A Quick Guide To Security Testing

Since cybercrime is still one of humanity’s greatest dangers, today’s successful companies place a high priority on security and information protection. For the year 2021, Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that the global cost of cybercrime to be over $6 trillion. Shocking numbers show the extent of this impact. Modern software security requires a wide range of methodologies and constant effort across the entire development process, from the beginning to the end. Security testing can help. Securing digital assets and complying with industry regulations are possible with security testing services. This post is a quick guide to security testing.

What exactly is security testing?

Security testing aims to identify and resolve threats, vulnerabilities, and risks in software applications to keep them safe from malicious attackers. The goal of performing security tests is to find any vulnerabilities in the software system that could lead to the loss of confidential data, revenue, or reputation by either the organization’s employees or outsiders. 

Why is Security Testing Vital? 

The basic purpose of security testing is to find and measure potential vulnerabilities in a system to encounter attacks, and the system does not quit functioning. As a result, it can assist developers in finding and repairing bugs in the system through coding. 

Security Testing Methodologies 

Black Box Security Testing 

This kind of testing resembles a real-life hacking experience in which the penetration tester has no prior knowledge of the object. You can’t find vulnerabilities and fix issues rapidly with black box testing. 

A black box test will help you identify more security problems than other methods if you haven’t previously tested your systems. 

White Box Security Testing 

In this situation, the penetration tester has access to a wealth of knowledge about the target environment before conducting the test. Experts advise white-box testing after or with black-box testing to maximize testing efficiency. 

Gray Box Security Testing 

Gray box testing is a user-level testing technique commonly used in web applications that require user access. A gray box test can provide as much data as a white box test in many circumstances. 

Types of Security testing 

Vulnerability scanning 

Automated security testing finds system weaknesses. Security scanners look for vulnerabilities including cross-site scripting, insecure server configuration, and SQL injections. 

Security scanning 

Scanning the system for vulnerabilities and flaws is the primary goal of security scanning. A security scan must be more complex the more complicated the system or network. It is possible to execute a security scan only once, but most software development companies prefer to do so regularly. 

Penetration testing 

Testing for exploitable flaws by simulating a cyberattack is pentesting. infrastructure and application penetration testing is the most common pentesting. 

Risk assessment 

The Risk assessment determines the most critical software security procedures. The results of a comprehensive security assessment enable organizations to create risk profiles for networks and servers, determine their value for business operations, and implement mitigation controls. It also aims to prevent security flaws and vulnerabilities. 

Security auditing 

Security auditing is the process of examining an organization’s information system security. If a company’s security strategy isn’t enough, it can uncover unnecessary software and confirm its compliance with regulations through a security audit. 

Ethical hacking 

Ethical hacking is breaking into a system to uncover flaws before a malicious attacker does. An authorized person can allow an ethical hacker to use the same methods and tools as their malicious counterparts. Still, they are also expected to report any vulnerabilities found during the process. 

Posture assessment 

A cybersecurity posture measures the information security environment’s resilience to cyberattacks and how well the enterprise can protect itself. Using posture assessment, an organization may get a clear overview of its security posture, identify gaps, and determine what needs improvement. 

Key Benefits of Security Testing 

Protection against harmful attacks 

Security testing will help you detect security flaws in your systems and protect your sensitive data from hackers. You’ll have time to fix any flaws and keep your market reputation as a reliable service supplier. 

Lowering of remediation costs 

Recovery from a security breach may take a long time and cost thousands, if not millions, of dollars. It includes regulatory fines, costs associated with customer protection measures, the loss of loyal customers, and the business’s ability. 

Security testing is a proactive strategy for reducing financial loss and protecting your company’s reputation from a data breach. Many businesses also employ specialized software to recover data from various devices. 

Better understanding of your company’s network 

Regular security tests can help you understand all of the controls and regulations your organization needs to secure the confidentiality of its important assets and maintain strong security standards. 

Conclusion 

Overall, security testing can defend your valuable assets from malicious attackers and provide timely solutions for their removal. So, it’s essential to find qualified Security testing services for your business. 

 

 

 

About the Author

Ronan Healy

Hi everyone. I'm part of the EuroSTAR team. I'm here to help you engage with the EuroSTAR Huddle Community and get the best out of your membership. Together with software testing experts, we have a range of webinars and eBooks for you to enjoy and we have lots of opportunities for you to come together online. If you have any thoughts about the community, please get in contact with me.
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