May 2017 - Testbytes Software

3 Phases Involved in Testbytes Penetration Testing Process

Posted on May 29, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Penetration testing is performed to determine vulnerabilities in network, computer systems and applications. Standard penetration testing process involves analysis of conventional vulnerabilities and either software testing or network security scanning. The Testbytes penetration testing approach is a bit different from the usual vulnerability assessment tests. We focus on catering to your needs with a testing process that reflects quality.

The Process
The penetration testing process involves three phases: pre-engagement, engagement and post-engagement.
Pre-engagement
Planning and preparation
A successful penetration testing process involves lots of preparations before the actual testing process begins. It is important for every party involved in the testing process to be informed about every new step taken. Therefore, holding a meeting between the testers and the clients is the best way to start.
Purpose of the penetration test
If there is no clear purpose for conducting the penetration test, the results won’t be great. Therefore, the objective of penetration testing is determined during the meeting.
Scoping
It involves taking decisions regarding the machines, systems and network to be used, the operational requirements and the people involved.
The results
The form in which the end results will be presented is also discussed during the meeting.
Duration
Testbytes has different projects to handle at a time and therefore, it is necessary to allot the timing and duration for the penetration test so that the other works can also be done uninterrupted. Also, proper planning about the test duration will reduce risks of neglecting testing steps due to time constraints.
Documentation
Most of the information finalized during the meeting must be documented so that testers can use it in future. It must include the important steps and the expected outcome that the testers can refer to perform effective penetration testing.

An effective penetration testing involves the testers trying out illegal ways to determine the vulnerabilities. Also, the information gathered during the process is confidential. Therefore, it is necessary for the testers to sign certain legal documents before they start, to avoid trouble.
Collecting information and analysis
After planning and preparation, the next step is to gather information regarding the systems or networks on which the testing is to be performed. The online website of the targeted system is the best place to start information gathering. All these gathered information will be used during the later stages of penetration testing.
Engagement
There are many tools available these days to perform penetration testing. However, the judgement regarding the approach, tools, vulnerabilities etc. is done manually. A testing process is best done by using both automation and traditional testing process simultaneously.
Penetration testing must be performed in locations where there are no restrictions on ports or services by the Internet provider.
Application layer testing
The tester performs the testing process with regard to the different roles of the application. This involves the tester checking if the users can access the data that they are actually not allowed to access. Also, the developers must ensure that all the functionalities and application security have been set up before sending it to the testers so that they can perform the testing process effectively. In case the application uses a backend API, it has to be separately tested.
Network layer testing
Network layer testing can be automated since most of the protocols have been clearly defined and have standard modes of interaction. The testing tools can be used to determine misconfigurations and vulnerabilities and to identify a service or a software version. Testing automation helps to perform the tasks faster than when done manually. However, it does not work for the entire testing process. The testing tools help to determine the potential attack; however, it is up to the tester to interpret the vulnerabilities and act accordingly.
Segmentation check
Segmentation check involves the same testing process performed during the initial stages of network layer testing. During this step, the tester must ensure that:

All isolated LANs do not have access into the CDE
Each network segment isolated from CDE does not really have any access into the CDE

In scenarios that involve large number of network segments that have been isolated from CDE, using a representative subset for testing can help reduce the number of segmentation checks. The tester performs test on individual segments to make sure that all security controls are working as expected. In case it has been found out that the LANs have access to the CDE, the testers must try to limit the access or perform a complete a network layer penetration test to keep check on the access.

Access to cardholder data
In case the testers are able to access the cardholder data during the penetration testing process, the clients must be notified instantly. The testers must also document details of the data that was accessed and how it was accessed.
Post-engagement
After performing penetration testing, there are certain things that both the testers and the clients must do.
Remedial practices
There may be some vulnerability that is left undetected even after performing effective penetration testing. They occur mainly due to weak development practices or ineffective security controls. The testers will investigate the whole application to determine the hidden vulnerabilities.
Retest detected risks
After correcting the vulnerabilities that have been detected, the application will be retested to check whether the enhancements made still have the risk. If the retest is performed long time after the original test, it is important to perform a new testing engagement. Whether it is required or not can be determined after analyzing the quantity of changes that have been made after the original test.
Documentation
The testers document the changes that have been made during the test. This involves the new accounts created for testing and the tools installed by the testers to perform testing. These details will later be removed so that nobody can use it against the client organization.

