Application security testing provides a strategic platform to test the vulnerabilities and security related aspects of an application. It provides a comprehensive solution to develop a robust and foolproof software or web application. A measured approach and a strategic plan should be implemented by the security testing team for optimal results. Upon that, security testing tools can also be used to enhance the overall security testing process. In this article, you will get to know the steps required to perform application security testing.
What is application security testing?
It is a testing method where vulnerabilities and security weaknesses in source code are identified in order to prevent application security threats. Due to large number of threat vectors and known vulnerabilities, the huge number of open source components, and growing modularity of enterprise software, it is recommended to automate the application security testing tools. There are a number of application security testing tools available.
Following are the nine steps required to perform application security testing:
1. Analyze the business requirements: The business and security goals need to be properly understood by the security testing team in order to perform testing. The major vulnerabilities that need to be avoided within the application and the security needs of the organization should be considered. The team can also recheck if the company has missed out on any specific security needs.
2. Collect system and data requirements: If an accurate test needs to be created for the application, then system setup related information needs to be gathered. The specific requirements for developing the application should be noted down by the team, as well as the hardware and technology being used along with the specifications related to the network operating system should be taken into consideration.
3. A test plan and threat list need to be developed accordingly: In this step, all possible risks and vulnerabilities need to be identified and then written down in the form of a list. The threat profile must be prepared using the list, so that the critical nature of each test can be evaluated. After that, a test plan needs to be created and all the vulnerabilities within the system need to be addressed.
4. A traceability Matrix should be created: The relationship between two or more entities is defined by a software document referred to as the “Traceability Matrix.” Each expected vulnerability and risk in the application needs to be tracked in order to create an effective test plan. Each risk can be assessed in detail by creating a traceability matrix.
5. Select the right tools: Manual security testing cannot be used in every case. Automated testing needs to be incorporated to test the applications effectively. The team needs to decide from the list of tools as to which security testing tools best suit their project requirements.
6. The security tests case document should be created: The software security document needs to be finalized in this step. This document should be accurately filled out to address every vulnerability and weakness within the application. This task should be completed before the test execution begins.
7. Security test cases execution: All the test cases that have been prepared are executed in this step. The objective of this step is that all the vulnerabilities that have been identified should be checked and fixed accordingly, and then again, retesting should be done by the security testing team.
8. Regression test cases are executed: This step makes sure that any new changes or updates that have been introduced do not introduce any new bugs.
9. An in-depth report is prepared: All the vulnerabilities and security related issues that have been detected and fixed by the application security testing method are systematically documented in a report.
Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing application security testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a top-notch software testing services company that will provide you with a tactical testing roadmap that is in line with your project specific requirements.
About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.
Top comments (0)