Everything You Need to Know About App Security Testing
July 25, 2023
As we witness the increasing cases of data misuse reported every year, businesses must ensure the security of the app and identify vulnerabilities on time. Even the most popular tech companies in the market were vulnerable to an attack, which could have potentially been avoided. One of the most effective ways to ensure software security is with the help of security testing, the process to evaluate the security of the software system or app by identifying potential vulnerabilities.
Before you connect with the renowned Application Security Testing Service Provider, explore the importance of implementing security testing and the benefits it offers along with tips to ensure its effectiveness.
App Security Testing & Its Benefits
Effective application security testing is needed to make the app more resistant to security threats. This process can be done at any point during or after development. However, it is advisable to verify that all security measures are implemented during development and regularly check if the running application is operating as required.
For app security testing services, you need the help of a reliable App Development Company in California that can offer a wide range of benefits. Here are some of the ways that show how application security testing can help-
· Evaluate application security flaws to unlock better insight into vulnerabilities along with the ways to address them
· Help to fix security issues on time that would lead to potential reputational and financial damage, saving costs & efforts
· Ensure that every customer data used by an application is safe & secured, thereby helping brands to build customer confidence.
· Keep the overall security posture of an organization intact with continuous analysis to avoid bigger security threats.
Also Read: Addressing Security Concerns in Enterprise Mobile App Development
App Security Testing Types & Their Capabilities -Explained
It is important to be aware of the main types of security testing before you plan to implement app security testing services. Here are some of the security testing types-
· Vulnerability Scan
Vulnerability Scanning is one of the most common security testing types that is usually powered by automated tools. This testing helps to identify common loopholes & vulnerabilities such as vulnerability to SQL injections, insecure server configuration, and lots more.
· Security Scan
Security Scanning is another testing type that helps brands to identify all potential security threats in their applications. After threat identification, they are further analyzed to identify their root causes. Security scan is available for both manual and automated approach.
· Penetration Test
Penetration testing is a unique approach that imitates a cyberattack to detect potential security loopholes in an application. Take the help of certified cybersecurity experts to conduct this type of testing manually & evaluate the software’s resilience to cyber threats in real time.
· Ethical Hack
Another testing type that combines multiple types of testing is Ethical hacking where cybersecurity experts attempt to hack an application and find any possible vulnerabilities before a real hacker finds or exploits them.
· Security Audit
The next testing type is Security auditing, which is also known as security review that helps to examine the app’s architecture, code, as well as operating parameters to identify any security flaws & ensure regulatory compliance.
Security Testing Tools- Which One to Pick?
Research conducted recently says 90% of all mobile apps are vulnerable to advanced security attack vectors. This means your business app may also be vulnerable to many security attacks if necessary actions are not taken on time.
To help you keep your app secure, you need robust security testing told that can help to identify weaknesses and act swiftly. Listed below are the main app security testing tools that you can choose from-
1. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
Also known as vulnerability scanners, DAST tools are helpful to detect vulnerabilities in a running application before making it live. This tool follows a type of black-box testing where testers employ a fuzzing method and are unaware of the system’s source code.
This form of testing focuses on attacking the app through malformed or semi-malformed data injection and finding scenarios to see how the application can be exploited.
2. Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
As the name suggests, SAST tools are meant for examining the source code of the app for security flaws and creating a detailed report on the findings. These testing tools are beneficial in detecting issues in the app such as path traversals, race conditions, & more.
3. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)
Another helpful testing type that works wonders in Agile and DevOps environments are IAST and hybrid tools, which are used to determine whether the known source code flaws and vulnerabilities are exploitable or not while the application is running.
The only difference between DAST and IAST tools is that IAST tools produce fewer false positives and are quite faster to implement.
4. Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST)
The next testing tool to be discussed is MAST tools which help to perform some functions of the traditional static as well as dynamic testing but evaluate only the mobile application code for mobile-specific issues.
5. Correlation Tools
These testing tools are perfect to detect and eliminate false positives by providing a central repository for all the findings collected from other AST tools. While some correlation tools are quite helpful to check the application code for security flaws, they are mainly used to import data from other tools.
6. Database Security Scanners
As the name suggests, database security scanners are run on static data and check databases to find out any patches, or configuration errors.
7. Dependency Scanners
Also known as Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tools, these dependency scanners evaluate software to find out the origins of its components. Additionally, it helps to find out vulnerabilities in open-source components by comparing the modules discovered in code and the list of known vulnerabilities. However, these testing types are not very effective in detecting vulnerabilities in custom components.
Closing Statement
After going through the blog, it is clear that conducting application security testing during and after development can save lots of time and cost as they help in eliminating security threats in the future as well as help prevent reputational damage. With multiple choices of security testing tools available in the market, it can be difficult to choose the perfect solution.
Known as the Top Mobile App Development Company in USA, Clavax has a bunch of security experts that help brands to pick the most suitable security testing tools aligned with their specific app needs and testing goals. Connect with our team if you need assistance in performing any type of security testing.