To achieve 100% automation is a pure myth. You will need some % of (manual) testing along with automation in order to deliver a successful project.

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  1. Do you think glorification of test automation is gaining more momentum rather than implementing it?

Everyone is talking about test automation these days without actually realizing the real need for it. By “real”, what I meant here is: first, we should analyze whether we really need automation for a given project or not? Do we have skilled resources to work on the project? Do we have the required tools/technologies and most important is the budget estimation in place? Does implementing an automation framework bring ROI to the organization? Some organizations are targeting to achieve 100% automation which does not look convincing to me. To achieve 100% automation is a pure myth. You will need some % of (manual) testing along with automation in order to deliver a successful project.
2)When it comes to testing automation, what has to be done to make sure that it’s effective?
Based upon my experience and knowledge of test automation, here are few tips on how to make it more effective:

  1. Segregate test cases that can be automated. NOT all tests can be automated. So, in order to have effective test automation, first, we should decide what can be automated.
  2. While we are writing tests or scenarios, analyze it parallel if those are GOOD candidates for automation.
  3. Tests that are manually executed (time-consuming), select them FIRST for automation.
  4. Focus on using quality Test DATA for your tests.
  5. Prioritise your tests.

3) Do you think working from home is a safe option considering the vulnerability of computers and networks we use for our domestic purposes?
Since the Govt. has declared the norm of Working from home, we are more prone to cyber-attacks. As an experienced professional, one must understand the security and vulnerability of computer system and network devices.
We should be taking precautionary measures in order to prevent a security breach. When we are working from home, the probability of getting the system attack/data breach/data decryption/data security is at its peak so one must be attentive to avoid such a threat.
So, we should use personal computers to do personal work rather than company’s devices. A basic level of security can be achieved with small steps in a day to day life.
4) what are the challenges you face when it comes to test automation?

  1. You should have strong knowledge of framework design and implementation.
  2. You should be familiar with the programming language core concepts in order for you to understand the framework built and design. For example: If automation framework is built using Java as programming language, then you must know about OOPS concepts.
  3. You should be aware of how to use design patterns in a specific automation project.
  4. How to deal with different exceptions for example: pageLoadTimeout or ElementNotfoundException?
  5. Not all resources in the team have the same level of knowledge on the application.
  6. Thorough product understanding is a must.
  7. Effective communication and collaboration in a team
  8. Sometimes, after using the correct X-Path, unable to locate an element.
  9. To handle pop-ups and alerts in web-based automation projects.

5) What’s the difference between a good test and a bad test?
A good test should be reliable, easy to understand, crisp, and independent from each other. Good tests always add value to a project. Good tests can be automated considering the qualities of the test. Good tests are a result of critical thinking and deep analysis of a given user requirement.
Whereas Bad test which consumes a lot of time but does not provide any value to a project. These are unnecessary lengthy steps and can’t be automated. This does not convey the purpose of the test. Not understandable and not readable as well.

Unfathomable value of app testing! How much does app testing cost?

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The user is always the king. They decide whether your innovative app is truly an innovation. However, it’s a known fact that bad user reviews are something unavoidable if you look at it from a realistic perspective. But yes! We can avoid a lot of user wrath from the play store and keep your app in that 4-star rating that’s optimum for success.
It’s true that knowingly none jeopardizes quality. But often people behind app development show a blind eye towards validating quality. Overconfidence regarding the stability of the build can prove to be disastrous.
Mobile app test cost calculator
Developing an app might not cost you much but what user seeks is quality and quality comes with a price and it can’t be discarded
There exists a usuality where app development companies are keener on the manual way of testing. Checking the functional aspect of the app is indeed needed however, there other factors that direly need to be validated before the release.
How does testing help in validating the quality aspects of an app/software? And what are those aspects?
importance of testing
Types of testing that can validate the quality of an app
There are around 2.9 million apps (it’s climbing even as we speak) in the Google play store and 1.96 million apps in the Apple App Store. Competition is sky high! To survive you need quality as an upper hand and that’s the value that testing delivers
Performance – Do you wish to measure the stability, scalability, speed, the responsiveness of your software under various loads? Then performance testing is the answer
Functionality – Functional requirement of the software needs to be validated before the release that’s the situation where functional testing can be of great help. The process helps in validating each and every function of the software.
Security – You are living in an age where breaches have become a common occurrence. To avoid loss in millions and that reputation you have built as a result of years of hard work, all the security loopholes have to be sealed off. While performing a security audit of your software all the weak links can be traced out and corrected eventually for safe software.
Compatibility – an uncountable amount of devices exists with varied screen size, OS, browsers, etc. to make sure that your software is performing as it is supposed to be, you need to validate the compatibility.
Installation testing – A software system comprises various components. To make sure that it’s installed smoothly across various devices and OS versions and types you need to check it through installation testing.
Localization – Are you are that your software behaves as per the cultural norms of people across the world? You can find that out by localization testing. Testers with varied demographics will test your software for appropriateness.
Beta testing – Before release software has to be tested within a real user environment to make sure that a robust product is set out in the market. Beta testing is the name of the process where your software will be exposed in a closed user environment so that real-time user feedback can be recorded.
Usability – You have pictured your app to be used in a certain way for a documented functionality. However, that need not be the case with a user. To make sure that the app is meant for the user perspective we have to test the usability of it.
Does testing cost more than development?
The minimum cost of developing an app will range from $2000 to tens of thousands of dollars based on the complexity. However, when you go for QA you should look at the value it brings to the table and then weigh it against the development cost.  If there is a loose end at your side It can tarnish the image of your company beyond repair and would put an end to your business once and for all. So you can’t weigh the cost of quality and even if it’s above developmental cost in the long run it would be beneficial and would be the would reason for the success of your app.
My App is 100% unit tested. Why do I need dedicated QA?

  • 100% unit test does not mean 100% test coverage
  • Testers test the software from a user perspective. Creators of the app will always be biased
  • Testers make use of negative testing that reveal a lot of bugs
  • Testers have the ability to prioritize the bug considering the biggest picture
  • Testers have specific domain expertise and they clearly know what users are seeking
  • Testers apply all of their creativity in functionality testing creating various scenarios
  • Testers ask a lot of question about the requirement so that he can find issues with the requirement stage itself
  • Testers know that the testing process can be repetitive their mindset is built on the obvious
  • Testers will be stern about their findings rather being biased

How much will it cost to test your app?
Costing is dependent on various factors. That’s the reason why many are in dark regarding the estimation of software testing.
When it comes to the costing part test bytes have created a detailed estimation engine that can calculate the costing, effort, and timeline required to test your app.
The most astounding factor about the calculator is that the generated costing would be 85-90% accurate which is far better than any other estimation method out there in the market.
Click here and you will be led to a cost calculator where you will be asked to enter certain details for effective and in-depth evaluation.
Let’s go through them
Domain-specific testing assures much more detailed evaluation and validation. By knowing the domain, we will be able to designate testers who have sound experience and track record in the chosen domain.
How much does testing cost (test cost calculator) screen 1
Testing strategy and procedure will have change based on the OS type. OS type will also have an impact on cost too.
How much does testing cost (test cost calculator) screen 2
There exist a plethora of screen sizes at present. Your app has to be tested in the most common screen sizes to ensure that the app’s appearance and each screen size will have an impact on the cost.

Similar to screen size, your app has to be tested on various devices to ensure that it’s performing fine. And it has to be done on a combination of emulator + real device basis and it will have an impact on costs.
How much does testing cost (test cost calculator) screen 4
If it’s a standalone app there won’t be any cost difference. However, if your app has third-party integration it has to be tested and obviously, it will add up to the cost.
How much does testing cost (test cost calculator) screen 5
 
it’s mandatory to test the functionality, usability, and compatibility of your app. By adding more testing type’s maximum stability, scalability, and security of the app can be validated.
When it comes to testing security, there are two types of testing black box and gray box testing.
Since security testing is an intricate process and requires much more effort and time than that of any other type, its cost will be shown separately and will be added to the final cost.
How much does testing cost (test cost calculator) screen 6
Each testing cycle means the entry and exit point of the QA of your app. Enhancements will require more cycles and it will be reflected in the cost.  So you must specify how much testing cycle will be required.
For a better understanding have a look at the diagram and find out what happens in every cycle

Once you have submitted all the data you will receive a mail that will explain in detail the estimation by compartmentalization.
Let’s have a look
The first section will have all the details you have submitted when you tried our test cost calculator
How much does testing cost (test cost calculator) screen 8
 
The next section will have the text execution break down in an easy to understand graphical representation as well as in detailed tabular format.
How much does testing cost (test cost calculator) screen 9
How much does testing cost (test cost calculator) screen 10
Based on user input there is also a module wise division of text execution effort
How much does testing cost (test cost calculator) screen 11
Your requirement will decide what type of testing strategy is needed for your app. And each testing type requires specific effort. This section contains testing types that are by default mandatory and the types that you have opted for and our suggestions in testing types to make sure that your app is robust not in terms of certain aspects but all.

 


Beneath the graphical representation, there will be the final amount and time required to test your app.
*You might be thinking why the range has so much disparity.  Many dwindling factors come into the picture while estimation, for instance, remuneration of a senior test engineer will differ from that of a junior tester and obviously that will affect costing too. It’s up to the user to choose the expertise of the tester.

