Tag: Security testing

Harmful Browser Security Threats: How to Avoid Them?

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A web browser is the most commonly used application or portal for the users to get access to the internet.
These browsers are much advanced with enhanced usability and ubiquity. An individual is exposed to various internet browsers. Each of them consists of some perceived and real benefits.

However, it is also true that none of them are actually safe from security threats. In fact, website browsers are more prone to security vulnerabilities and when users interact with websites it holds possibilities of malware and other threats in it.
Taking this into consideration, below are some most common browser security threats and how to protect your system against them:
Removing Saved Login Credentials
Bookmarks paired with saved logins for the associated sites are a very bad combination and does not really favor your system.
When such is done, a hacker with even minimal knowledge can hack it.
There are some websites that use two -factor authentication like texting OTPs to your mobile phone for access.
However, a lot of them take into use this as a one-time access code so that a person is able to confirm his/her identity on the system it is being intended to be connected from.
Deleting saved credential is not good for your browser as well as your overall system.
A cybercriminal can easily reset your important IDs and profiles on almost every website you visit. They can do this from anywhere at any time.
Once they get your IDs and passwords, they can operate them from any system of their choice.
Permission to Browser History
The browsing history of a browser is sort of a map or a tracing mechanism of what you do and which sites you visit.
It does not only tell what sites you visited but also for how long and when too.
If a criminal wish to obtain your credentials from the sites you access, he/she can easily do it, knowing which sites you accessed through the browsing history.
Cookies
Cookies that consist of stored local files and which determines the link to certain files are another common browser security threat.
Similar to the browsing history, it can also trace what site you visit and obtain the credentials.
Browser Cache
The browser cache consists of storing sections of website pages which makes accessing and loading of the sites easier and quick, every time you visit.
Such can also identify which site or portal you have accessed and what content you have gone through. It also saves your location and device discovery, making it a risky element as anyone can locate you and your device.
Autofill Information
Autofill information can be of a great threat to your browser. Browsers like Chrome and Firefox store your address information, your profiles at times and other personal information.
But are you prepared if it falls in the wrong hands? No right? Well, now the criminal is aware and informed about all your personal details.

  • Tips and Recommendations on How You Can Protect Yourself from These Threats

1. Saved Login Credentials
It is recommended not to save the credentials in the browser. Instead, use password managers like Password Safe and KeePass to store credentials.
Password managers operate through a central master password and help you save your website passwords securely.
You can also customize the manager to access a saved login or URL as per your convenience and security reasons.
2. Removable Browsing History
Deleting the browser cache is a way to remove risky information especially when engaged in confidential activities like online banking. This step can be performed manually in a browser or set to automatic like when closing the browser.
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Another way to remain protected from this threat is using incognito mode or private browsing as there is no harvestable saved.
Note: In case of using a public system, make sure that you are operating with incognito mode.
3. Disable Cookies
The best solution for cookies threat is to disable them when using a browser.
However, it’s not exceptional as many websites rely on cookies and thus, get limited access to its functionality, once turned off.
Disabling cookies might also result in nagging prompts. Getting rid of cookies on a periodic basis can help you protect your browser beware of repetition of information by websites as a side-effect of it.
4. Reduce Browser Cache by using Incognito Mode
Protection from such threats can be achieved from incognito browsing as well as by manually clear the cache as per the requirement, especially, after a sensitive browser search.
5. Look for Standard Java Configuration
Java is a widely used language for running Windows and other operating system related codes. It is designed in such a way that the applets within it run in a separate “sandbox” environment which helps to prevent them from other application and operating system component access.
But many-a-times, these vulnerabilities allow the applets to escape the sandbox environment and cause threat.
To avoid threats related to Java, look and choose for a standard Java security configuration that works best for your browser as well as your PC and deploys these configurations through a master source such as Group Policy.
6. No Single Point of Management
Centralized controls are recommended. One should always depend on the single point of management.
This is on the grounds that you ought to dependably depend on a solitary purpose of the executives for the aggregate settings you need to build up in your association.
You likewise should have the capacity to screen these controls to guarantee they stay set up. An organization with a variety of frameworks with higgledy-piggledy internet browser settings is certifiably not a safe association.
Dynamic Directory Group Policies can be utilized for some such settings and there are outsider choices accessible also.
You would prefer not to enable clients to kill essential settings for comfort (or more regrettable), nor would you like to need to convey guidelines for them for setting different alternatives – you’ll never get to 100% consistency and you’re staking your association’s security on the respect framework, in a manner of speaking.
7. Third-Party Plugins or Extensions
Browsers often have third-party plugins or extensions introduced for different tasks, for example, JavaScript or Flash for showing or working with substance.
These two are from known quality merchants, yet there are different modules and augmentations out there from less legitimate sources and may not, in any case, offer business-related usefulness.
For such type of threats, it is recommended to allow only business-related plugins and extensions as a major aspect of an official business approach, for example, for Internet and Email Usage.
Contingent upon the browser(s) being used in your association, explore approaches to square undesired plugins or whitelist fitting plugins, so just these can be introduced.
Guarantee modules are arranged to auto-refresh or send new forms by means of concentrated components, (for example, Active Directory Group Policy or System Centre Configuration Manager).
8. Ads Popping up and Redirects
Pop-up ads are a known malevolent one which can be particularly confounding and hard to work with.

