Threats to computer systems, software, and networks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent. In the event of a successful cyberattack, a business will lose not only financial resources but also its reputation and the loyalty of its target customers. For this reason, it’s crucial to regularly perform cyber security testing and assessments to identify any vulnerabilities and ensure they’re up-to-date and effective.
What is Cyber Security Testing?
Cybersecurity testing, also referred to as penetration testing or security testing, is the process of discovering security flaws and vulnerabilities in a system or network and determining how to address them.
Cybersecurity testing aims to detect flaws in a system or application before an attacker can take advantage of them. The testing determines the software’s vulnerability to cyberattacks and how fraudulent or unexpected inputs affect its functions. Furthermore, the testing demonstrates that systems are dependable, safe, and do not accept unauthorised inputs.
Unlike functional testing, which often focuses on whether the software’s functionalities are functioning properly, security testing is a non-function assessment that focuses on whether the program is properly set up and constructed.
Now that we’ve covered cyber-security testing, let’s look at what it comprises.
What Are the Types of Cyber Security Testing?
1. Penetration Testing
Penetration testing, often known as ethical hacking, simulates real-world cyberattacks on a system, program, application, or network under controlled circumstances. It is critical to assess how well current safety precautions will withstand a real-world attack.
The primary benefit of penetration testing is that it can expose previously unknown security holes, such as zero-day attacks and flaws in business logic. Previously, penetration testing was done manually by a “ethical hacker,” who was a trusted and certified security specialist. The hacker would work within an agreed-upon scope, attempting to breach into a company’s systems while not disrupting routine operations.
Companies may now reap the same benefits at a cheaper cost and with greater frequency owing to automated penetration testing tools.
2. Web Application Security Testing
Web application security testing is critical for determining whether online software is vulnerable to attacks. There are automatic and manual techniques available. The testing is intended to gather data regarding a web program, detect security issues, establish how easy it is to take advantage of such vulnerabilities and evaluate their risks.
3. API Security Testing
Application programming interface (API) security testing typically assists programmers in identifying vulnerabilities in applications and web services, as well as in developing solutions to those flaws. APIs give attackers access to sensitive data, which they can use as a gateway into internal systems. As a result, when APIs are thoroughly and regularly tested, they are protected from unauthorised parties.
4. Application Security Testing (AST)
Application security testing (AST) explains the processes that can be used to eliminate software application vulnerabilities. The stages involve testing, monitoring, and reporting on a software application’s security posture at each stage of the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
Application security testing seeks to identify and resolve software flaws as soon as feasible after they are released into production, or even before. A successful AST means you are more secure from internal and external attacks, and application security vulnerabilities are easier to identify.
5. Vulnerability Management
Vulnerability management is a process that enables businesses to discover, assess, report, manage, and resolve vulnerabilities in their endpoints, workloads, and networks. Most security teams employ vulnerability scanning technologies to discover risks and then utilise automated or human techniques to resolve them.
Understanding the effect of vulnerabilities, prioritising risks, and resolving high-priority vulnerabilities as soon as feasible are all hallmarks of a good vulnerability management program that incorporates threat intelligence and IT operations expertise.
6. Security Audits
A security audit is the process of testing or reviewing software or applications against a predetermined standard. Audits include reviewing code or architectures about security requirements, assessing the security posture of hardware configurations, and analysing security gaps, operating systems, and operational procedures. Furthermore, it evaluates how well laws and norms are followed.
7. Configuration Scanning
Configuration scanning (security scanning) entails searching for security flaws in software, networks, or computer systems. Researchers or regulatory bodies typically compare a target system to an array of standards. Misconfigurations are frequently detected by automated configuration scanning tools, which then provide a report identifying each one and advice on how to rectify it.
Cyber Security Assessment
A cybersecurity assessment evaluates a company’s overall security posture. A cyber security assessment is crucial for two reasons: it identifies susceptible areas that need to be improved and it demonstrates to stakeholders that you addressed the issue. Businesses can use this information to prioritise security efforts and allocate resources more effectively.
Cybersecurity evaluations are classified into three types: compliance, risk, and maturity.
1. Compliance Assessment
This procedure entails evaluating a company’s security measures to make sure they adhere to applicable legislation and requirements.
2. Risk Assessment
This assessment often includes detecting and evaluating potential threats to a company’s assets, networks, and processes.
3. Maturity Assessment
A maturity evaluation compares a company’s security to applicable standards and recommendations.
Cyber Security Testing Best Practises
Cyber security testing is critical when it comes to defending organisations from cyber threats. Remember that security testing is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous activity. Here are some best practises for conducting effective cyber security testing while optimising value.
1. Create a Clear Scope
Establish what constitutes and is not a component of the testing. All parties involved must agree on the scope, that involves the systems, networks, and data that will be tested.
2. Define the test objectives
Security testing objectives should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). It is also critical for everyone involved to be on the same page when establishing corporate goals.
3. Choose the Right Testing Approaches
Using the appropriate testing methodologies can help your company to prosper. Consider the testing scope, available resources, and business risks.
4. Use Reputable Security Testing Tools and Services
Ensure that the tools for testing and services you plan to invest in have an established history of producing accurate results. Avoid employing tools or services that have not been proven or tested.
5. Automate and Test Often
Though manual security testing, like security audits or comprehensive penetration tests, is critical, businesses must also automate and conduct security testing regularly, particularly after altering their apps or computer architecture.
Enterprise programs typically include a large number of components that may require security upgrades or are no longer supported by the software firms that developed them. As a result, when testing business-critical systems, security concerns affecting them are generally prioritised and addressed swiftly.
6. Test Internal Interfaces, APIs, and UIs.
Most security testing focuses on external dangers, such as user inputs via public web forms. However, attackers are increasingly exploiting internal system flaws.
As a result, security testing is the most effective way to establish secure interactions between internal systems and external threats. This puts your firm closer to the safety architecture known as “zero trust.”
7. Document and report results
Maintain records of the testing techniques and results, and share these with the appropriate parties. This enables repeated testing and accurate data interpretation.
