#mobile application security testing

[tacsec]

Importance of Secure Applications

Applications have positioned themselves as the most vital digital asset of a business, despite whichever field of work is counted. And it is not for less, since applications make life easier for users, promote interconnectivity, and improve the user experience to a great extent.

Besides recognizing the usage and advantages mobile applications render, many fail to notice the threats and vulnerabilities that are being posed to them via cyber criminals that can adversely affect the IT environment of the entire organization.

“Though applications form a crucial segment of a business; nonetheless, they are the most targeted asset too.” 

Hijacking data or code within the application is one of the major targets of malicious actors which makes its way to breaking all the encryption and authentication layers embedded within the application software, thereby, leaving the brand as well as its customers to bear huge data and financial losses.

This is where the need for Application Security is felt that is designed to reduce the attack surface of applications in the hybrid and complex IT environments to mitigate web threats and dangers.

The process includes hardware, software, and other procedures that identify, assess, and help to minimize security vulnerabilities while executing various types of app testing (like pen tests).

Application security testing and protocols help expose network-level as well as application-level flaws, encouraging the prevention of unauthorized access, attacks, and exploitations.

In the present digital age, it is quintessential for businesses to understand the significance of secure applications as ransomware, phishing, email compromises, and security risks from remote work are quite prevalent and one might not realize soon when the growing risks and vulnerabilities enter the production code in applications.

“Understanding Application Security is more than just testing!”

Businesses rely on apps to power almost everything they do, so keeping them secure is non-negotiable. Investment in application security not only reduces internal/external risks, secures data, and strengthens the security posture, but also builds customer trust and improves investors’ confidence in your business.

Finding the best approach to improve the security of your applications and software requires taking a holistic view of the entire company IT infrastructure which is taken into consideration by forward-looking companies like TAC Security and offers a one-stop solution for managing Application Security via Tac Security  ESOF VMDR.

Eliminate App Security Flaws and Weaknesses!

ESOF VMDR brings an extended technology-centric approach to application security that protects all your web and app assets from risk-based vulnerabilities through AI-powered scans, threat intelligence algorithms, automated risk prioritization, and instant remediation solutions.

ESOF VMDR’s Cyber Risks Score is a measurement index that indicates the severity level of each of your system applications scanned over the IT network and gives clear insights into the security posture of an organization.

We have helped industry leaders across the world secure their business data and assets while strenuously taking care of the attack surfaces. How? Get in touch with our VulMans now.

[mooreoliver]

How application security testing can prevent cybercrime?

Why has application security testing become an important requirement in the Software Development Life Cycle?  Why can’t enterprises just deal with any cybersecurity related issue as and when it occurs rather than creating an entire architecture to address it beforehand? Notwithstanding the raised eyebrows of the security conscious readers to such a suggestion, it is the path that many enterprises are continuing to pursue till date. In their quest to release a greater number of applications into the market, enterprises often skirt the demand to conduct rigorous web application security testing and end up with adverse consequences – both for them and their end customers.

Today, when millions of applications have become a part of the global digital ecosystem and accessed by customers using myriad devices and operating environments, the scope of security breaches has increased manifold. Moreover, since most of these applications are developed by using open-source coding, the associated vulnerabilities and risks have increased to unprecedented levels as well. A recent report’s finding that by 2021, the global cost attributed to cybercrime is likely to be around $6 trillion gives an insight into the lurking cybersecurity risks with such apps. Such humongous figures have the potential to wipe out the bottom lines of companies, entities, and individuals alike. To tackle the menace, there needs to be a fundamental change in the approach to application security testing – from the present testing the functionality and performance of apps in most cases. The time has come for enterprises to move a step ahead in incorporating the DevSecOps model. When the stakes are so high, enterprises cannot be smug with their application security testing methodology but extend it to the entire SDLC and beyond.

Risks associated with lack of cybersecurity measures

Today’s customers are having access to a range of applications to execute activities like buying groceries and clothing from eCommerce stores, buying tickets for planes/trains/planes, booking hotels or movie tickets, paying utility bills, and many more. Since they download these apps from app stores on major operating systems such as Android, iOS, or Windows by paying scant regard to the security considerations, enterprises building these apps have to pull up their socks and walk the talk. If not, the risks can be heavy, as listed below.