8 Important Steps To Secure Your Mobile App

Posted on May 23, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Mobile apps are of great help when it comes to money transactions, booking tickets etc. But, do you know that security for apps have now become so low? so there are a lot of hackers waiting for a chance to steal valuable user information such as credit card and bank details. So, it is important for apps to be secured.

You may be well aware of what hackers can do to a software or application. They steal data, create duplicate stuff and can even take hold of personal assets including money. Not if you can secure the mobile applications with the following 8 steps:
STEP 1 – Secure the source code
It is possible that the app is exposed to vulnerabilities at the development stage.

Always protect the application with encryption
Scan the source code for vulnerabilities
The application code should be easy to update and rebuild and should be portable between devices and OS.
Be aware of app file size, running time, memory, data and battery when securing the app. Having better security but losing the performance of the app or users is not what you want.
Do not rely on app store approval; it may or may not be accurate

STEP 2 – Have security measures to protect data and deny unauthorized access
Verify Application Programming Interface (API) to prevent transfer of sensitive data in wrong hands

Create encrypted containers to store data safely
Data encryption and encrypted connections through virtual private network is extra secure

STEP 3 – Identifications, Authentication, and Authorization

The authentication and authorization technology of API adds an extra layer of security.
Ensure that the APIs used in the app allows access only to the most important parts of your application.
OAuth2 is a new framework that helps in building strong security connections. installing this in the server and customizing according to the needs will let the user permissions to collect credentials between client and end-user.
OpenID Connect will allow the user to use the same credentials that have been used once for multiple domains, with one ID.

STEP 4 – Activate a good mobile encryption policy

Use file-level encryption.
Align the codes of application as the passwords and data are not directly saved in the device. In case they have to be stored, make sure that they are encrypted.

STEP 5 – Implement a strong API security strategy

Follow the security measures for well-built API security i.e. identifications, authentication, and authorization
Ensuring API is very important

STEP 6 – Test, test, and test again for better security for apps

Never get tired of testing.
Test the data security problems and session management
Penetration testing helps to solve the weakness of the system
Emulators will explain the performance of an app in any device or OS under a simulated environment

STEP 7 – Alert User
Developers and testers can’t always be a user’s protectors. In that case,

Include sufficient pointers if any kind of vulnerability detected
Warn the users to download only from authorized sites

STEP 8 – With BYOD policy, be alert and use some extra precaution
Some companies allow employees to use their own devices and this open network system will lead to more security threats.

Activate a virtual private network system for a more secure connection
Protect devices with anti-virus, firewall, and anti-spam
Only allow authorized devices
Block transactions from rooted and jailbreaking devices

By following these 8 steps diligently, your mobile app can be secured in general. You can also get a professional tester to ensure your app is secure.

security for apps can never be at100%, it’s not a negative statement. in turn, this means constant monitoring and timely testing with bug fixing is the best way to ensure maximum safety of your app.

7 Possible Security Testing Mistakes that Can Occur Anytime

Posted on May 18, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Mobile apps become a double- edged sword especially when a mobile payment application has to do mass transfers. New features are prone to hacking and extortion if not handled with care. NowSecure Mobile Security Report 2016 has found that 25% of the mobile applications always deal with at-least one highly extended security risk. When attacks on mobile applications increased, authorities started considering security checks before launching the app.

Here, we are going to discuss about 7 possible security testing errors that may occur but can be avoided:

Failing to understand how an application is exposed to risk

We know that to cure a disease, we have to understand the cause first. So, it’s necessary to analyse the possible security risks that can affect the user, device and systems, and the damages it can bring. ‘Threat modeling’ is a practice which helps organizations to analyse the potential of risk, measuring up the development and growth of the threat. Usually, the risks happen to be identity theft and financial fraud, where the password and user name to any kind of financial account of an individual is hacked. The type of attack depends on the hacker’s motive.

