. This testing entails analyzing a specific system for potential vulnerabilities to an external hacking attempt.
• Risk Assessment: This testing examines the organization’s security risks. There are three levels of risk: low, medium, and high. This testing suggests risk-reduction controls and measures.
• Security auditing is an internal check for security flaws in applications and operating systems. An audit can also be performed by inspecting the code line by line.
• Ethical hacking is the practice of breaking into an organization’s software systems. Unlike malicious hackers who steal for personal gain, the goal is to expose system security flaws.
• Posture Assessment: This combines security scanning, ethical hacking, and risk assessments to show an organization’s overall security posture.

How to Carry Out Security Testing

It is always agreed that the cost will be higher if security test is delayed after the software implementation phase or after deployment. As a result, security testing must be included early in the SDLC life cycle.

Let’s look at the security processes used for each phase of the SDLC.

Read more: Different Types of Software Testing 

The test strategy should include:

• Security-related test cases or scenarios
• Test Data related to security testing
• Test Tools required for security testing
• Analysis of various tests outputs from different security tools

Example Test Scenarios for Security Testing

Sample test scenarios to provide an overview of security test cases –

• A password should be stored in an encrypted format.
• The application or system should not permit invalid users.
• Check the application’s cookies and session time.
• The browser back button should not work on financial websites.

Security Testing Methodologies, Approaches, and Techniques

Different methodologies are used in security testing, and they are as follows:

• Tiger Box: This hacking is typically performed on a laptop that contains a collection of operating systems and hacking tools. This testing assists penetration and security testers in assessing vulnerabilities and conducting attacks.
• Black Box: The tester is authorized to test the network topology and technology in its entirety.
• Grey Box: A hybrid of the white and black box models, it provides the tester with partial information about the system.

Roles in Security Testing

• Hackers – Access computer system or network without authorization
• Crackers – Break into the systems to steal or destroy data
• Ethical hacker – Performs most breaking activities with the owner’s permission.
• Script Kiddies or packet monkeys are inexperienced hackers who know how to program.

Security Testing Tools

1. Acunetix 

Acunetix by Invicti is an intuitive and simple-to-use solution that helps small and medium-sized businesses protect their web applications from costly data breaches. It accomplishes this by detecting a wide range of web security issues and assisting security and development professionals in quickly resolving them.

Features:

• Advanced scanning for over 7,000 web vulnerabilities, including OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities like SQLi and XSS.
• Web asset discovery that is automated for identifying abandoned or forgotten websites
• A sophisticated crawler for the most complex web applications, including multi-form and password-protected areas.
• Combining interactive and dynamic application security testing to find flaws that other tools miss.
• For many different types of vulnerabilities, proof of exploit is provided.
• Integrations with popular issue tracking and CI/CD tools enable DevOps automation.
• Reporting on compliance with regulatory standards such as PCI DSS, NIST, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and others.

2. Intruder

Intruder is a robust, automated penetration testing tool that identifies security flaws throughout your IT environment. Intruder protects businesses of all sizes from hackers by providing industry-leading security checks, continuous monitoring, and an easy-to-use platform.

Features:

• With over 10,000 security checks, we provide best-in-class threat coverage.
• Checks for configuration flaws, missing patches, application flaws (such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting), and other issues.
• Scan results are automatically analyzed and prioritized.
• Simple to use interface, easy to set up and run your first scans
• Proactive security monitoring for the most recent flaws
• AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud connectors
• Integration of APIs into your CI/CD pipeline

3. Owasp

The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to improving software security. The project includes many tools for pen testing various software environments and protocols. The project’s flagship tools include:

1. Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP – an integrated penetration testing tool)
2. OWASP Dependency Check (it scans for project dependencies and checks against know vulnerabilities)
3. OWASP Web Testing Environment Project (collection of security tools and documentation)

4. WireShark

Wireshark, formerly known as Ethereal, is a network analysis tool. It captures real-time packets and displays them in a human-readable format. It is a network packet analyzer- which provides minute details about your network protocols, decryption, packet information, etc. It is open source and can be run on Linux, Windows, OS X, Solaris, NetBSD, FreeBSD, and various other platforms. The data retrieved by this tool can be viewed using a GUI or the TTY mode TShark Utility.

5. W3af

W3af is a framework for web application attacks and auditing. It has three plugins: discovery, audit, and attack, which communicate with each other to detect any vulnerabilities in the site. For example, a discovery plugin in w3af searches for different URLs to test for vulnerabilities and forwards them to the audit plugin, which then searches for vulnerabilities using these URLs.

Myths and Facts:

Let’s take a look at some myths and facts about security testing:

Myth #1: Because we have a small business, we don’t need a security policy.

Fact: Every business requires a security policy.

Myth #2: Security testing has no return on investment.

Fact: Security testing can identify areas for improvement that will increase efficiency and decrease downtime, allowing maximum throughput.

Myth #3: Unplugging it is the only way to secure it.