 Conclusion
Transparency and efficiency is the key to a long-lasting client – business relationship. We understand that very well and that’s the reason why we are constantly trying to bring forth innovations and integrations to our core system. This cost calculator we have is the most advanced and detailed in existence. Hope it can be of help to those who wish to get a detailed estimate quickly.

In performance testing, we are focusing to find the bottleneck of an application, but in performance engineering, the focus is to reduce those bottlenecks and improve the performance of that application.

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Do you think choosing the right metrics is important for performance testing efficiency?

Any testing process is meaningless without a goal, metrics can often act as the goal when it comes to performance testing. When it comes to performance testing goals the focus should be on metrics like throughput, response time, Latency, Error percentage, etc.
By performing the performance testing, based on these metrics, we can assure the performance of a web application or an API, or any system.
if a tester is not able to identify the right metrics in the early stage itself, it will be hard to reach any consultation and to put an end to the testing process.

What according to you is the biggest performance testing hurdle at present and in the near future

Definitely, the environment setup process,  less information about the expected requirement and the hardest one, not having a clear picture regarding the goal of the performance testing.

Cloud computing is becoming prominent in software testing. What are the things that need to be taken care of while performing tests in a cloud platform?

 

  1. The environment setup
  2. The cloud environment knowledge of that QA engineer, who is responsible for the testing process
  3. Knowledge about the working principle of cloud architecture
  4. Failure due to one user action on the cloud should not affect other users’ performance
  5. The data integrity while performing data-driven testing.
The shift from performance testing to performance engineering. What’s your take on this?

In performance testing, the focus will be on finding the bottleneck of an application, but in performance engineering, the focus is to reduce those bottlenecks and to improve the performance of the application. So, as a QA engineer,  finding the bottleneck or any performance-related issue is not enough nowadays, we must learn or think about how should we overcome those issues.
Moreover we, the QA engineers are responsible for the quality of the application that will reach the end-user.

Why stress testing is important in the current scenario?

In the real-time scenario, we’ll not be able to assume the user traffic of an application, it may increase, decrease or remain constant over a certain period of time
To generate that kind of real-time scenario we must perform spike or stress testing to ensure that the application has what it takes to deal with the sudden change in the traffic volume.

What is OWASP? Top 10 OWASP Vulnerabilities

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Came across the name OWASP many a time but do not know what is OWASP? Every 3-4 years, OWASP Top 10 Security Vulnerabilities release help businesses/web applications that are commonly exploited by hackers and offer recommendations for tackling these attacks.
As a security professional or a business owner, you would want to look into this list as it acts as an awareness document to better understand your current security approach and posture to become better equipped to determine and mitigate these security threats.
The latest edition of Top 10 Security Vulnerabilities by OWASP was released in 2017. Therefore, one can expect the new edition to be released sometime next year in 2021.
But what does the 2021 version hold? What security threats one can expect in the future for their web applications? Let’s discuss the top 10 security vulnerabilities of 2021.
OWASP-Top-10-Security-Risks-&-Vulnerabilities
What is OWASP? what does owasp stand for
(OWASP) The Open Web Application Security Project it’s a nonprofit organization that is in pursuit of a noble deed to protect web-related applications from cyber attacks. They have strong community support to facilitate such a tedious task. Through conferences, online newsletters, journals,  etc. they are also educating people on how to keep people their business secure.
#1 Broken Authentication
Under OWASP’s Broken Authentication category, it focuses on default or weak passwords. This has always been a major problem for all types of web applications. It is believed that weak passwords are still going to be a significant security vulnerability in 2021.
Hackers have got their hands on advanced GPU technologies, which allows them to easily break weak passwords, even if the passwords use strong ciphers. They use brute-force attacks nowadays to break passwords.
It is also found that administrators aren’t really vigilant about teaching users password best practices. Many enterprises are following the worst policies and systems for password selection. They only focus on uppercase and lowercase, special characters, and numbers, and not on password length itself.
On the other hand, users are often forced to change their passwords frequently by the administrators, which causes them to use insecure passwords. All they do in the name of changing passwords is adding a predictable number or character at the end of the previous password.
So, it is extremely important to follow good password habits in order to secure web applications in an organization.
#2 Injection
Injection flaws are another great security vulnerability that might continue in 2021. They can lead to disastrous and undesirable results. Injection flaws may include file system injections, LDAP injections, SQL injections, and many more. Some of these flaws are so severe that they can even lead to remote code execution.
Injection flaws happen when web applications take in users-supplied data in the form of a search or field query and pass it onto the server or backend database without a thorough input validation check.
Thus, it becomes easy for the hackers to craft a string in an attempt to exploit the web application. The sad part is that without sufficient input sanitization, the query is executed on the server.
Organizations need to use tried and tested remediation techniques like using a combination of output escaping, stored procedures, parameterized queries, and whitelists for server-side input validation.
Another measure they can take is to use database controls like LIMIT for preventing mass disclosure in the event of a well-executed injection attack.
#3 XML External Entities (XXE)
XML External Entities is a type of attack that takes advantage of the XML parsers in a web application that might execute and process some payload like an external reference in the XML document.
It was a new type of attack that web applications experienced and surfaced 6-7 years back. According to OWASP, XXE replaced CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery), which was present in the 2010 and 2013 editions of the report.
Over the years, it has been observed that XXE vulnerability in XML processing is steadily increasing its traction. As a result, it has become more severe for web applications.
In case if a hacker modifies or adds these external entities in an XML file, pointing them to a malicious source, it can lead to an SSRF attack or a denial of service (DoS) attack. The worst part is that these flaws can scan internal systems, extract data, and run port scans, among other malicious activities.
Pen testing cost + app testing strategies
#4 Sensitive Data Exposure
Sensitive Data Exposure is still going to be a big web application vulnerability in 2021. Sensitive data, such as user credentials, health records, and financial information, among other things, have never been safe. They are the primary target of hackers.
Thus, they should be kept hidden in visible as plaintext or should be encrypted. If not, attackers could easily gain access to confidential information by deploying man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks for stealing the data in transit.
In the last couple of years, exposure to sensitive data/information has become increasingly common. As a result, there has been a significant rise in data breaches. In the majority of cases, the information in these exposed databases was not encrypted.
This is a big worry for organizations because finding exposed databases is not a big deal for professional web application vulnerability scanners. According to security experts, one way to tackle this issue in the future is to enforce encryption and use standard algorithms and proper key management.
#5 Security Misconfiguration
This type of security vulnerability applies to all security risk factors that are not triggered by a programming error but a configuration error. Under Security Misconfiguration, there lies a wide range of potential security issues, such as outdated software and lack of operating system hardening. The worst part is that these issues extend to the webserver.
While security misconfigurations can be easily spotted using a web application vulnerability scanner, dealing with it can be a lot tougher. Using default configurations, neglecting to upgrade or patch systems, overlooking verbose error messages leaking confidential data, and misconfiguring security headers can all increase the risk of this vulnerability.
According to experts, security misconfiguration can also be a part of network security. So, it can pose a major threat to web applications in 2021 if overlooked. Thus, it is important that organizations update configurations, review all permissions, and install patches.
Also Read: How Much Does Penetration testing cost?
#6 Broken Access Control
Under OWASP’s Broken Access Control category, it covers situations leading to issues like insecure direct object references and forced browsing. The sad news is this type of vulnerability cannot be identified by any kind of automated tool. Therefore, this could be one of the biggest security vulnerabilities of 2021.
An automated tool can detect the lack of proper authorization; however, one cannot guess whether certain unauthorized functionality is made available to the user or whether the account of a specific user should have access to certain resources. This is because the vulnerabilities can only be judged by a human.
These vulnerabilities can go unnoticed until manual penetration tests are performed. Thus, organizations need to re-use and implement access control checks throughout their web applications.
#7 Insecure Deserialization
Insecure Deserialization was only added to OWASP Top Security Vulnerabilities in the 2017 edition. So, this is relatively a new type of security threat that organizations are still getting accustomed to.
Insecure deserialization occurs in specific cases and refers to the conversion of serialized information back into objects usable by the web application. It is a type of attack on web applications where the data objects are tampered with, causing serious consequences like a remote code execution or a denial of service (DoS).
The best way to prevent this issue is to stop accepting serialized objects from malicious or untrusted sources.
#8 Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-Site Scripting or XSS is one of the most common vulnerabilities affecting web applications. It works in a way that the hacker injects a script into the page output of a web application. This tricks the web browser into believing that it is part of the page and ultimately runs the script.
The attacker executes this attack by sending an email to the user with a malicious link, making it seem like the email is coming from a trusted source. Once the user clicks to open the link, the script is executed in the user’s web browser. This way, the attacker can easily steal confidential data, including user credentials, session cookies, and even deliver malware.
The best way to counter this issue is by using frameworks like the latest Ruby on Rails that helps in filtering out XSS by design.

#9 Insufficient Logging and Monitoring
Organizations fail to log events that are of interest to them regarding their web applications. This leads to data breaches. Insufficient logging and monitoring is a security vulnerability because it gives hackers plenty of time to wreak havoc on your web applications.
For organizations, it is important that they ensure all suspicious activities like input validation failures, access control failures, failed logins, etc., are addressed and logged to determine malicious accounts.
#10 Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities
This is a type of vulnerability that OWASP defines as putting too much trust in 3rd-party codes. The libraries of that code can be rigged, causing serious issues in your web application.
Thus, organizations need to constantly scrutinize sources like CVE in the components. Also, it is important to monitor patches and version updates for both server and client-side components along with their dependencies.
Final Words
These vulnerabilities have always been there. It is up to the organization how they deal with such issues to protect their web applications. Knowing these flaws ahead can give you an opportunity to prevent any severe disaster.