Lawsuits: The growing vulnerabilities of applications owing to their touchpoints across browsers, operating systems, devices, cloud servers, and networks, can be exploited by cybercriminals to steal data and information. Since most of these applications store personal and confidential information of customers, any data breach could land everyone into serious trouble. Consequently, lawsuits can be filed by the end customers or clients making businesses liable to pay hefty compensation.

Hit on brand image: No one would like to use an app built by a company that has been in the news for the wrong reasons. Although being in the news is exciting for businesses as it gives them free publicity, being there for a negative context can force them to run aground. So, the choice is simple – push the envelope on adopting software application security testing and enhance the trust level with the end customers.

Fall foul of regulatory agencies: The onslaught of cybercrime has forced the global IT ecosystem to set up security protocols and regulatory agencies to monitor the same. Laws like GDPR or SOX, among others, have made companies to sit up and be compliant or face consequences in terms of censure and hefty fines. Today, should enterprises overlook the mandate for mobile application security testing, they can fall foul of these laws or agencies and suffer consequences.

Benefits for implementing application security testing

If the cost of implementing software application security testing is juxtaposed against potential losses that enterprises can suffer in the event of any security breach, the benefits do outweigh the cost.  

Pre-empt risks and vulnerabilities: Embracing web application security testing as part of the SDLC can help enterprises to identify the hidden vulnerabilities in the codes. Thereafter, when the vulnerabilities are plugged, the chances of data breaches or the ingress of malware are reduced significantly.

Market reputation: In a day and age when issues related to cybersecurity have received increased traction from tech-savvy customers, enterprises following industry best practices related to cybersecurity can create a better market reputation and trust for their applications.

Conclusion

Mobile application security testing helps in upholding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data in today’s Agile and DevOps driven software development methodologies. In a world increasingly driven by digital technology, QA with security at its core is needed to be implemented to pre-empt the concerns related to cybercrime.

Author Bio

Oliver has been associated with Cigniti Technologies Ltd as an Associate Manager - Content Marketing, with over 10 years of industry experience as a Content Writer in Software Testing & Quality Assurance industry. Cigniti is a Global Leader in Independent Quality Engineering & Software Testing Services with CMMI-SVC v1.3, Maturity Level 5.

[diyatestingupdates-blog]

The best approach to testing security of aggregator mobile apps

The advent of 3G or 4G enabled smartphones and the running of sophisticated mobile apps on them have virtually changed the consumer behaviour globally. The behaviour, underpinned on factors like convenience, speed, cost savings, privacy, and security provided by the mobile apps (Android and iOS based,) has led to a spurt in the development of such apps.  If numbers are to be believed then out of five billion mobile users globally, the total mobile apps downloaded equalled 2.6 million and 2.2 million across Android and iOS platforms in the first quarter of 2019 (Source: businessofapps.com.)

The popularity of mobile apps has largely been attributed to the usage of aggregator apps, which pull, show, and interact with content sourced from various locations. The examples can be cited that of Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Flipboard, among others. Since the APIs of these apps interact with numerous content sources, there is every likelihood of them becoming the conduits for malware. Moreover, many of these apps incorporate the digital payment feature, which helps customers to conduct financial transactions on the go. However, notwithstanding the benefits of using such aggregator apps integrated with the digital payment feature, the spectre of cyber threat looms large. As more number of app makers try to feed into this huge demand for apps, ensuring their security has become the primary concern. Let us understand the top security threats that can befall any aggregator mobile app and how mobile application security testing can pre-empt the same.

Top security threats to aggregator mobile apps

The propensity of people to use aggregator mobile apps in the workplace or other places has exposed such apps to hacking. As no digital device can claim to be 100% secure and hackers always on the lookout to compromise a device, the role of application security testing becomes prominent.

1.      Unsecured Wi-Fi connection: One of the biggest security threats is in using unsecured Wi-Fi connections at public places like airports, bookstores, coffee shops etc. As the number of smartphones connecting the endpoints at workplaces increases, hackers get a goldmine of opportunities to compromise enterprises by leveraging the vulnerabilities of mobile apps. However, in spite of the warnings, people continue to use such unsecured networks and subject themselves to cyber attacks. A robust mobile application security testing can plug vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit when people use apps to connect to their workplaces.