Failing to connect security with application design

Usually, security testing is left to be done at the end of the development process or is never done at all. This is mainly due to the misconception among developers that security testing costs a lot. But, patching up the bugs after the application reaches the audience is more expensive than designing a security checked code from beginning.

Lacking the quality in security testing

Checking vulnerabilities and block box testing should be included while performing security tests. Penetration testing has the ability to prevent bugs and malware from real world hackers and keeps apps secure. It is always better to arrange a professional security than an in- house testing team with little knowledge in security testing.

Use end-end encryption in data

Using weak or no encrypted data is a commonly made mistake which make data theft easier for the hacker. To avoid malwares, it’s better to use the end-end encryption in data for all data transferred through mobile devices. Apart from that, it is also important to input the encryption feature in devices so that non transmitted data is also secured. This has to be built directly into the device.

Exposing sensitive data

Try not to use password remembering feature which may lead to accidental login without the user being aware. Easy access to the login details can help hackers find the weakest points of an account. Never keep sensitive data unattended. Always ensure their safety. An experienced hacker may always try tricks on users to retrieve information.

Limit app features

Avoid adding features that doesn’t add value to your app. Keep the number of features to a minimum; it ensures that the app leaves a smaller surface for security attacks to happen, thus increasing safety. . THE same applies to permission requests, and therefore, ask permissions only for the necessary details.

Develop a security response plan

A 100% secure application is not possible, even though it passes through every type of testing. Technology is growing fast that new vulnerabilities are also being made every day to beat security plans.

We just can’t do anything about it.
But!
A critical action plan can be implemented by:-
1. Monitoring the device, identifying every unusual activity
2. Appointing an in/out house team to identify and recover threats
3. Having policies that help you to limit the damages

5 Basic Questions You Can Ask to Usability Testing Specialists

Posted on May 16, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Usability testing is a testing technique used to evaluate the software by involving real users. The purpose of this test is to review the application/software under real world conditions.

Let’s sum up the total benefits of usability testing into five basic questions

Does the tested product meet customer’s needs?
Is navigation of the tested product convenient for the user?
Is functionality of the tested product clear for the user?
What are the possible errors that can occur?
How to fix them?

Now, let us evaluate each question individually.
1. Does the tested product meet customer’s needs?
Customers’ needs are not complex; all they want is an efficient, simple, easy and interesting application.
But following those needs are not simple for the testers.
So, the main objective a tester and the developer have to focus on is to meet the needs of the customers.
Usability testing is not about finding the defect but about,
Whether the user likes the application?
The features they haven’t liked
How they felt about the application?
As we said earlier, we just need a raw data about how the application worked for a user.
These concepts and suggestion collected from the user can be applied in the application to make it better and user-friendly.
2. Is navigation of the tested product convenient for user?
Navigation has to be at the top of the priority list of an application developer. Users always have a tendency to move from one link to another, and then, come back to previous page at instant. So, navigation should be convenient for the user.
It will be annoying if navigation is confusing or not proper. Navigation link should not leave user lost. A good design with clustered navigation means the application is a failure.
So, the next and important goal of developer is to check whether the navigation’s are clear, simple and proper.
Users may not have time to view all the details in the page. It doesn’t matter if the page is fancy or not. All that matters is that the users get the exact piece of information they search for. Therefore, try to keep it moderate.
Remember, search menu, home page and site maps are unavoidable navigators.
3. Is functionality of the tested product clear for the users?
How a product works is a common question that can possibly arise from a user. That’s why functionality should be clear for them.
Functionality of a tested product is associated with how well the app performs its function. So, the user must be fully aware about the functions an app does.
An application must pass both functionality test and usability test to be termed efficient. Usually, functionality test is done after usability test.
They are basically ‘what can I do’ and ‘how can I do?’
Usually, functional test comes after usability test is done. However, here, functionality is about enlightening the user about how the application works, i.e., the functions of an application.