11 Effective Mobile App Testing Strategies

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Having a good strategy in testing an app is as important as having a good test plan. Effective mobile app testing strategies will make sure that maximum efficiency is maintained and the cost is kept at bay.
let’s have a look at effective mobile app testing strategies.
What and why we need a mobile app testing strategy?
A strategy is very important to achieve a goal. It lists out the things to do as part of testing to achieve the quality objective with maximum coverage in the available time.
Regarding mobile applications, the time to market is reducing with every passing day.
To beat the competition you need to launch your mobile app with excellent quality asap or at least before your competitor. This is where the importance of a testing strategy comes in.
A testing strategy aims to ensure good quality, high performance, and maximum test coverage in a limited time. Here are a few things that need to be covered as part of a mobile app testing strategy:

  1. Devices: There is an exhaustive list of mobile devices available in the market. This count is also increasing exponentially. This makes it close to impossible to test your application on all devices. The best option thus would be to design a strategy to select the devices based on the adoption in that particular market or based on the expected user base.
  2. Emulators/Simulators: Another more viable option would be to go in for emulators and simulators. This way you will be able to get more coverage of the devices with limited cost.
  3. Types of testing: One of the main objectives of designing the test strategy would be to list out the different types of testings needed for the mobile application. This would be based on the functionality of the mobile app, the markets it is launched in, the expected user base, and many more.

Mobile app testing process
What’s the difference between a mobile app test plan and a test strategy?
Test strategy and plan are often used together and also interchangeably. But they are not the same. There are subtle differences between a mobile testing plan and mobile testing strategy. Let us look at some of these differences below:

Mobile Test Plan Mobile Test Strategy
A plan would include scope, objective, and the effort required to perform the mobile app testing.
 		 A strategy is essentially a guiding document that determines how mobile app testing should be done.
A mobile app test plan would include the details of the testing process like the requirements tested, entry, and exit criteria, the testing timelines, pre-requisites, etc. A mobile app strategy document, on the other hand, would include the team organization structure, testing status communication structure, communication strategy, and other such details.
 
A mobile app test plan is prepared at a team level by the team lead for circular within the project and testing teams. A mobile app strategy document is prepared by the test manager for presentations at the leadership level to understand the plan for testing.
 
A test plan is at a project level and specific to that project alone. It includes requirement mapping and can not be used for other projects. A test strategy for mobile app testing would be a generic document that can be leveraged for other similar projects as well with some modifications.
 
A mobile test plan can easily be changed with concurrence from the respective stakeholders. A strategy is a more rigid document that does not change after each iteration or project. It is ideally a directional or guiding document for the testing efforts.
 

Know More: Wish to know how to test a mobile app?

app testing methodology
What are the different types of effective mobile app testing strategies?
Here we look at the different types of testing strategies that must be part of your mobile app testing strategy document to achieve a good quality product.
App Bug fixing (App testing strategies)
Strategy no: 1 Cross-Platform Testing
There are different types of mobile OS available in the market. The main being android and iOS.
It is essential to plan to test the mobile application on all platforms to ensure the application works as expected on all platforms.
Most applications will have a separate code set for android and iOS, hence it is important to test the application cross-platform to find any issues.
Strategy no: 2 Functionality Testing
The main testing has to be related to the functionality of the application that we are developing.
The USP for any application is how well it performs the task it is intended to. So, it is very important to test to complete functionality in and out.
Every flow in the application needs to be tested to ensure there are no broken functionalities or flows.
Strategy no: 3 Type of application
There are mainly 3 types of mobile applications

  • Native application – the ones developed specifically for the Android or iOS platform
  • Mobile Web application – browser-based applications on the mobile phone and
  • Hybrid – a mix of the above two

While planning for testing, good coverage is needed for all three types of applications to ensure stability and performance.
Strategy no: 4 UI and UX testing
The user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are the next things that need to be planned well without fail.
The user interface is what the users see and how they interact with your mobile application.
The UI should be designed in a way that it is to understand and navigate through the app for all categories of users.
Similarly, for UX also the navigation between the pages and the time taken to generate the reports of output as per the application should be well within the pre-defined SLA.
With the numerous mobile apps available in the market today, your app may not get a second chance if the consumer or end-user does not like it.
Strategy no: 5 Backend Testing
Backend testing is done to ensure the data is getting stored in the right places and in the right format.
During the testing, we need to ensure that the data entered by the user is saved correctly, against the right profile, and also it should be easily retrievable.
Backend testing also involves checking the different places where the data is saved and reflected in the application and that it is done correctly.
Saving and retrieving the correct user profile would be another major use case for backend testing.
Strategy no: 6 Network compatibility Testing
Mobiel applications behave according to the variances in internet strength
In this case, network compatibility testing needs to be included in your test strategy as well.
This will include testing the application in different network configurations like with data and wifi.
Different signal strength, bandwidth, and then measuring the TPS (transactions per second) to see if is within the planned SLA.
Strategy no: 7 Storage Testing
Storage testing has become an important part of the mobile app testing strategy very recently.
With the growing number of apps being used and limited space available for use.
People tend to avoid apps that need too much space to download or more data to use.
Thus it is important to check and rectify these parameters for better acceptance from the end-users.
Strategy no: 8 Data flow testing
Most mobile applications are not stand-alone and need one or the other input from systems and servers outside the app.
It thus becomes an important part of the strategy to include the testing of the data flow from one system to the other.
Strategy no: 9 Localization Testing
While this may not be needed for all apps, if needed it would be good to have in your strategy.
Localization testing involves testing the application for location-based parameters like language, maps, and any other things related to the locations. These are sometimes legal requirements also for some locations.
Strategy no: 10 Device Testing:
There are a plethora of devices in existence now. To make sure that your app is working fine on all of them you need to check the app’s performance, functionality, and UI on real devices.
It’s a challenging as well as a daunting task. And there are thousands of devices with varied screen size out there. So in this situation depending on emulators has been seen as a common practice.
But it’s true that emulators are not an absolute solution. So the perfect solution here would be to test the app in screen size that’s commonly used and then for other options use emulators.
Pen testing cost + app testing strategies
Mobile App Testing Strategy for Agile Projects
Agile is a relatively new buzzword. It translates to faster time to market, more flexibility in terms of features, frequent deliveries, and better results.
While everyone agrees on the importance of testing and quality, the testing window in Agile is usually very less.
Hence, in addition to what is already discussed in the previous section here are some pointers that need to be considered as part of the mobile app testing strategy.

  1. Early Testing

To start with, testing has to start as early as possible in the sprint. Even if the code can not be moved to a separate QA or stage environment, plan to test in lower environments to get the initial results that the team can work on.

  1. Establish an alignment between the dev and testing team

There is a dire need to set up a communication channel that can help team members be aware of the changes happening this includes the changes in development and testing.
Using tools for code check-ins and bug tracking is also helpful in keeping the team informed.

  1. Infrastructure Readiness

Mobile application testing is dependent on real devices and simulars.
Ensure these are made available in sufficient number with a buffer so we do not end up with damaged and non-functional devices which will eventually eat up the already crunched test window.
The availability of a stable test environment before the sign-off should also be part of the strategy.

  1. Exploratory Testing

Testers with expertise in mobile application testing would be able to pinpoint the problem areas in a mobile application based on their previous works.
Hence exploratory testing should be added to the strategy to ensure we can get maximum coverage in lesser time. This also helps to prioritize the areas of testing and channelizing the efforts in the right direction.

  1. Automation Testing

By automating the requirements and features from the first iteration itself will give you time to work on new and more business-critical features.
Thus the mobile app testing strategy should focus on implementing an automation framework that can be scaled-up and utilized over the different iterations and beyond.
Final Thoughts…
The strategy is what drives the team towards working on the common goal of best quality and performance by your mobile application. So, it is very important to have a well-thought-out and detailed mobile app testing strategy document with a futuristic view.
A mobile app testing strategy is like an anchor for a ship. It steers it in the right direction and helps the ship to reach its destination safely and happily.

What is a Vulnerability Assessment? A Detailed guide

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The definition of the term vulnerability assessment from a security perspective is to deeply evaluate, define, classify and prioritize vulnerabilities so that They can be corrected. The process is carried out by vulnerability scanners such as Nikto2, Netsparker, OpenVAS, W3AF, etc.
To know in detail, we have incorporated all the necessary details that you need to know about vulnerability assessment, along with its implementation. So you won’t put your company’s IT system at risk.
Let’s get started!
how to do vulnerability assessment
What Is a Vulnerability Assessment?
An organization’s system consists of various components, such as end-points, applications, and network infrastructures.
All of these provide equal opportunities for hackers to enter into the IT system.
The role of vulnerability assessment here is to check all these elements for vulnerabilities that may be present at any level.
Hence, ensuring proper protection of the system against unauthorized accesses.
A few key points that also get covered under vulnerability assessment are:

  • Defining the vulnerabilities
  • Identifying the vulnerabilities
  • Classification of vulnerabilities
  • Prioritization of vulnerabilities
  • Laying out knowledge about vulnerabilities
  • Providing suitable solutions to the available threats and vulnerabilities

vulnerability assessment methodology
In simple terms, it can also be stated that vulnerability assessments are done in every organization to find and prioritize the available vulnerabilities. This way, the system’s loopholes can be fixed, and all the breaches can be avoided.
These vulnerabilities can be divided into two categories:

  • Code Bugs: Sometimes, developers leave bugs/flaws in the code. It becomes a vulnerable point because confidential information can get leaked through it.
  • Security Gaps: While all enterprises ensure their system’s complete security, they may leave a gap in their internal processes. It can provide space for intruders to enter their environment and get access to whichever information they want.