Fact: Finding “Perfect Security” is the only and best way to secure an organization. Performing a posture assessment and comparing it to business, legal, and industry justifications means perfect security.

Myth #4: The Internet is dangerous. I’ll buy software or hardware to protect the system and save the company.

Fact: One of the most difficult issues is acquiring security software and hardware. Instead, the organization should first understand security before implementing it.

Enhance Your Product Quality With Our Software Testing Services

At Bestarion, we understand that the success of your software project depends not only on its functionality but also on its reliability, performance, and overall quality. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of software testing services designed to address every challenge and ensure your product meets the highest standards. Our approach is tailored to your specific needs, providing custom quality assurance management plans that guarantee speed, precision, and excellence throughout the development lifecycle.

Our Comprehensive Testing Services

Bestarion provides a broad range of software testing services to cover all aspects of your project. Whether you’re developing a web application, mobile app, or desktop software, our testing services are designed to meet your needs.

1. Functional Testing

Functional testing focuses on verifying that your software performs its intended functions correctly. We test individual components and entire systems to ensure they meet the specified requirements. Our functional testing includes:

• Unit Testing: Examines individual components or modules for correctness.
• Integration Testing: Assesses the interactions between integrated modules or systems.
• System Testing: Validates the complete and integrated software system to ensure it meets all requirements.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Ensures the software meets the end-user requirements and expectations.

2. Performance Testing

Performance testing evaluates how your software performs under various conditions. It helps identify bottlenecks and ensures your application can handle the expected load. Our performance testing services include:

• Load Testing: Determines how the system performs under expected load conditions.
• Stress Testing: Assesses the system’s behavior under extreme conditions or overloads.
• Scalability Testing: Evaluates how well the software can scale with increasing data volume or user load.
• Endurance Testing: Checks the system’s stability and performance over an extended period.

3. Security Testing

Security testing is essential to protect your software from vulnerabilities and potential threats. Our security testing services include:

• Penetration Testing: Simulates attacks to identify vulnerabilities and assess the system’s defenses.
• Vulnerability Assessment: Identifies and evaluates security weaknesses in the application.
• Security Code Review: Examines the source code for security flaws and vulnerabilities.
• Compliance Testing: Ensures the software meets industry standards and regulatory requirements.

4. Compatibility Testing

Compatibility testing ensures your software functions correctly across different environments, including various operating systems, browsers, and devices. We test for:

• Cross-Browser Compatibility: Verifies that web applications work across different browsers.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensures applications perform consistently on various operating systems.
• Device Compatibility: Tests the application on different devices to ensure proper functionality.

5. Usability Testing

Usability testing focuses on the user experience, ensuring the software is intuitive, user-friendly, and meets the needs of its target audience. Our usability testing services include:

• User Interface (UI) Testing: Evaluates the software’s interface for ease of use and aesthetic appeal.
• User Experience (UX) Testing: Assesses the overall experience of using the software, including navigation, interaction, and satisfaction.

6. Regression Testing

Regression testing is performed to ensure that recent changes or enhancements do not adversely affect the existing functionality of the software. We re-test the software to confirm that it continues to perform as expected after modifications.

7. Automation Testing

Automation testing utilizes tools and scripts to perform repetitive testing tasks efficiently. It accelerates the testing process and improves accuracy. Our automation services include:

• Test Script Development: Creating and maintaining automated test scripts.
• Test Automation Frameworks: Implementing frameworks to support automated testing processes.
• Continuous Integration Testing: Integrating automated tests into the development pipeline for ongoing quality assurance.

Custom Quality Assurance Management Plans

At Bestarion, we recognize that every project is unique. That’s why we create custom quality assurance management plans tailored to your specific needs. Our plans include:

• Defining Testing Objectives: Establishing clear goals and criteria for testing based on your project requirements.
• Developing Test Strategies: Crafting comprehensive strategies that outline the testing approach, methodologies, and tools.
• Creating Test Cases: Designing detailed test cases to ensure thorough coverage of all functionalities.
• Executing Tests: Conducting tests according to the plan and documenting the results.
• Reporting and Feedback: Providing detailed reports on testing outcomes, defects, and recommendations for improvements.

Supporting Your Evolving Platforms

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, platforms are constantly evolving. Bestarion is committed to supporting your software as it grows and adapts. Our ongoing support includes:

• Regular Testing Updates: Continuously updating and executing tests as your software evolves.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: Monitoring the performance and security of your software and performing maintenance as needed.
• Adapting to Changes: Adjusting our testing approach to accommodate new features, updates, and changes in technology.

Why Choose Bestarion?

• Expertise: Our team of experienced testers brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project.
• Customized Solutions: We tailor our testing services to meet your specific needs and objectives.
• Advanced Tools and Techniques: We utilize the latest testing tools and techniques to deliver accurate and efficient results.
• Commitment to Quality: Our focus is on ensuring the highest quality of your software, from development through deployment.

Ready to enhance your product quality? Contact Bestarion today to discover how our tailored software testing solutions can drive your project’s success!