Ensure that in what all aspects the product can do and enables users to have a set of capabilities.
4. What are the possible errors that can occur?
There is a saying that “to err is human”
The purpose of usability testing is to ensure the quality of software. As we said earlier, this test is done with the participation of the end user and how they react to the software. The errors happening at this level is totally humane.
Let’s look upon the possible errors that can occur
1. Slips
2. Mistakes
3. User interface problems
4. Scenario error
Slips
They are the by-hand mistakes that happen unexpectedly or unknowingly
For e.g. double-clicking a button accidentally, mistyping any characters in email id or name
Slips cannot always be avoided. You cannot do anything about ‘fat fingers;’ but, inserting a moderate area considering this ‘fat finger’ fact will be helpful.
Mistakes
Mistakes are referred to as any occurrence that happens without a need. Doing anything wrong can be considered as a mistake
E.g.: entering first two letters of name in block instead of only first letter, pressing horn instead of turning on light.
If user enters data in wrong format, any auto rejection setting or indication will be useful.
User interface problems
They are basically caused by wrong interference. If a user clicks in a wrong place and looks for a result, that maybe considered for change in style of software.
Scenario error
No matter how much realistic the usability testing is, possibility of error cannot be rejected.

If the testers want the users to try an online cash transfer application, fake data is required. Inevitable error can occur in such cases where there is nothing much to do with it rather than considering it in real situation.
5. How to fix them?

Test a lot
Test with correct representatives
Plan properly
Test in multiple versions of device
Always conduct pilot test
Avoid unwanted distractions
Take enough time to analyze the results

9 Important Things to Test in Ecommerce Web and Mobile Applications

Posted on May 8, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

It is important to test e-commerce websites and mobile applications so that it won’t compromise on various crucial factors such as user experience, mobile responsiveness, customer data security, quick load time, and secure transaction. Also, the success of your e-commerce website (or mobile application) depends on the proper functioning of these factors and do not have any bugs in it. Thereby, you can give your customers a nice and enjoyable experience.
Types of e-commerce websites/apps

Ecommerce works mainly work based on who is buying and who is selling. Yes, of course, it’s the same for any other market place. However, based on these e-commerce websites/apps have been divided into 5 and those who wish to start an e-commerce business should decide where do they belong before strategizing a business model.
B2C(business to customer) Ecommerce
B2C means business to customers. The main focus of this type of business will be on direct customers. And whenever people hear about eCommerce this type of business model comes to their mind. Instead of a physical store, there will be an online store from which people can buy goods.
Example of B2C business– Amazon, Pandora, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Uber, Zillow, Pandora, etc.
B2B (business to business) Ecommerce
The main intention behind this business model is to provide good to another business with the help of an online platform. Wholesale sellers of products such as desk, computer table, chairs, files, etc.
B2B not so common compared to B2C. When it comes to supplies BRC might have limitations on the other hand B2B eCommerce will be completely dependant on its inventory.
Examples of the B2B market is Amazon business, 3DXTech, Alibaba.com, etc.
C2C (customer to customer) Ecommerce
Customer to customer business model can be a bit new to us. However, the concept is not that new.
In this type of business, an individual will be selling his product directly to the customer. For instance, a person has opted to go online when it comes to selling his cakes. All the necessary things that need to be done such as website maintenance, product listing, shipping, etc has to be maintained by the person who is running the shop.
C2B (customer to business Ecommerce
In this type of business, an individual will be selling his product to big companies
Eg: Freelancers, writers, artists, web designers, etc.
What’s bad about the C2C type of business is that they are not scalable and are not flexible. So what happens is that C2C sellers often become B2C and the transition cost can be a bit hefty.
C2A (consumer to administration) eCommerce
Here the business transaction will happen between the individual and public administration.
For instance, you are booking an appointment with a doctor using an online portal. That’s C2A for you
C2C (consumer to consumer)
This kind of transaction usually happens between 2 consumers using a medium such as Paypal, Gpay etc.