2.      Built-in malicious codes: As aggregator apps source information from multiple locations using APIs, not all APIs or locations can claim to being secure. Many unsecured apps may contain malicious strains of malware, which upon usage, can allow hackers to siphon off sensitive data and information on a platter. Such mobile security threats can be prevented by downloading apps from official app stores. Besides, the apps contained in the apps stores should have undergone stringent end-to-end mobile application security testing.

3.      OS vulnerabilities: Smartphone manufacturers continually update the operating software to incorporate features, functionalities, and technologies. This is mainly to obtain a better system performance, a key determinant in achieving user satisfaction. Importantly, users often do not update the operating systems of their aggregator mobile apps thus leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks. To ensure the mobile apps remain secure against any emerging security threats, their operating systems must be updated. Also, should their mobile devices do not remain compatible with the latest version of the operating system, it is better to get a new one.

The best approach to testing the security of aggregator mobile apps

Once your aggregator mobile app accepts personal data from the user, it becomes your responsibility to safeguard the same. This calls for conducting rigorous software application security testing to identify and plug vulnerabilities and protect data breaches. The best security practices or approaches any enterprise can take to secure its mobile app are:

·         Simulating attacks on the app systems to assess their vulnerabilities and strengths.

·         Analyzing internal controls to identify the presence of potential malware.

·         Assessing and monitoring the APIs to identify any security flaws.

·         Evaluating the risks through security threat modelling and building a mobile application testing strategy based on parameters such as threat sources, attack interface, expected attacks, business impact, and disaster management to nullify them.

·         Undertaking the collaborative approach of DevSecOps to turn security testing into a continuous activity throughout the SDLC and beyond. DevSecOps introduces security factors early on in the development cycle. It helps to cut down vulnerabilities and security risks, and ensures the management and other stakeholders are in sync with the overall business objectives.

Conclusion

The rising scare of cybersecurity threats has led businesses to adopt stringent mobile app security testing. By incorporating an approach like DevSecOps where every sinew of the organization is tasked with ensuring the security of an aggregator mobile application, the vulnerabilities and risks intrinsic to the system can be promptly identified and acted upon. Businesses should ensure that the shortening of development lifecycles as brought about by DevOps and Agile, should not let mobile app security testing take a back seat.

Diya works for Cigniti Technologies, which is the world’s first Independent Software Testing Services Company to be appraised at CMMI-SVC v1.3, Maturity Level 5, and is also ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 27001:2013 certified.

[offensiveshieldsblog]

Mobile application security testing is important as it leads to regulatory compliance, prevents future attacks, checks the responsiveness of the IT team, etc.

[crestechglobal]

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We are proud to tell you that we have the best experience in : * Best Digital marketing services * Best website development services * website design services * Mobile app development services * Software application development services * Software testing services * Application maintenance and support services * Information security services Come to us and experience the high quality of services and build your brand with hands of expertise of Ambiguous Solutions.

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Best Practice for App Security & Data Protection

Nowadays App Security and Data Protection are the major factors that need to be considered while building an application. So, we have listed down some practices that can be used in building your next App.

[practicallogix]

Practical Logix | Web Application Security Testing - A Complete Guide Security of your infrastructure is crucial to protecting your business and your customers. As businesses move more of their operations to the Cloud, new risks arise. Web applications are a prime target for attackers because they often contain sensitive data such as customer information, financial data, and intellectual property. Furthermore, web applications are typically accessible from anywhere in the world, making them a convenient target for attackers.

[veecotechmarketing]

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[solviostechnology]

Times have changed, and with the change of times, there has been huge digital progress in every field! Undeniably, with digital advancement, there is a drastic boost in the usage of mobile applications. Technology and the internet have helped enterprises grow and connect with the world with just a few simple clicks. Commonly, enterprise mobility facilitates people as well as procedures, allowing easy mobile computing across mobile devices and wireless networks. All this has led to a rising demand for custom mobile application development and mobile app solutions across the world.

[diyatestingupdates-blog]

The importance of Data Hygiene in Application Security Testing

The inexorable march of digital transformation is followed by the threat of cybercrime. According to a conservative estimate, the global cost of cybercrime is likely to touch a whopping $6 trillion by 2021 (Source: cyberdefencemagazine.com). The frequency of cyber attacks on IT systems across industry verticals has raised the hackles of governments, organizations, business enterprises, clients, and end customers. Cybercriminals seem to have been emboldened by the growing trend among people (and enterprises) to embrace software applications in executing routine tasks.