What is a Vulnerability Assessment?
5 Crucial Steps in Vulnerability Assessment

  • Identify the potential hazards
  • Determine the risks
  • Evaluate the defense system
  • Record the findings
  • Periodical review

Top 15 Vulnerability assessment tools 

  1. Netsparker
  2. OpenVAS
  3. W3AF
  4. Arachni
  5. Acunetix
  6. Nmap
  7. OpenSCAP
  8. GoLismero
  9. Burp Suite
  10. Comodo HackerProof
  11. Intruder
  12. Retina CS Community
  13. Crashtest Security
  14. GamaScan
  15. Nexpose

Why Is Vulnerability Assessment Crucial?
Vulnerability assessment has now become a vital part of every organization.
It is essential because it provides the enterprises with proper knowledge and understanding of security weaknesses in their environment.
Moreover, the process offers awareness of accessing the present vulnerabilities and the risks associated with them.
Therefore, helping the organizations to avoid any security breaches that can put their business in jeopardy.
Other benefits of vulnerability assessment include:
Pen testing cost
Defining Risk Levels
Whether you believe it or not, your organization’s security is always under threat.
While this risk is inevitable, you can certainly identify the underlying vulnerabilities with proper assessment. It will help in resolving the dangers and make your system more secure.
Avoid Automated Attacks
Intruders have become smart nowadays. They don’t leave any chance of creating trouble for you. That is why they use automated attacks to check the availability of vulnerabilities in your system and take advantage of it.
Where this makes their work more convenient, it brings more significant risk for your organization. Under vulnerability assessment, experts use the same tools as these hackers. So they can avoid these automated attacks.
 

Also Read:  Best vulnerability assessment tools used for security audit

Prioritizing Risks
Even if you are aware of all the available risks to your organization’s IT system, you may still end up making a mistake. Most people’s standard error here is that they focus more on unnecessary vulnerabilities while leaving behind the significant ones.
But this mistake won’t happen with the help of vulnerability assessment.
The process won’t only identify the threats, but it will also help prioritize them based on their severity.
Therefore, you can ensure that the more significant vulnerabilities get resolved first, and the less severe ones get assessed only after that.
Time And Money Savings
A data breach doesn’t only waste time and money on security restructuring. If your enterprise goes through an attack, you also have to deal with some legal formalities.
Moreover, you will have to invest effort and money in PR to maintain your company’s image.
On the other hand, a vulnerability assessment can easily help you avoid all this hassle by securing the system from known threats.
Hence, you will then be able to focus on more crucial tasks while remaining carefree about the security of your system.

What Are The Types Of Vulnerability Assessment?
Vulnerability assessment is further divided into various types, depending on the area of the IT environment that is being checked. Here are some of the common kinds:

  • Network-Based: As the name suggests, this method is opted to find out the vulnerabilities in the organization’s wired and wireless networks.
  • Host-Based: This includes a proper examination of network hosts through ports and services. It works on hosts like servers and workstations.
  • Web Application: Web applications are an easy point for hackers to enter into the system. This method helps identify the loopholes in the app architecture that can lead to breaches.
  • Database: Attacks like SQL injection can lead to severe data losses in an enterprise. Database methods include scanning the entire database for any available vulnerabilities to avoid these attacks.

Other kinds of end-point or network scan can be done to find the risk against any available threats to the organization’s IT system, such as phishing assessment and penetration testing.
Difference between vulnerability assessment and vulnerability management

Vulnerability assessment Vulnerability Management
Vulnerability assessment has a fixed time period for its occurrence It’s an ongoing process
The process used to find the severity of vulnerabilities Used to manage Vulnerability assessment or pen testing
Performed with the help of automation tools It’s a collective process
Vulnerability assessment is just a part of the cybersecurity program It’s a detailed process that can handle all the security-related issues

Vulnerability Assessment vs Penetration testing. What’s the difference between vulnerability assessment and penetration testing

Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing
Used to assess vulnerabilities with the help of a tool that’s capable of doing the scan in an automated fashion It’s a manual process where each module of software is tested for vulnerabilities individually
Usually done  through automation Performed by combining automated as well as the manual process
Performed often Performed once in a year mostly
Comprehensive list of vulnerabilities which may include false positives Serves as a call to action document about vulnerabilities that can be easily exploited
Can be performed by in-house security staff Can only be performed by a third party company who has required resources at the disposal

Vulnerability Assessment vs Penetration Testing

 
 
 

Also Read: How much will it cost for penetration testing?

 
The vulnerability assessment process differs for every enterprise due to its distinct infrastructures.
However, we can still build a basic 5-step procedure that works for most organizations. So it will provide you with an overview of how things get done in this process.
Step 1: Initial Planning
The first step includes proper analysis of the infrastructure to decide all the systems and networks to be checked.
You also need to identify the critical systems and data that have to be protected at any cost.
For example, the databases that hold essential information about your enterprise have to be scanned appropriately.
Remember that each of the professionals working on the process should expect the same output of vulnerability assessment.
It will help in proceeding further suitably. Plus, there should be proper communication throughout the planning so that any errors can be avoided.
Step 2: Scanning
Once you receive a complete list of systems and networks that have to be checked, the next step is to scan them.
Here, you will have to find all the available vulnerabilities in them. The information found on this step won’t be refined.
Therefore, you need not get overwhelmed with the long record of risks and vulnerabilities because several of them can be false positives.
Step 3: Analysis
It isn’t possible to resolve all the received vulnerabilities as some of them can be wrong.
That is why a proper analysis has to be done to find the underlying cause of these vulnerabilities.
Thus, they can get sorted based on their integrity. However, this isn’t the only objective covered in this step.
Along with the viability test, the associated risks, potential impact, and solutions of each vulnerability also get checked here.
After that, the threats are prioritized based on their severity. This helps resolve the more impactful vulnerabilities first and leave the rest for later assessment to cause no significant harm to the enterprise.
A report of the discovered vulnerabilities also gets prepared here, and it includes the following points:

  • Vulnerability definition
  • Scanning date
  • A complete description of the vulnerability
  • Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Scores
  • Systems and networks affected by the vulnerability, with their details.
  • Available remediation techniques for the vulnerability
  • Vulnerability PoC (Proof of Concept)

Step 4: Remediation
The ultimate aim of a vulnerability assessment is to eliminate all the available vulnerabilities and make the system secure against the risks.
So if you don’t resolve the found security gaps, there won’t be any use of the previously done steps.
That is why this step includes remediation of the vulnerability found in the earlier procedure.
It can involve a simple code update or a more thorough understanding of what is wrong in the system.
You may need to install new applications, implement the latest security patches, or use other tools for the purpose.
The resolving of vulnerabilities will begin with the high priority vulnerabilities, and then you will have to move to less significant ones.
Experts may recommend leaving some of the no-impact vulnerabilities that aren’t worth the time and effort required to resolve them.
Step 5: Repetition
Vulnerability assessment isn’t a one-time process. Rather, it is a regular activity that must be done under expert guidance to ensure that the organization’s system remains secure from any threat.
That is why the final step here is to create a cycle of this procedure according to your enterprise’s needs.
The importance of a vulnerability assessment increases when you have introduced a new prominent feature, application, or network into the infrastructure.
Therefore, you must make sure that the process gets repeated every once in a while, and the entire IT system remains secure.
And in these five steps, the entire process gets done. You can adjust the steps and include a more thorough study of the vulnerabilities in it based on your enterprise’s requirements.
In case you aren’t sure about something, you can also opt for a service provider.
As they deal with different organizations every day, they will be able to offer you the most reliable solution for your individual needs.
Vulnerability assessment process
Using Tools For Vulnerability Assessment
Earlier, the process of vulnerability assessment was conducted by the security professionals who knew about the latest threats in the market.
So they conveniently checked the entire IT system against these risks and implemented the required security measures.
This was time-consuming and inefficient, as various unknown threats got left out from the inspection.
Then came the use of automated vulnerability assessment tools. These tools usually opt for the same methods that are used by professional intruders.
Hence, they are able to catch all the vulnerabilities that may give the system’s access to hackers.
The top vulnerability assessment tools include:

  • Netsparker
  • Intruder
  • Aircrack
  • OpenVAS
  • Nikto
  • Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
  • Acunetix
  • AppTrana
  • SolarWinds Network Vulnerability Detection
  • Nexpose Community
  • Tripwire IP360
  • Retina CS Community
  • Wireshark
  • Nessus Professional
  • Secunia Personal Software Inspector

How To Choose The Vulnerability Assessment Tools?
Just like it is crucial to conduct a vulnerability assessment, it is also vital to pick the correct tool for the purpose.
Your choice should majorly depend on your enterprise’s requirements. The factors that you must consider before opting for a specific vulnerability assessment tool are:
Compatibility
The first aspect you need to check in your chosen tool is whether or not it is compatible with your organization’s systems and networks.
In case it misses out on even one of these components, it will be of no use for you.
Only a compatible tool will be able to provide you with accurate information on the available vulnerabilities, prioritization, and remediation.
Therefore, you must ensure that your selected product fulfills all the requirements.
Testing Repetition
The final step of a vulnerability assessment is to repeat the process in a pre-determined duration to make certain that the overall system remains secure at any point in time.
Now, the tool you pick for this purpose depends on the intervals you choose for vulnerability assessment.
Usually, this factor can be categorized into two types:

  • Continuous: These tools work round the clock. Thus, you need not worry about the security aspect anytime, as the tool will take care of that. It is mostly preferred in places where the risks of data breaches are exceptionally high.
  • Intermittent: Another category of tools are the ones that work on some intervals. While it ensures proper security, it won’t check the systems round the clock. Most organizations prefer this type of tool, as it provides them with the desired results without much hassle.

