Security testing is conducted to unearth vulnerabilities and security weaknesses in the software/ application. Different types of security testing are used by security experts and testers to identify potential threats, measure the probability of exploitation of vulnerabilities, and gauge the overall risks facing the software/ app. The actionable insights from these tests are utilized to fix the gaps and minimize security risks.
In this article, the types and attributes of security testing will be delved into.
What Are The Types Of Security Testing?
Vulnerability Scanning
Often powered by automation (manual tools exist too), vulnerability scanning is leveraged to identify known loopholes and vulnerability signatures. It is the first of many steps in vulnerability management and app/ software security. It is used to gain an understanding of the baseline of security risks.
Security scanning is the process of identifying vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in the app/ software, network, and systems. Both manual and automated tools are used for this test type. The insights from these tests are listed, analyzed in-depth, and solutions provided to fix the issue.
Penetration Testing (Pen-Testing) is the process of stimulating a real-time cyberattack against an app/ software, system or network under secure conditions. It is (and must be) performed manually by a trusted, certified security expert to understand the strength of the security measures against attacks in real-time. Most importantly, unknown vulnerabilities (including zero-day threats and business logic flaws) are exposed through Pen-Testing.
Security auditing or security review is the structured process to review/ audit the app/software against defined standards. Through gap analysis and code/ design reviews, the security of the physical configurations, operating system, information handling processes, user practices, etc. is assessed. Compliance with regulatory standards and frameworks is assessed as well.
Ethical hacking, broader than penetration testing, is an umbrella term that includes a multitude of hacking methodologies. Here, all vulnerabilities and misconfigurations are attempted to be exposed by simulating attacks from within the app/ software.
Through risk assessments, the security risks facing the app/ software/ network are identified, analyzed, and classified (as Critical, High, Medium, Low). Mitigation measures and controls are recommended thereon, based on the priority.
The overall security posture of the organization is assessed through posture assessment using a combination of security scanning, ethical hacking, and risk assessment.
Note: There is no single best way to conduct a security test. It must be highly tailored, and the choice of the security test be based on the needs, context, and specifications of the organization.
What Are The 7 Attributes That Security Testing Must Include?
The user is digitally identified before getting access to the system through authentication. By testing and validating this attribute, the system’s efficacy in allowing only legitimate/ right users is ensured. The system could use a straightforward Username-Password or Multi-Factor authentication process (where a combination of OTP, biometrics, secure ID tokens, etc. could be used).
Once the user is authenticated, they gain access to the system. Their privileges and permissions to perform actions within the system is defined based on user roles and limited by authorization. For instance, it is determined by the authorization attribute if a specific user can modify data, access certain files, and so on.
By testing the confidentiality attribute, it is verified whether the information, services, and resources are accessible only to intended users and only when requested. The tester can
- identify if unauthorized users are accessing privileged resources.
- verify if all data is encrypted.
- analyze the format in which data is displayed when requested, etc.
When the availability attribute is tested, the tester can understand if the software/ app is up and running round-the-clock with minimal accepted downtimes (from regular maintenance and upgrades). The availability of information and services upon request and backup files in case of failures is verified too.
It is verified through the integrity attribute if
- information received is unaltered in transit.
- correct and updated information is presented as per user groups, privileges, and restrictions.
Here, the denied access requests along with Timestamp and IP address are tracked. It is confirmed by the tester if the user is genuine and not a security threat.
The resistance to face internal and external attacks by the system is checked through the testing of the resilience attribute.
Conclusion
Successful cyber-attacks and breaches are known to erode trust, reputation, and financial resources. Conducting security tests is a critical step in winning stakeholder trust.
Keeping in mind that security tests need to be highly tailored, the services of security experts like AppTrana can be leveraged to effectively perform security testing and also get instant protection as part of their Risk-based Managed Security offering to maintain a robust security posture.
For more cybersecurity features and news, follow Indusface on Twitter and Facebook.
Originally published at https://www.indusface.com on August 14, 2020.