Furthermore, enterprises, in a bid to stay competitive, are launching new web or mobile applications into the market without implementing application security testing. The threat is further exacerbated due to the requirement of software applications to function across device platforms, operating systems, browsers, and networks. In their quest to develop applications delivering an omnichannel experience to the end customers, businesses are wont at hitting the speed button while putting brakes on ensuring security.

However, times are changing as threat of cybercrime has made organizations across the spectrum to sit up and take notice. Security is given more traction with additional budgetary allocation being earmarked by enterprises. Even governments and institutions have woken up to the menace to set up quality and security standards like PCI, GDPR, DSS, HIPPA, GLBA, and SOX among others. So, given the greater acknowledgement and security preparedness among organizations, should one become alarmist or lower the guard? The answer lies in becoming security resilient and adopting industry best practices. In fact, ensuring security for software applications or IT system architecture should be a collective responsibility to be followed across the organization. In the Agile and DevOps driven digital landscape, organizations should move towards adopting DevSecOps. In other words, security should not be confined to the QA team alone but made a shared responsibility across the SDLC involving development, QA, and operations.

The customers of today have taken to the web and mobile applications with a vengeance. The convenience, speed, and relative privacy offered by such applications have opened the floodgates for cybercriminals to swoop on unsuspecting customers. The frequency of malware and ransomware attacks has arisen to alarming levels leading to adverse consequences like data theft, siphoning of funds, and the loss of sensitive personal or business information. To thwart such attacks and to allow the digital transformation initiatives go uninhibited, mobile and web application security testing should become mandatory. However, with smartphones becoming the conduits to access a range of products or services on the internet, there is a need to secure the humongous quantum of data that is generated across digital channels. In other words, data hygiene should be upheld at all costs.

Data hygiene and its importance in software application security testing

Data is the basic unit in any digital activity, which can get corrupted owing to a plethora of reasons. These include incomplete or redundant data, duplicate data, or the improper parsing of data from different systems. Remember, data can become erroneous at any point in the whole digital process, be it while entering, storing, or administering. Any error or glitch in data can lead to unforeseen consequences in terms of outcomes and impact on brands. This is where maintaining data hygiene as part of setting up a mobile application security testing strategy should be considered. Remember, the quality of data is critical to ensure the smooth functioning of operational processes in an organization. It is also important from the perspective of deriving business intelligence using business analytics.

How to maintain data hygiene in application security testing?

Adopting any application security testing methodology by enterprises should involve following policies and procedures to identify vulnerabilities and security loopholes. Security should be implemented at every level in the SDLC and beyond. The various steps taken in executing software application security testing are as follows:

·         Identifying devices that are connected to the internet and strengthening their entry points through installing firewalls, anti-virus software, etc.

·         Prioritizing devices and applications based on data sensitivity and exposure. Set up adequate response plans in the event of any cyber attack.

·         Encrypting data whether at rest or transit, implementing strict authentication and password policies, and auditing device configuration and intrinsic vulnerabilities.

·         Training the staff in ensuring cybersecurity by identifying threats and following good security practices.

·         Keeping a regular backup of sensitive data to ensure data security. Put in place a robust data recovery process.

Conclusion

Maintaining data hygiene is a pre-requisite in enforcing application security testing. It helps to thwart cyber attacks and save critical data and information from falling into the wrong hands. Businesses should implement a robust DevSecOps approach in their developmental, testing, and operational workflows.

Diya works for Cigniti Technologies, Global Leaders in Independent Quality Engineering & Software Testing Services to be appraised at CMMI-SVC v1.3, Maturity Level 5, and is also ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 27001:2013 certified.

This article is originally published at it.toolbox.com, The importance of Data Hygiene in Application Security Testing.

[jhavtechstudios]

Best Practices to Design & Develop Secure Mobile Apps

With the boom of mobile applications, they’ve become a target for dubious activity. You must therefore safeguard your app while reaping the multitude of benefits it provides.

Here we’ve curated a mobile app security list to refer to while designing and developing your mobile application.

• Encrypt the source code • Use high-level authentication (i.e biometrics) • Use authorized APIs only • Secure date-in-transit (i.e use an SSL or VPN tunnel) • Use tamper-detection technologies • Test, test and retest! Conduct a thorough QA and security check

At Jhavtech, we follow industry-approved mobile app security practices along with strict security testing strategies to ensure the integrity of our applications.

[crestechglobal]