As the world increasingly moves online, organisations are under greater pressure to ensure their systems are secure. Security testing is a vital part of any organisation’s cyber security strategy, yet with so many different types of tests available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
This blog post will explore the top 5 security testing types, with tools and examples for each. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which tests are best suited to your needs and how to go about conducting them. So let’s get started!
What is security testing?
Security testing is the process of assessing an asset (a system, service or software) for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker. It is an important part of any organisation’s cyber security strategy. Security risks can be of different types like a data security risk, network security risk, etc.
Why is testing security important?
Organisations should test the security of their systems regularly to ensure that they are properly protected against cyber-attacks. Hackers are always looking for new vulnerabilities to exploit, so it is important to stay one step ahead by regularly testing your systems for security weaknesses.
What are the different types of security tests?
There are many different types of security tests, but some of the most common are listed below:
1. Vulnerability Scans
A vulnerability scan is a type of security test that automates the process of identifying potential security vulnerabilities in a system.
Vulnerability scanners use a database of known vulnerabilities to scan systems and report any potential matches. This can be a quick and easy way to identify potential security issues, but it is important to note that false positives are common.
2. Penetration Tests
A penetration test (also known as a “pentest”) is a type of security test that simulates an attack on a system in order to identify potential security vulnerabilities. Penetration testing can be conducted manually or automated, and often involve the use of specialized tools and techniques.
3. Security Audits
A security audit is a type of assessment that is used to identify and quantify risks to a system. Security audits are typically conducted by external parties, such as independent consultants or government agencies.
4. Risk assessment
A risk assessment is a type of security test that is used to identify and quantify risks to a system. Risk assessments typically involve the use of specialized tools and techniques and often require the input of expert personnel.
5. Application security
Application security is a type of security testing that is specifically designed to identify weaknesses in applications. Application security testing can be conducted manually or automated, and often involves the use of specialized tools and techniques.
6. Third-party risk assessment
A third-party risk assessment is a type of security test that is used to identify and quantify risks posed by third-party service providers. Third-party risk assessments are typically conducted by external parties, suchas independent consultants or government agencies.
What are the security testing tools?
There are many different security testing tools available, but some of the most popular are listed below:
1. Nmap
nnMapper is a free and open-source tool for vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, security auditing, and network discovery. It may be used to test various web application security testing. It is also used by network and system administrators to aid in the process of network inventory, monitoring hosts, managing services, and other networking activities.
The technological system detects the IP networks and then determines which hosts are accessible on the network, what applications are installed, whether there are any network services or versions running, if the network is using a firewall, packet filters and other open ports, network protocols, and various similar attributes.
2. Nessus
The Nessus vulnerability scanner is a popular commercial tool that is used to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks. It features a wide range of scanning options, including the ability to scan for specific vulnerabilities, audit system configurations, and identify rogue devices on the network.
3. Metasploit
Metasploit is a popular open-source tool for vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and exploitation. It provides a wealth of features and options, including the ability to exploit vulnerabilities, craft custom payloads, and automate the process of exploiting vulnerabilities.
4. Burp Suite
Burp Suite is a popular commercial tool for web application security testing. It includes a wide range of features, such as the ability to scan for vulnerabilities, intercept and modify traffic, and fuzz test applications.
5. Wireshark
Wireshark is a popular open-source network analysis tool that can be used to capture and analyze network traffic. It can be used to identify security issues, troubleshoot networking problems, and forensic analysis.
Wireshark is a free and open-source network protocol analyzer. It is commonly used by network and system administrators to troubleshoot networking issues. Wireshark can also be used to identify potential security vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
6. AppScanner
AppScanner is a commercial tool that is used for web application security testing. It features a wide range of tools for tasks such as web application scanning, fuzzing, and traffic interception.
How to test security on an application?
Enterprise security is based on a foundation of application security testing. Before you deploy your application and put it into regular use, it must be free of any bugs and malfunctions. There may be flaws once the application is launched, but you must use security testing tools and procedures in order to find vulnerabilities.
You may test security on the application by adopting a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC). Secure SDLC is the most efficient approach to embed and evaluate security in the pre and post-production phases.
The secure SDLC security testing is based on the following fundamental steps:
1. Requirements gathering and analysis
In this phase, the security team meets with the project team to identify the system requirements. The security team will also analyze the requirements to look for any potential security risks.
2. Design and development
In this phase, the security team works with the developers to design a secure system that meets the identified
requirements. Security features are built into the system and security tests are run on the code.
3. Verification and validation
In this phase, the security team works with the quality assurance (QA) team to verify that the application meets all requirements and is free of any defects. Security tests are also run in this phase.
4. Deployment and operations
In this phase, the application is released into production and security monitoring is conducted to identify any new vulnerabilities.
5. Retirement
When the application is no longer in use, it is retired and the security team conducts a final assessment to ensure that all vulnerabilities have been identified and fixed.