You can pick either of them based on how much your enterprise is under risk of security breaches.
Cloud Support
Clouds have become a crucial part of every organization because they are easy to maintain, provide access from any point, and don’t cost much.
Along with their extensive benefits, these cloud platforms can also become a bane for your enterprise if you don’t ensure its security.
That is why your chosen vulnerability assessment tool should support the scanning of cloud-based platforms.
Remember to opt for this feature even if you don’t use any clouds currently.
This way, you won’t have to worry about switching your vulnerability assessment tool whenever you decide to move to cloud platforms.
Vulerability assessment protection
Update Quality and Speed
Quality and speed are the two most essential factors in the modern world. They make certain that the delivered product or service is reliable and efficient.
That is why they need to be checked in your vulnerability assessment tool as well.
The vendor must provide quality updates within the best possible time. For example, the time gap between a new threat being discovered and the vendor updating the tool for detecting the same should be as small as possible.
Prioritization
Prioritization is the most crucial step of the entire vulnerability assessment process.
This step alone makes sure that more significant threats get handled first so that no complication occurs later.
That is why you need to check the selected tool’s prioritization procedure.
Every vulnerability assessment tool uses an algorithm to prioritize the detected vulnerabilities.
Depending on the vendor, various factors may be incorporated into this algorithm to produce a more refined priority list of risks.
You have to go through these aspects and ensure they work properly according to your enterprise requirements.
Industry Standards
The tool selected by you must obey all the industry standards in which your enterprise works. For example, the pharma sector requires vulnerability checks for its supply chain and mobile workforce.
On the other hand, the banking industry needs to ensure that their systems are updated and secured. So whichever domain you work in, the tool should fulfill its basic requirements and standards.
By checking all these essential factors, you will make certain that your chosen vulnerability assessment tool doesn’t fall short in any aspect. Hence, it will provide you with the best results.
Conclusion
No matter how secure and protected you keep your enterprise’s environment, intruders always find a way to get through the layers.
You can still ensure that your system’s weak points don’t create a more severe problem. For this, you can opt for a vulnerability assessment.

What is Ethical Hacking? How does it help?

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

What is ethical hacking? before we get to it, let’s see how the name was coined. In the 1960s, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology coined the term ‘hacker.’ This word referred to experts who leveraged their skills to re-develop the mainframe systems, optimize their efficiency, and facilitate multi-tasking.
Today, this term is popularly used to describe skilled programmers who acquire unauthorized access systems by using bugs or exploiting weaknesses. With the massive internet penetration and growth in e-commerce, malicious or unethical hacking has witnessed a significant rise.
But not all hacking is bad, which brings us to another form of hacking – Ethical Hacking.
In this, skilled hackers are hired by companies to assess the vulnerabilities of the networks and systems and develop a relevant solution to prevent data exploitation. In this detailed article, we are sharing everything you need to know about ethical hacking.
What is Ethical Hacking
It is essentially an authorized practice of getting into the system security in order to determine potential threats to the network and data breaches. The company hires ethical hackers to perform such activities to test the defensiveness of the system.
Contrary to unethical practices, the process of ethical hacking is planned, organized, approved, and above all, legal.
The main objective of ethical hackers is to investigate the network or systems for the weak point where malicious hackers can enter and exploit.
Furthermore, they gather and analyze information in order to come up with effective ways to reinforce the security of the applications, systems, or networks.

What Are The 7 Types of Hackers?
There are different types of hackers based on the activities. Some of the important types of hackers include:

  1. Whitehat Hackers

These are individuals who perform ethical hacking to assist organizations. These hackers believe that companies should inspect the network in the same way as criminal hackers in order to better understand the vulnerabilities.
White hackers perform these activities without any criminal intent. These professions test how safe a system, network, or application is and point out the vulnerabilities. Moreover, they leverage their skills and expertise to treat the weak points.

  1. Black Hat Hackers

These hackers are also known as dark side hackers or crackers. They leverage their skills and exploit systems, networks, or applications with criminal intent.
They gain unauthorized access to computer systems to violate privacy rights, transfer funds from various bank accounts, steal sensitive corporate information.

  1. Gray Hat Hackers

These hackers are an amalgamation between whitehat and blackhat hackers. While they adhere to the law, at times, they also take up illegal practices. It is quite risky to appoint gray hat hackers to execute the security duties as you can never tell where they actually stand.

  1. Script Kiddies

It is a term used for system intruders with little to no skills. These are individuals who simply follow the direction or use other people’s shellcodes to perform hacking. They do not necessarily understand the steps involved in the process.

  1. Green Hat Hackers

These hackers are well-versed in hacking codes, programs, and they are amidst the process of learning more. The primary objective is to become an expert in this field. But whether they will be using their skills for ethical practices or unethical practices is yet to be determined.

  1. Purple Hat Hacker

Purple hat hackers are the experts who test themselves on their own systems. They hack into their own systems or applications to identify how good they are at cyber hacking and security.

  1. Blue Hat Hackers

These are junior hackers similar to green hat hackers and script kiddies but with a significant difference. These hackers use their skills to take revenge against an individual or organization.
Types-of-Ethical-Hackers

Also Read: How to escape from a data breach?

What is the Use of Ethical Hacking?
There are multiple ways ethical hackers assist organizations that include:

  1. Determining Vulnerabilities

Ethical hackers help organizations identify which of their security measures are effective, which contain vulnerabilities and are outdated, and can be exploited. Once they have finished the evaluation process, they report their findings back to the organization.
The managers can leverage this data to further make informed decisions about how to improve their security to protect their environment from cyber attacks.

  1. Helping Companies to Determine Cybercriminals’ Pathway

Ethical Hacking practices indicate the hacking techniques that malicious hackers use to attack systems and put the company in danger. However, when companies have a thorough knowledge of the methods selected by the attackers to break into the systems, it is better prepared for their vital resources from being exposed and exploited.

  1. Strengthening the Defense

Cyberattacks can be detrimental for companies, especially small and medium-sized businesses. But even with the kind of impact these attacks have, most of the organizations continue to be unprepared for them. Ethical hackers know how threat actors work and what information and technique they will use to attack the systems.
When security professionals who work together with ethical hackers are better prepared for future attacks, they can respond to threats’ changing nature.
Is Ethical Hacking Legal?
When ethical hacking practices are used with the right intent, it can prove to be highly valuable. Ethical hackers help an organization strengthen its defense against cyberattacks. However, there are some circumstances where ethical hacking can also become illegal. And we have mentioned some of these situations.

  1. The Hacker has Altered, Misused, or Destroyed the Company Data

While assessing the company’s system, these hackers get direct access to vital information. And when they end up altering or destroying the company’s data. Making changes in the data might compromise the integrity, and the company can file a lawsuit against the hacker. Genuine ethical hackers always document their work to ascertain their authenticity to the company.

  1. Exposure of Confidential Company Data

When companies provide hackers with access to their networks and systems, they come across some confidential and sensitive information. The company staff may not be knowledgeable enough to understand what the hacker is doing or what he or she has come across.
And, if the hackers expose the information to any third party for their personal gain, then it is an evidently illegal practice, and the companies can file lawsuits for breaking the confidentiality agreement.

  1. The Hacker Left the Doors Open for Future Access

Creating backdoors that are only known to the hackers that can only be accessed by them is clearly illegal. The core job of an ethical hacker is to identify the vulnerable areas and fix them.
Are Hackers Rich? What’s the salary of an ethical hacker?
Certified ethical hackers are mainly certified through the CEH certificate by EC-Council. Some colleges, universities, and digital schools also provide degrees and courses that work in collaboration with the EC-Council CEH curriculum. These hackers may work with the government IT sector or corporate sector.
The average annual income of certified ethical hackers stands at $99,000 as per indeed.com. According to EC-Council, a certified ethical hacker earns an average salary of $95000.
On the whole, an ethical hacker’s salary depends on a lot of factors that include certification, experience, and company.
Use-of-ethical-hacking-(diagram)
Is Hacking Easy? What Do Hackers Study?
Being a professional hacker is all about imbibing the right knowledge and skills, and in this section, we tell you how you can start your journey as a professional hacker.
Must-Have Skills
Getting deep into the system requires you to have extensive knowledge of different technical domains and coding skills. So the first step is to master the following skills:

  • Networking concepts
  • Computer appliances
  • Understanding of operating systems
  • Knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC)
  • Efficiency in penetration testing tools and techniques
  • Understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals
  • Strong knowledge of coding
  • Efficient verbal and written communication skills

Must-have-skills-for-ethical-hackers-(diagram)
Along with these above skills, hackers should always be up for learning new technologies at different stages of their careers. Vulnerabilities continue to evolve, and so do technologies. Therefore, in order to be relevant, professional hackers have to stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies.
Programming Languages Used by Ethical Hackers
A strong understanding of programming languages is a must for ethical hackers. Following are some of the important programming languages an ethical hacker needs to know:

  • HTML: It is the bedrock of the internet, and professional hackers must learn it to understand comprehensive web action, structure, responsiveness, and logic. HyperText Markup Language is one of the easiest and common programming languages.
  • SQL: It stands for Structured Query Language and is basically a comprehensive database programming language that is harnessed to query and gather information from different databases.