Testing is Crucial for Your Ecommerce Success
E-commerce applications have lots of users worldwide as they deal with finance, marketing, retail & wholesale, manufacturing, and auctions.

In addition, the global e-commerce industry is witnessing huge growth for the past few years and it is estimated to be worth $22.1 trillion, according to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Organizations need to be given more focus on testing their website or mobile app and make it as an essential part of their future e-commerce application development.
There have been many cases of e-commerce application failure and these failures can be avoided by implementing better testing techniques.
The main reasons for testing your e-commerce application is to check the usability of the application, its user-friendliness, and to make your eCommerce website/application bugs-free.
Also, you need to keep in mind that you have to maintain Quality Assurance standards to show commitment to delivering your quality e-commerce product to your customers. Here are seven important things on how to test an eCommerce website or application.

1) Testing E-commerce Application’s Functionality

An e-commerce web or mobile application has four important elements in its structure, and they are:

Main Pages – Homepage, Product page, Special Offers, About Us page, Sitemap pages, Privacy Policy page, Press Releases page, etc.
Category / Product Type Pages – The product page consists of options such as product size, color, and type. There is a sorting feature to filter out products based on price, model, size, etc. There is also the “Add to Cart” or “Add to Wishlist” feature present in the category pages.
Product Description Page – Consists of the product title, description, product images, related products, Add to Cart feature, Product comparison, additional product info, etc.
Shopping Cart – Products list view, removing the product from the list, cash on delivery option, Select delivery option, card payment, pay now option, etc.

Image: E-Commerce Web App Architecture
Before you conduct functionality testing, we need to understand the e-commerce website or application very well.
The above-mentioned features are commonly found on all e-commerce applications, yet most of them are customized as per business requirements.

2) Testing E-commerce Application Workflow

The testing of the complete workflow of your e-commerce web/mobile application consists of:

Login and Signup options
Search functionality
Product review posting feature
Sorting feature
Applying filters for choosing the desired product(s)
Add/remove functionality in the shopping cart
Check out process
Order number and invoice generation
Payment gateway and payment processing

3) Payment Gateway Functionality

Another important functionality to test is the payment gateway and you have to conduct multiple tests to ensure it functions properly and provides security while doing online transactions. Here are the checkout and payment processes that you need to test:

You need to check the product price is correct, shipping charge, VAT, discount codes all are applied and the price customer has to pay is the right amount. You can test this payment process by making changes in the final list of products, applying different discount coupon codes, choosing a different region to see the change in shipping charges.
You need to check whether the payment is processed correctly, by using all kinds of payment methods such as net banking, Credit/Debit card, PayPal, etc. You can check all these using dummy accounts and demo debit/credit card numbers. Also, you need to check whether the orders are canceled, and the payment ID sent back.
Check whether the invoice and emails generated after the payment process are sent.
You need to also ensure the refund process, email, and refund receipt all are working properly.

4) Performing Security and Vulnerability Assessments

Since e-commerce applications hold valuable information (customer’s personal and banking data) you need to conduct security testing to check for security and vulnerability issues in them. You can use testing methods like SQL Injections, ethical hacks on the login, Register, Payment gateway, and other various pages.

5) Checking Compatibility with Web Browsers

It is important for e-commerce applications to work on all types of web browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc. You need to test the browser compatibility of the application to make sure that your customers are able to use your e-commerce website without any hassle.

6) Testing for Mobile Responsiveness

Nowadays, mobile devices are taking over desktop platforms in terms of internet usage and companies are taking a mobile-first approach in their e-commerce applications. You need to test the responsive design of your application in mobile devices of various screen sizes.

Also Read: Top 20 Programming Languages For Mobile App Development

7) Checking Performance and SEO-related Things

Another important thing in e-commerce testing is to check the performance of your website/application. You need to conduct performance testing on parameters such as webpage loading speed, throughput, data transfer rate, efficiency, uptime, database performance, website traffic load tolerance, error messages, etc.
You need to make your e-commerce website is having high search engine visibility so that you can get considerable user traffic to your site. You can do this by implement search engine optimization (SEO) on your website. You need to test whether SEO strategies such as title tags, meta descriptions, URL structure, image alt tags, etc are implemented correctly.

