2.6/5 - (5 votes)

What is Software Security Testing? Which types of testing are there?

Table of Contents

Software Security testing detects vulnerabilities and threats to protect software programs from malicious attacks.

Software Security testing is a type of security testing performed to identify and discover hidden flaws and faults in the software product.

Importance of Software Security Testing?

Software security testing is essential to protect software or web application from hacking attempts.

The goal for Security Tests is to identify any weaknesses and loopholes in the software that could result in the loss of data or revenue and a bad reputation from outsiders or employees within the organization.

An Overview of Security Testing Principles

Availability
Integrity
Authorization
Confidentiality
Authentication
Non-repudiation

Availability

In this case, the information should be kept by an official, and they must also ensure that the information and services are ready to be used at any time we require them.

Integrity

The integrity systems frequently employ several fundamental methods as confidentiality structures. However, they typically include the data needed to communicate to establish the base of an algorithmic test instead of encrypting all the communications. Additionally, they must verify that the valid data is transferred from one application to the next.

Authorization

It’s the process of determining whether a user is authorized to carry out an action and be able to access the services. A good example of authorization would be Access control.

Confidentiality

It is a process of security that prevents the disclosure of information to third parties as it is the sole method of making certain the security of our data.

Authentication

The authentication process involves verifying the authenticity of an individual and tracing the source of a product essential to permit access to personal information or system.

Non-repudiation

It’s used as an indication of digital security. It guarantees that the person who sent the message will not disagree with the fact that they delivered the message, and the receiver cannot deny receiving the message.

Types of Security Testing:

According to the Open Source Security Testing methodology manual, there are seven primary forms of security tests. The following explanations of them are given:

Vulnerability Scanning: This is carried out by automated software that scans systems for known vulnerabilities signatures.
Security Scanning: focuses on identifying system and network weaknesses and then providing ways to reduce the risk. The scanning process can be used using both automated and manual scanning.
Testing for penetration: This type of testing mimics an attack by malicious hackers. The testing involves analyzing an individual system to test the vulnerability in the event of an external attack.
Risk assessment: The test involves the evaluation of security risk that is observed within the business. Risks are classified into Low, Medium, High, or Low. The testing suggests controls and steps decrease the risk.
Security Auditing: It is an inside examination of applications or Operating systems to detect security issues. A security audit could also be performed to inspect lines in the code.
Ethical hacking: It’s hacking an Organization’s Software system. Contrary to malicious hackers, who steal to gain, the intention will be to uncover security holes within the system.
Posture assessment: The organization’s security posture is assessed using security scanning, ethical hacking, and risk assessments.

Key Areas in Security Testing

When performing security testing of an online application, it is essential to be focused upon the areas below to test the app:

System software security

The purpose of this article is to examine the weaknesses of an application that is based on various software systems like Operating systems, database systems, and so on.

Security of the network

In this case, we’ll examine the weaknesses of the network structure, such as the policies or resources.

Server-side application security

We will implement server-side application security to ensure that the server’s encryption and the tools used by it are adequate to shield the application from all disturbances.

Client-side application security

In this case, we’ll ensure that hackers cannot operate on any device or browser that customers use.

How to do Security Testing?

It is generally agreed that the cost will increase if we put off security testing until after the implementation phase or even after deployment. Therefore, it is essential to include security testing into the SDLC development process during the initial phases.

Let’s examine the appropriate security procedures to be implemented for each stage of SDLC.

Requirement Stage

Security Procedures In the phase of the requirement of SDLC, we will conduct the security analysis of business requirements and determine the cases that are manipulative and wasteful.

Design Stage Security Procedures:

At the time of design for SDLC, we’ll perform the testing of security for the risk examination of the design. It will also include security tests during the creation of test plans.

Stage of Development, or Code

Security Methodologies, The coding stage of SDLC will perform the white box testing, along with dynamic and static testing.

Testing (functional testing, integration testing, system testing)

Stage Security Methodologies The testing stage of SDLC, we will perform an initial session of vulnerability scanning and black-box testing.

Implementation Stage Security procedures:

As we move into the phase for implementation of SDLC, we will conduct scans for vulnerabilities once more and then conduct the first session of penetration testing.

Maintenance Stage

Security Methodologies When we are in the maintenance phase of SDLC, we will analyze the impact of the areas where there is impact.

Example Test Scenarios for Security Testing:

Examples of test scenarios that will provide you with a preview of security test scenarios

A password must be in an encrypted format.
The application or system should not permit users who aren’t legitimate.
Review session and cookie information to ensure that you have the right application
For financial sites, The browser back button will not function.

Methodologies/ Approach / Techniques for Security Testing

Security testing is a process where different methods are used which are like this:

Tiger Box:

This type of hacking usually takes place on a laptop equipped with an array of operating systems along with hacking software. The testing aids security and penetration testers in assessing vulnerabilities and detecting attacks.