All websites and web applications irrespective of their sizes use databases to secure data like login credentials, investors, etc. Therefore, ethical hackers need to learn SQL to connect with databases and generate effective hacking programming on SQL injection.

  • Perl: Considering many old systems use Perl, it has become an important language for ethical hackers to understand. It is also a commonly used language for inactive web pages as well as system administration. Perl is considered the best language for manipulating text files based on the Unix system and the implementation of web-databases.
  • PHP: It is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic programming languages. It is popularly used in websites built on CMS.

Therefore, an understanding of PHP will help hackers discover vulnerabilities in such websites. Professional hackers use this language to develop server hacking programs as it is a server-side scripting language.

  • JavaScript: It is among the most popularly used languages for web development, making it a prominent language. Hackers leverage this language for creating cross-site scripting hacking programs. Understanding JavaScript helps hackers to identify flaws in web-apps. It is also the most effective language to manipulate front-end as well as back-end web elements.
  • Python: Contrary to other programming languages, Python is easier to learn. It is also the most used language to write automation scripts. This is because it comes with pre-built libraries featuring robust functionality.

Some other important languages include:

  • C
  • C++
  • Ruby
  • Lisp
  • Java

Certification for Becoming Professional Hacker: Certified Ethical Hacker
In order to become a professional hacker, it is imperative to get C|EH credentials. Recruiters, especially from big companies, are looking for ethical hackers with C|EH certification.
It extends a practical approach to learning along with a chance to acquire practical learning experience. You get to access a plethora of tools and cyber labs to build proficiency in the field. The C|EH generates trust among the employers with respect to your skills and knowledge.
What Software Do Hackers Use?
Following are some of the prominent tools that hackers use to execute various processes:
Nmap
It is a security and port scanner and network exploration tool. Considering that it is open-source, hackers have free access to it. It also comes with cross-platform support. Nmap is generally used for managing service upgrade schedules, network inventory, monitoring uptime, etc.
Moreover, you also get a binary package for Windows, Mach OS X, and Linux. Its powerful scanning abilities and ease of use have made it highly popular in the hacking community.
Acunetix
It is an automated web application ethical hacking and security testing tool. It is leveraged to audit web applications by determining vulnerabilities such as cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and other similar weak points.
In simpler terms, the tool scans any web application or website built on HTTP/HTTPS protocol and can be accessed through a web browser.
Acunetix provides a unique and strong solution for interpreting custom web applications. The software integrates an advanced crawler that can identify any file.
Kiuwan
It is a popular vulnerability scanning tool. Kiuwan determines vulnerability in source code through comprehensive security standards that include HIPAA, SANS 25, OWASP, CWE, etc.
Additionally, it is integrated with the IDE for prompt feedback during the process of development. The software is compatible with all major programming languages and supports integration with the latest DevOps tools.
Netsparker
It is one of the most accurate and powerful ethical hacking tools. It is capable of mimicking moves of the hackers to determine vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting, SQL injection, etc.
Moreover, the tool distinctively authenticates vulnerabilities to prove that they are real. So security teams do not need to waste their time verifying the authenticity of vulnerabilities manually.
Metasploit
It is an open-source pen-testing framework written in Ruby. Metasploit works as a public resource, facilitating research for security vulnerabilities and code development. This enables a network administrator to get into the system to determine the security risks and report which vulnerabilities must be addressed.
This hacking tool is mostly used by hackers at the beginning stage to practice their skills. Metasploit allows you to mimic websites for various social engineering purposes.
Wireshark
It is free, open-source software that enables you to interpret real-time network traffic. It harnesses sniffing technology, which allows the software to identify security issues in any network.
Moreover, Wireshark can effectively solve networking problems as well. During the sniffing phase, the results are presented in a readable format, making it easier to detect potential issues, vulnerabilities, and threats.
Intruder
It is a completely automated scanner that identifies weaknesses or cybersecurity in the digital environment and illustrates the risk and assists in remedying the same. It is the perfect tool to include in the collection of ethical hacking tools.
Intruders offer more than 9000 security checks, making this software useful to enterprises of all scales and sizes. The security check includes identification, misconfiguration, common issues with a web application, SQL injection inefficiencies, cross-site scripting, and missing patches.
John the Ripper
This is one of the most powerful password crackers out there. It is used in testing the password strength in the operating system for auditing a password remotely. The tool holds the potential to identify the encryption type used in any password and alter the password test algorithm accordingly.
Why Businesses Need Ethical Hacking?
With growing cybersecurity scams, ethical hacking has emerged as the need of the hour. Below we are sharing some of the reasons businesses should consider hiring an ethical hacker:
Hacker’s Mindset
Today, data has become a more important part of the business more than ever. Every business collects a huge amount of data, and this has increased their vulnerability to cyber-attacks.
In order to catch cybercriminals, you need experts who can think like them, which is the basis of ethical hacking. Ethical hackers, with your consent, get deep into your system, identify weak points, and implement remediations.
Penetration Testing
Penetration testing is also known as PEN testing and is used to discover vulnerabilities of the system that malicious hackers can target. There are different methods to conduct penetration testing, and its usage depends on the requirements. Some of the testing methods include –

  • External testing penetrates systems that are externally exposed like DNS, web servers, etc.
  • Internal testing identifies vulnerabilities that internal users are exposed to via access privileges.
  • Blind testing encourages real attacks from malicious hackers.
  • Targeted testing centers on the people within the organization and the hacker. It is about making the staff aware of the hacking being executed.

Testers are provided with limited data with regards to the target, and they have to perform reconnaissance before the attack. Penetration testing is one of the biggest reasons to hire ethical hackers.
Assistance in Secure Cloud Transition
Organizations are moving towards the cloud to leverage efficient IT outsourcing and virtualization. This transition has also increased the threat level and the need for ethical hackers. Security has been the main concern for cloud computing.
If you want to harness cloud and digitalization potentials without risking your security, you need ethical hackers. The hacking tactics are constantly evolving, and only experts can help in overcoming the issue.
Assurance Development and Quality
When proper security testing is overlooked, it exposes software to threats and attacks. Ethical hackers are trained to execute such testings. They work together with the teams and help them perform extensive security testing. Ethical hackers also assist security teams in imbibing effective security practices to maintain the integrity of the system.
These professionals use powerful tools to eliminate vulnerabilities. The process makes it easier for developers to learn more about coding errors and avoid them in the future.

A Guide to Hiring an Ethical Hacker
Hiring ethical hackers is an effective way to ascertain security. These experts offer an ideal combination of technologies and processes that caters to the organization. But how to hire a skilled, ethical hacker? Read on to find the answer to your question.
Who Are You Looking For in hiring an ethical hacker?
When hiring an ethical hacker, there should be no compromise on the quality. Commitment, personal drive, and formal training should be the main considerations.
However, you also have to ensure that there is no conflict of interest with the hacker you hire. Steer clear from professionals who are all about promoting their products and more focused on the competitor business.
Basically, you have to focus on hiring hackers who have put your company and security needs at the forefront.
The Term of Engagement
The terms related to engagement encompasses non-compete arrangements, communication protocols, termination policies, non-disclosure agreements, etc.
When performing testing of the systems, ethical hackers may come across sensitive information. And the main objective of term engagement is to protect the company’s sensitive information from being leaked.
Skills Portfolio
Based on the business’s requirements, you will need an ethical hacker who has the right skills to cater to the same and also predict future needs. Consider hiring experts who have comprehensive experience in the field of IT security.
Consider Your Budget
The process of hiring an ethical hacker depends a lot on your budget. While the scale of the IT environment and the level of penetration testing are vital factors, willingness to spend is an equally important factor.
If you lack the budget, then consider hiring an initial penetration tester. It is a great way to spend less and these professionals offer you the roadmap of the next steps to be taken.

Also Read: Top 10 Devastating cyber attacks happened in India

Final Thoughts
There you have it, everything that you need to know about ethical hacking. Ethical hackers are in great demand due to the rise in cybercrimes in every industry.
Hiring a credible and experienced ethical hacker can prove invaluable to the organizations. By covering the vulnerable spots of the systems, businesses can leverage reinforced security and avoid detrimental implications of cyberattacks.
 

Being a tester for a long time affects your behavior? Answer is here!

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Do you think that testing is an easy job? It has never been. The conflict is intense and the it’s stressful
testing is over meme
But what makes us continue what we are doing is the love towards QA. However, many have to pay a price for that sweet love! Without even realizing it.

I talked to one of my friends lately who was going through an introspection phase of his life and said that being a tester has made him a bit too attentive towards things, rather too much he said.