8) Other Common Things to be Tested

There are other common things in your e-commerce application you need to test and they include website content, webpage format, website accessibility, cookies, social buttons, adding/deleting content, removing/adding links, web standards, analytics, and making changes to shipping settings.

9) Social Media Integration

Be it an e-commerce application or website social media is one of the most important factors for its success. However, you have to make sure that social media integration is aligned with website architecture and workflow. A/B testing is the best way to test social media workflow.
A/B testing will make sure that the content is working or not with a specific audience.
Integration testing will reveal Social Media API is working fine on your website. And is doing what it’s supposed to do

Types of Testing performed on E-commerce Application

11 important Features to Test in an E-commerce Application

Home Page hero image
Search button
Product details page
Shopping cart
Payment module
Order From page
Login forms
Account pages
Filter for products
Category page
Social media buttons

Conclusion
By conducting thorough e-commerce website application testing, you can significantly reduce the number of errors that crop up when the website is made live to your customers.

How to Do Security Testing For Web Applications

Posted on May 4, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Just like testing the performance of an application, it is also important to perform web application security testing for real users. Security testing is performed to detect vulnerabilities in an application while ensuring that the data is protected and that the application works as required.
Why Web Application Security Testing?
Among the different kinds of applications, web applications demand more security as they involve large amounts of important data and online transactions. The web apps must be tested to ensure that they are not vulnerable to any cyber-attacks.
In order to perform web application security testing, the tester must be well versed in the HTTP protocol. He/she should have a clear understanding of how the client (browser) and server communicate using HTTP.
The tester is also expected to know at least the basics of SQL injection and XSS. Though the number of defects regarding the security of web apps is comparatively low, the tester must take note of each defect detected, in detail.
While performing security testing, here’s the list of vulnerabilities a tester must keep a check on:

Password cracking
The most common way of a cyber attacker to gain access to a web app is by cracking the password. They may try to guess the password or use a password cracking tool to conduct the same. Therefore, the security tester must ensure that the app demands a strong password that must be encrypted.
URL manipulation
It’s easy to edit the URL in a browser. Lack of security can cause the users to be redirected and confidential data being leaked. Therefore, it is important for the security tester to check if the application passes vital data through its URL string. The web app becomes vulnerable to URL manipulation mainly when the app uses the HTTP GET method to pass information between the server and the client, which is usually passed in parameters in the query string. A security tester can just change a parameter value to see if the server accepts it.
SQL injection
Sometimes, a hacker may feed in illegal SQL statements to a text entry field so as to get access to web app content. If not security tested, the hackers may make use of this vulnerability to add, change or erase the data from the SQL-based database of the web app. While security tested, is even a single quote entered into the text field is rejected by the application, we can make sure that the app is safe. However, if the tester enters a quote and the app accepts it, but, shows a database error, the web app is vulnerable to SQL injection.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
It is important to make sure that the web app is not prone to cross-site scripting because if the attacker enters harmful script into your web app, you may end up unknowingly helping them to deliver the script to the people online. Therefore, the tester must ensure that the application rejects any malicious data and if at all it accepts the data, it must not affect the backed.
It is always best to test the app as a whole from a hacker’s point of view. Think of the different technologies used in the making of the app, different levels of access that users have to go through to log in and how the data can be obtained or stored. This will help you to recognize prospective weak points and see if they are vulnerable to common types of cyber-attack.
Also, think of the different methods and scenarios a hacker will try to crack into the app. Do not ignore any points as the hacker may get in through the least expected path.
Steps of Security Testing
Now, talking about the steps to perform security testing, it differs from different organizations. However, the basic process remains the same.

