Security testing is a combination of the testing techniques used to test the application for security problems. It is mainly used to test the security of the data and functionalities of the application. These vulnerabilities are primarily found in web applications, cloud infrastructure, and blockchain applications. Security testing is a process that evaluates the security of a system and determines its potential vulnerabilities and threats to its security. Security testing is an essential phase in the SDLC and is used to find the security issues in the system to prevent attacks in the real world. This type of testing is not just about the testing the application by breaking into it, but security testing is also about identifying weaknesses in applications that attackers may exploit. Security testing can be done manually or with the help of software tools known as automated security testing tools. Security testing is based on the assessment of potential security threats in the system. It is a process in which the system’s security is tested by performing both positive and negative tests to find the potential security threats in the system.
The main goal of security testing is to identify the threats in the system and measure its potential vulnerabilities so that the threats can be encountered, and the system does not stop functioning or cannot be exploited. There are 5 types of security testing. Vulnerability scanning which identifies vulnerabilities present in software systems or network. Penetration testing which is a testing method in which testers find security weaknesses, usually to determine the risk of damage from possible attackers. Risk assessment which is the process of identifying and prioritizing the risks and threats that may be faced by an organization. Security auditing reviews and assesses an application or network to verify its compliance with standards, regulations and company policy. And finally, source code review verifies that the code complies with the specifications.
Some of the pros of security testing include identifying vulnerabilities early, protecting sensitive data, mitigating security risks, enhancing customer trust and confidence, and finally cost-effective risk management. By incorporating security testing into the software development lifecycle, organizations can proactively safeguard their digital assets and mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats in an increasingly interconnected world. I chose this resource because it explains security testing in depth and why it is important for organizations. We didn’t get a chance to get more practice about security testing in the course but reading about it has given me more knowledge about it.
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From the blog CS@Worcester – Site Title by lynnnsubuga and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.