He added that perfection has gotten hold of his life and has become a roadblock for many things that could have been easily one.

I took it lightly at first, owing to the nature of the conversation. But unknowingly the words got stuck inside and came out in my lone time.

Is it true that there is only a thin line between work life and personal life? Do testers tend to be doubtful or suspicious more than a normal person would?

Does our line of work affect us on a personality level?

I think it does, life situations that an individual is in for a prolonged time period will have a serious impact on his behavior.

What happens in the life of a tester as time pass by

Let’s admit it as testers; we all get pleasure out of poking things to see how things work.

And it is indeed true we all have that evil mastermind laugh when we find faults. It’s human nature.
Evil Laugh meme
But is it bad?

Absolutely no!

If you know how to harness such a mindset for the greater good it’s absolutely fine. I know that many of you have! Bravo! Kudos to that.
You are all indeed awesome.

But some might not be able to draw that line between personal life and work-life after-effects of their work nature will breach their personal life.  Not just that,

In fact, many of my friends with whom I had conversations for the research purpose for this blog have admitted that they have become too attentive and interrogative than they used to be.

To elaborate, They started watching things around them more closely as time passed by. Their eyes got hold of the negatives and demanded perfectness in whatever they do.

To an extent, it’s good, indeed! However, perfection is a colloquial term! Near perfection is achievable and it’s a realistic goal. Making things perfect is beyond humane intervention.

Research that showed us personality has a great effect on testing skills and vice versa

Your personality trait has a great effect on your testing skills. Da Cunha and Greathead have done the research and found out that Logical and ingenious people tend to be great and code review.

Another research by Hana Almodaimeegh revealed that Locus of control (the extent to which one believes that an event is the result of external factors than his/her own effort) has no effect on debugging skill of a tester. On the other hand, social learning style coupled with experience has a high influence on debugging skills.

There is one more piece of research that can cement my claim. Beer and Ramler concluded that testers with experience using their domain knowledge are much better at carrying out the testing process than others.

What do these studies converge to?

The effect is not just unidirectional. The way your personality and skills are related, and your daily bread and butter have an effect on your behavior too.

Trait Activation theory is a legit theory to prove that our job does affect our personality

What should be done to keep that barrier strong?

Take a break, not for a kit-kat, your mind and body deserves it

Testers usually work for 8+ hours, But, at present many are working at home owing to the Corona pandemic situation and the work hours are turning out to be indefinite.

So this can take a toll on your mental health as prolonged stress is a killer.  Importantly major shares of your active time are spent on scrutinizing software to find faults. So breaks are necessary to do things that have nothing to do with your work.

  1. Yes, it’s a pandemonium! But planning can be so effective

Stress is an after-effect of improper planning most of the time.

If you set goals and time frame for it you will get a lot of personal time than usual. Thus, you can spend a lot of time with your friends and family.

  1. Accept the reality! There is no way to separate both lives

Dedicated time for both work and personal life will not work positively according to many research papers.

So the right thing to do here is to create a perfect balance between work and personal life.

It’s obvious that many personal matters will come in between your work time. Deal with it! It need not be discarded if it’s that important.

  1. Unplug yourself! It helps!

Be it work life or personal life, sometimes indulging is something that can calm you always help. For instance, you can read a book while your daily commute to the office.

By doing so you will be planted in an imaginary world where you can interact with unrealistic characters in the book.

The process will decompress you from the stress. Too much work will consume your natural behavior and replace it with its.

  1. Personality conflicts are not mythical like a unicorn. It’s real! Address it

You might the coolest person. However; your work has put you under so much stress that you started changing.

Stress will soon engulf you and will make you this arrogant person that even you are not even used to.

To get out of such a situation you need to address that there is this issue. Once you address it many possible ways out will be there.

Conclusion

Acceptance of the issue, and understanding and handling it in a professional way is the only to keep that barrier strong between work life and personal life.

Third-party intervention is good, however, making sure that the person who is trying to help has the ability to help you.

We know very well that many of you testers have or have been handling the issue.

Be proud that you have managed to suppress such conflicts and have emerged as exceptional testers and good social beings.

Those who are not able to cop up, no problem, it’s absolutely ok. Personality traits do not define your skills or even how good you are at what you do.

But to be happier, all you need is a better understanding of the change and how it is affecting you.

Test Environment: What is it? How to make it effective?

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Test environment is the proper set up of hardware and software crafted for the testing teams for executing test cases.  Test Environment helps in supporting text execution with network, software, and hardware configured. The text environment is primarily configured according to the Application Under Test requirements.
There are some instances when the testbed proves to be a perfect combination of test data and test environment that it operates on. Setting up a perfect test environment ensures a higher success rate in software testing. Any related flaw will lead to excess time and cost.
This article talks about the test environment in detail, along with the process, types, and benefits involved. Stick to the end for complete detail.
Testing Procedure
Major areas to set up one testing environment:
There is a key area that needs to be set up for the testing environment. Those sections will include test data, applications, and systems, database server, browser, client operating systems, and front-end running environment.
It even talks about the hardware that includes the Server Operating system and network. For covering the testing environment, there is a necessary step associated with documentations like configuration guides, reference documents, user manuals, and installation guides.

The process involving a software-based test environment setup:
Tests are limited in nature. To perform the test well, you need a team of developers, testers, system admins, and users or techies with an affinity towards testing. It is true that the current test environment needs to set up multiple numbers of some distinct areas. Some examples are listed below for better reference.

  • Setting up a test server:

It is true that you cannot execute all tests on the local machine. For some, you have to create a test server to support applications. For example, you need Fedora setup for Java-based and PHP apps with or even without a mail server.

  • Crafting test data for the environment:

Multiple firms are currently using separate forms of test environments for testing the software item. The common example is the “copy production data” for testing out. It will work well for the tester to help detect similar issues like that of a live production server. It can be done without corrupting present production data.
The current approach for copying production data for testing data will include setting up production jobs for copying data to the common testing sector. Moreover, the PII will get thoroughly modified with some other sensitive data. It is replaced with non-personal yet logically correct data. The copying production data will also help to remove data, proven to be not valuable for the test.
Developers or even the testers can even copy this to an individual test environment. They can easily modify the same as per the chosen requirements. In the case of copy production data, privacy holds a big value. For overcoming any such instances, make sure to keep a check on complicated testing data.
There are two approaches available for the anonymization of data. One is a blacklist, and another one is a whitelist. Moreover, if you are using the current production data, you must know ways to source it. One effective approach is by querying about the current database by using SQL script.

  • Network:

The set up for the network will also vary based on the test requirements. It comprises LAN Wi-Fi setup, Internet Setup, and Private network setup. The main goal is to ensure that the congestion which took place during testing will not affect any other member, such as content writers, designers, and more.

  • Bug reporting:

Testers are in need of bug reporting tools. There are many available nowadays, and testers must head towards the upgraded versions only.

  • Testing the PC setup:

You need multiple browsers for web testing to cover different testers. In terms of desktop applications, you need various OS types for multiple PC testers. In case of windows phone app testing, for example, you will need a Windows Phone emulator, visual studio installation and also need to assign windows phone to the tester.
Heading towards types of testing environments:
You will come across multiple testing environments forms and types. The one that you need solely depends on the test cases. It also depends on the application under the test. For example, any thick-client desktop-based app will have a different need when compared to a web app. So, the test environments that you need for a desktop app will differ from web application ones.
Types of Test environment

  • Chaos testing environment:

The primary aim relating to chaos testing is to understand how individual parts failing can cascade potentially and ruin the entire system. For that, the software teams will be working on fault injection methods. It helps them to create a thorough understanding relating to the present major dependencies relevant to the system and how the software ended up failing.
For example, if you have a modern web app within micro-service architecture, then setting up a reliable chaos test environment is mandatory. Here, the environments must be settled in the same manner as the production environment. They must also get configured for high availability.
To improve the entire system’s reliability, it is vital to have a separate environment to test disaster recovery, business continuity, and high-availability. The testers must also test how dependent services will behave in failure modes. To run these tests, you can focus on disaster recovery drills or game days. It helps to identify potential weak links in large-scale and modern apps.

  • Security testing environment:

The service is completely different in security testing environments. Here, the main job purpose of the security team is to ensure that the software will not have security flaws and any weaknesses in integration, confidentiality, authorization, authentication, and non-repudiation.
Here, the main purpose of chosen firm is to engage in a thorough combination of external and internal security experts. They primarily specialize in software-based security vulnerabilities. At this stage, it is vital to establish a thorough scope to define what the system is targeted for. They will talk about used methods and the time for assessment to occur.
There are certain ground rules that you must establish as a major part of the security testing environment. You must have an isolated testing environment and non-disclosure agreements. Moreover, you cannot leave the system in the worst state and should not touch production data. It is primarily application while engaging external based security companies.
Security tests can take place in multiple stages and frequencies. A successful team will always execute vulnerable assessments, audits, scans, and some other non-invasive tests. For maintaining a security baseline, security testing works great beside integration tests.

  • Performance testing environment:

You can use a performance testing environment for determining how well any system gets to perform against any performance goals. The goals can be stability, throughput, response time, and concurrency. This testing is a broad term and will include load, volume, breakpoint testing, and stress.
Good performance testing environment plays a major role in benchmarking and also identifying bottlenecks within the system. The setup remains fairly complex. It mainly requires careful configuration and selection of present infrastructure. You can run multiple tests on various environments by RAM size, CPU core numbers, data volume, concurrent users, and more.