Understand what the business is about and its security goals. This helps to plan the test by considering all security needs of the organization while not going overboard
Understand and identify the security needs of the application
Gather all information regarding system setup information that was used for developing the web app and network such as the OS, technology, hardware, etc.
Identify the possible vulnerabilities and risks and make a list
Prepare a threat profile based on the list
Prepare test plan according to the identified possible vulnerabilities and risks
Prepare Traceability Matrix for each risk and vulnerability
Manual security testing can’t always be accurate and therefore, automated testing is also required. Make a list of the tools to be used for the same
Make the Security tests case document ready
Carry out the Security Test cases execution and once the identified defects have been fixed, retest
Execute the Regression Test cases
Create a detailed report on the security testing conducted, the vulnerabilities and risks identify and the risks that still persist.

Tools used For Web Application Security Testing

Apache Jmeter
Browser-stack
Load UI Pro
Ghostlab
Sauce Labs
JIRA
Soap UI
Test IO
Acunetix
Ranorex Webtestit
Netsparker
Experitest
TestComplete
LambdaTest
Selenium
Testcraft
Watin
Sahi
HP UFT
Testpad

Conclusion
With many advancements happening in this era of digitalization, we need to give considerable focus on filling gaps of vulnerability, minimizing hacker risks, and thereby securing our digital assets, in this case, web applications.

17 Different Approaches to Comprehensive Mobile Testing for iOS and Android Apps

Posted on May 2, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

People are not so positive on QA even if they know how important it is for a software nourishment. A step of testing is avoided more often than not to save on budget.

Remember, branded products always come with standard price; but, why….? Because of the quality they assure.
We all have heard the proverb “all that glitters is not gold.” Likewise, no matter how beautiful, trendy and charming your application design looks, it is not going to bring anything good
if it doesn’t provide the expected quality.
As a user, you would definitely go for a better option if the expected application goes on loading for more than 5 seconds. Believe me, some of the users won’t even wait for 2 seconds. A book series can be written about the customer dissatisfaction experiences on the applications. Remember, a user once lost is lost forever.
The purpose of testing is not always about finding the errors, but, it is also to make sure the application works properly.
Does it functions well?
Is the user satisfied?
Does the application work as developer expected?
The best stairway to perfection is always questioning the possibilities. Testing is a mixture of techniques and methods; there is no simpler way to make sure the working status of an application. For every execution process, we need a plan.
Here, we are going to discuss about 17 different approaches that can be applied for testing iOS and Android apps.
General strategies
1. Let the QA tester belong to the core developing team.
Generally, companies have a waterfall way of processing an application. In that case, testers will get busy with in a week of starting the project. But, in the agile method of working, QA is an important part, which the team considers as an essential ingredient for the success of the project. When a tester gets involved, he/she will be well aware of the development taking place and be sure about the part in which improvements are needed.
Also, approach it, considering the design and user expectation.
2. Ensure the test scripts
There are people who think, ‘QA is not that important, let’s just ensure performance’
Can you believe that people actually think like that even at this time of hectic competition? Also, it’s not as simple as testing everything casually. A pure, complete knowledge on function should be there and the required data should be provided to the tester for a complete logical testing.
The product team has to make sure that the scripts provided are understandable by the tester.
It should be made simple for any programmer to understand.
3. Functional testing
· Do the features work?
· Can user complete the task?
These are the two main questions we need to find the answer for explaining functional testing. The tester will work along with the procedures of the application so that he will understand the performance and the flow of to and fro pages.
4. Unit testing
Unit testing works in relation with codes. Usually, developers do this. Codes are mantled, separated into different parts called units and tested thoroughly. The unit referred here can be a code module or a function.
5. Performance testing
Testing is all about improvisation. So, performance testing is done to make sure that no delay in performance of application happens as the result of improvisation.
Here, the testers monitor the speed and how well the application responds to features. Time consideration is also a factor involved in performance testing along with
· Data consumption
· Battery duration
· Space consumption
· Navigation
· Network coverage etc.
6. User acceptance testing
The term ‘User acceptance testing’ is a wrong term because we don’t have an actual user. Instead, we select a group to conduct the test.
We can’t just go on and ask people to take part in this session since it takes time. So, we seek the help of our colleagues. A group from inside the company, who may or may not be a part of this application development, will take part in this testing.
Usability testing is usually considered as a final step in the case of websites or applications,
Steps followed in usability testing are:-
1. Planning
2. Selection of group
3. Explaining what is expected and what is not
4. Introducing main scenario
5. Testing specification, bugs
6. Sign off
7.Manual Testing vs Automated Testing
Machines are faster; that’s why it is better to make QA tests automated. It is because computers can find anything that does not work, faster than the human brain can.
It simply saves money, time and provides more accuracy.
Yet, not every QA task cannot be completed by computer. Sometimes issues occur, that are too awful for software to complete.
8. Load Testing
Load testing is a lot of work. It is checking the user capacity that an application can hold to make sure that the application loading will not be exhausted in an expected number of user logins.

Basics of load testing
1. Record the traffic
2. Replay the request
3. Analysis
9.Regression Testing
Regression testing is like marvel movies. Interesting, huh?
The hero gets unusual power, use it stupidly, but, at the end, he realizes that he can make big changes.
Even a small change in code can error the whole application. So, regression testing helps in ensuring that the changes made doesn’t affect the flow of the application.
10. Device Testing
Mac and Windows are usually considered for device testing,
That’s something cool about device testing. There are over 24,000 models that exist in Android itself.

This is a bird eye view of android screens that presently exist. (source)
Deciding which screen size application is optimized is more important here. Having a clear company policy will help testers to ensure that the rules and test selected rather than all supported devices.
11. Testing Interruption
Interrupt conditions are mainly the interruptions that occur while the applications are running.
It includes incoming/outgoing calls, text messages, notifications etc. In the cycle of applications when disturbances happen, interruption testing tells applications how to behave properly.
In short, interruption testing is just like teaching good manners to a child, “behave boy” 🙂
12. Crowd source Testing
Crowd sourcing is simply recruiting a specific group through a third party. When a developer wants to test a product, he contacts any agency that provides a collective group which is suitable for testing product. This agency will collect the record and give the developer a result.
In mobile application, crowd sourcing is becoming a latest trend.
The agency and the group get paid according to the bugs they find.
13. Connectivity Testing (Network)
Since digitization is taking over the world, we are provided with plenty of connectivity carriers.
We may run out of daily supplies, but data connection! Never.
So, what the tester has to make sure here is, how applications respond to various data carriers, especially, 3G 4G, LTE.
Testing on popular data providers would help to ensure the performance of applications since they will be the widely used networks. Also, testing how applications work when data loss or weak connection happens may help.
14.Emulator Testing policy.
There are many emulators now that developers use effectively to test any application.
Browserstack.com is the most popular among them.
In a tester’s perspective, you would want experts to test in one or more devices, on most popular versions of Android and iOS but testing in different devices, screen sizes, and OS versions can be done through emulators in order to save money and time.
15. OS version: Testing and Support
iOS and Android have significant OS versions in existing markets. Also, we have to agree that iOS is better than Android. It is the main reason why many companies are advised to develop applications in iOS initially.
Android doesn’t have complete power on the available versions provided for the users. But, apple has complete power on the users and provided versions since they manufacture both software and i Phones.
16.UXA Testing
UXA stands for user experience assessment which takes an account of skills, methods and tools used to identify how much aware the user is about the application.
UXA is categorized into three:
1. Implict
2. Explict
3. Emotional/Creative assessment
Various reasons can be pointed out for why developers always fail to replace the functionality as designers outline it. The variations that occur between UXA and software may be too small but noticeable. But, the eye of a good tester should be like a hawk, catch prey at instant.
17.Security Testing
‘According to 2017 application security report published by cyber security ventures, 111 billion new software code lines are being developed every year
Hope you all understood what we are going to discuss now.

One of the main reasons that security testing should be done is to secure user data. Whatever data user provides should be encrypted and should never reach in bad hands.
That’s a duty, moreover a responsibility. Data leakage is an issue that happens commonly. Therefore, make sure that the data transfer is done through proper channel.
‘It’s a wild world out there’.
Source