  • Integration testing environment:

Here, you get to integrate individual software modules and then verify its behavior. There are sets of tests available, designed to check that the system behaves as mentioned in necessary documents. You get the chance to add one or more application modules and verify functional correctness.
The setup will always depend on the application type and components as being tested. Setting up such environments will involve ensuring the right hardware availability, software version, and right configuration. Such testing environments must mimic production scenes well. It will include database, web servers, application server management, and more.
Thanks to the modernized DevOps approach to the field of software development, continuous testing has become a norm these days. It is widely used multiple times a day. So, it has the power to recreate the environment to define the software delivery process.
Also read: Kick-ass API testing tools that you must know about
Benefits revolving around test environment:
You must be wondering why people are integrated more into the test environment these days. You will receive a greater test case definition and can be a proficiently, skilled testing engineer. But for harnessing the power of test cases, it is vital to have a well-designed testing environment.

  • A proper test environment helps to offer proper feedback regarding the behavior and quality of the app under test.
  • It even offers you the needful setup for running test cases.
  • You can enjoy the services of a test environment to create a dedicated environment for isolating code and verifying the behavior of the application.
  • This section ensures that other activities won’t be able to influence the tests’ outputs as running on the server.
  • Any test environment will work as a proper copy of the production environment. It forms a crucial element for you to be confident about testing results.
  • It is mandatory for the testing engineer to be 100% sure about an application that behaves in the same way in the test environment and in the production environment.

The vital use of the test environment is to free testers in modifying data without affecting any real information. The test environment provides the freedom to convince you of your worth in the development process. Here, you get to expand the testing scope to add necessary and bizarre tests, which are not possible otherwise.
It is true that test environments prove to be mandatory in the testing process. It ensures that consumer data always remains safe and also offering a true reflection of the real-world system.
Major elements to create a test environment:
Test environment management
It is necessary to focus on some major elements while creating the right test environment. Make sure to create a list first of the requirements and complete every one for creating the best test environments.

  • Remember to create test data and then insert it to the testbed. You need to take some steps to set up a database too.
  • Make sure to configure the environment as other key elements for creating a test environment.
  • You have to select the right OS and hardware. Remember to take time and evaluate the differences between running apps on Windows 10 and Windows 8.1.
  • You need to take some time to configure the network. Let’s get to know about cross-original resource share, for example.

You have to document all the necessary actions you are focusing at. This is mandatory for the other users who can replicate the environment. In the same way, detailed documentation will later help the testing engineer to set up various test environments like production environments and staging.
Activities taking place in test environment setup:
There are some interesting activities, as performed for testing environment setup. Remember to focus on those points before finalizing the testing activities.
Design test environment:
Some factors play a major role in designing the test environment. It helps in determining if the test environment needs archiving to take back-ups. It can also verify network configurations and identify required server OS, database, and more.
Setting up the environment:
The team often needs to analyze environment setup requirements before preparing a list of hardware and software requirements for the initial setup. You will receive the official confirmation for present testing sector setup for accessing it later.
Importance of smoke testing:
Whenever the environment is set up, it is time for the QA team to access it. The members of this team will perform smoke testing for validation of the test environment and building its stability. If they get the expected results, then they will move to the next phase. They might also point out some of the discrepancies, if any, and wait for the deployment after the fixes are covered.
How to setup test environment in azure?

  • Create Azure resource manager template for complete environment
  • By doing so, you will get to script and and create environment whenever you desire to.
  • Azure DevOps supports ARM templates in a way that you can create multiple environment from your pipeline
  • if you already have an environment you can import it to Azure
  • If you wish to create one go to Azure portal and sign in
  • Select storage and then storage account
  • Enter the required information
  • Select review + create
  • Select download from the top
  • After downloading the file template.json set the parameter using a template deployment tool
  • if you wish to see the parameters select the parameter section in the tool


 
Also Read: Wish to learn Jmeter in a jiffy? Click here
The final say:
This article is mandatory for the newbies and even experienced techies in the field of the test environment. Right from learning about the importance it holds to the types available, there are multiple options involving the test environment. Here, you get to learn about the process involving the test environment setup as well.
Working with a well-trained team is important and can help you gain access to test beds. Right from the activities taking place in a test environment to pivotal elements to create a test bed, this article has it all covered. So, get yourself involved in the test environment only when you re well-trained to handle such options.

Why is it hard to hire versatile testers? What’s the solution?

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

The quality of software decides its success. We are at a juncture where quality matters the most than anything. When it comes to people who are responsible for the quality, there is a huge scarcity. And it’s a big problem!
Let’s have a few statistics that might reveal an important question

  • The most accepted tester to developer ratio is 1:4.
  • Requirement volatility and lack of skilled testers are some of the biggest problems when it comes to test execution challenges
  • 69% of testers working in the organization agreed that formal training is required
  • 24% agreed that they got into testing accidentally
  • 65% of testers agreed that they have never been formally taught

Is there a fertile ground to nurture skilled testers? The answer would be no!
There are certificate courses on software testing. True that. But, is that enough?
We are moving to a phase where software quality has of utmost importance to be successful. So Quality assurance has to be given prime importance and nurturing tester skills has to be done ASAP.

An Ample Hiring example
Suppose a company is diligently looking for an automation tester. But, when it comes to the responsibilities of a tester, don’t you think he has to do much more than that of being proficient in tools?
Automating time-consuming tasks such as writing script and maintaining a test environment has to be done to make sure there is a stable agile/DevOps environment. His duty does not end there he has to be the central part that grantees efficiency in any project.
In short, software developers are adding features on a constant basis to keep up with testing there has to be testers who can think out of the box.
But unfortunately, we are at a dilemma where the supply of such skilled testers is in scarce considering the demand.
The organizational dilemma in QA
There exists a situation where developers perform QA to make sure that SDLC is at its right pace.  One of the major reason would be the  few software testing companies to choose from  considering the humongous number of software development companies.
So what happens when developers becomes tester is that, most of the time developers tend to leave their codes unchecked resulting in a bottleneck at any point in the development.
So it’s an urgent requirement that we need companies who can efficiently test software and can be in the loop when it comes to continuous development.
Most of the testers are self-made out of sheer hard work and perseverance
Only 44% of testers across the globe have been formally taught. The rest of them learned with the help of books, video tutorials, and through experience.
But there is a huge problem here. Experience = time. A person who has started his testing career or if he is someone who is interested in QA will require years of experience to master the craft. Learning theory alone most probably won’t land them a job either.
Be it fresher’s, we need testers who can get into the process within a short span of time.
What’s the solution here? 
Make sure that testers are deeply trained and nurtured in a way that they become more than mere testers. They should have a holistic approach to software quality rather than able to carry out certain processes.
What are the basic traits an organization will be looking for in hiring testers?

  1. Knowledge of DevOps and Agile Methodology 

With software expected to be delivered in a short time period, testers should be knowledgeable about these collaborative as well as iterative working modules. Agile methodology offers testing speed, whereas DevOps provides cross-functional teamwork from the outset. 
2. The Efficiency with Web and Mobile Technologies 
A tester must have a strong understanding of the latest mobile and web technologies. The knowledge will allow them to understand the particular application and related specifications in order to apply effective testing actions. 
Testers must update themselves of the advancements in the web as well as mobile technologies. Their level of awareness is what helps them understand the coding structure and technical pitfalls to extend relevant Q/A solutions. 
3. Rational Analysis and Logical Thinking 
Testers must be logical, analytical, and rational because these skills when applied to tests, enable them to determine errors, comprehend challenges, assess irregularities within the application, and perform testing accordingly.
Moreover, these skills also help them to validate application against various scenarios and test its performance and elements against the predetermined standards.
Having a logical approach further allows testers to interpret the information, highlight relevant questions, and identify strengths and weaknesses, and eventually implement the right course of action. 
4. SDLC 
Software Life-cycle Management Skills or SDLC allows testers to understand the tasks and plan testing cycles of an application. Having a thorough understanding of the SDLC cycle helps them to figure out complexities within the application. 
By determining the issues in the early stages, allows testers to take the right measures at the right time.
In this, testers must essentially learn certain development methodologies, including Scrum, Waterfall, Lean, and Kanban. 
5. Programming 
Understanding of programming languages helps testers understand an application’s inside out. The ability to comprehend every aspect of the application is what makes a successful tester stand out from the crowd. 
The knowledge of programming language assists testers in efficiently determining potential errors within the code, thereby reducing the chances of inefficiencies and bugs. 
6. Communication Skills 
By imbibing good communication skills, testers will be able to interact with the clients and clearly make them understand the status and requirements of the projects.
Moreover, testers will be able to communicate issues with the development team and translate the technical reports in an easy way to help the management team understand the process.
Additionally, good communication skills help testers provide insights and feedback to both technical and non-technically teams in a more understandable manner. 
Test your app in various screens
Final take
The answer is simple. Many budding testers  are not aware of the huge paradigm shift that has happened or is happening when it comes to quality assurance. Organisational requirement is entirely different from what most of the testers have learned.
Rather than being  a part of a module, software testing has to be taught in its entirety as a full length bachelors or master program so that when it comes to hiring freshers companies will have much more reliable medium than going through the painful experience similar to finding needle in a haystack.