They regularly present false notices, for example, asserting your PC has an infection and encouraging you to introduce their antivirus item to evacuate it. Normally, malware is the thing that really winds up introduced. These pop-ups are dubious to close because frequently there is no “X” catch to do as such.
The best alternative is to close the program altogether or utilize the Task Manager in Windows/the execute direction in Linux to close the application.
Try not to come back to the site being referred to which set off the advertisement and run an enemy of malware sweep to decide if your framework is perfect since popup promotions can frequently be generated by malware.
Web programs are totally essential for pretty much every business. Therefore, it’s critical that IT security stars and entrepreneurs find a way to guarantee that they make a move to hinder any conceivable security openings.
This incorporates deliberately investigating and choosing a safe web browser. The security issues recorded here are generally normal. Perceiving these dangers and making a move against them is vital.

Also Read: Web Application Security Testing: Presenting the Perfect Methodology!

Network Penetration Testing – All You Need to Know!

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Network penetration testing which is also called ‘pen testing’ is an important process related to finding weaknesses in networks and protecting them from hackers.
It is basically a kind of practice of testing a computer system, network or web application in order to find weaknesses as well as security vulnerabilities.
Overview of Network Penetration testing
When it comes to a network system, Many hardware and software system has to work harmoniously to make sure that data transfer is happening with no trouble. Owing to the same, there is a huge chance of vulnerabilities being exploited by hackers. To make sure that there is no loose end in a network system, penetration testing can be performed.

  • Performance testing  can reveal a security flaw in any particular network environment
  • Helps in understanding the risk
  • Can be used to fix network flaws

Methods of Network Penetration Testing:
In order to execute network penetration testing, two distinctly different methods are generally applied.
They are,

  • Internal network penetration testing
  • External network penetration testing

It is very important to know the differences between these two different kinds of network penetration testing for executing these effectively.
Why Should I Conduct A Network Penetration Testing?

  • All the vulnerabilities that can be used by hackers against you can be found out.
  • Recovery costs after hacking is

Internal Network Penetration Testing
Internal network penetration testing is a kind of test that is used to find out issues from the inside.
Here, a consultant is placed within the corporate environment and connected to the internal network.
Internal network penetration testing is more important than the external.
It is because the attack from the inside can do greater damage compared to an external attack.
In the case of an internal attack, some of the protection systems have already been bypassed and the person on the inside understands where the network is located and the person knows very well what to do right from the beginning.
The threat is more intensive in the case of an internal attack and that makes it different from the external network penetration testing.
External Network Penetration Testing
An external penetration test is completely different from the internal network penetration test as here the consultant is not connected to the internal network.
In this case, a consultant is placed in order to look for the security issues from the outside of the network over the public internet.
External penetration testing has been being used for a long time and therefore it is also called the traditional form of penetration testing.
In order to make out the ability of an intruder to the internal network of a computer system, this kind of penetration testing is designed.
There are many different methods which are used in this form of testing. One of the important methods is to use a web app or application.
It may be vulnerable or it might trick a user of the system into providing their important information like their password.
It may also provide access to the VPN (Virtual Private Network) and consequently, someone from the outside can get the full access and the black hat hackers can do anything with the network staying outside.

Internal and External Penetration Testing Tools:

Generally, automated tools are used in internal as well as external penetration testing in order to identify malicious codes.
Basically, these penetration testing tools can identify hard-coded values like usernames and passwords and thus verify vulnerabilities in the system.
There are some characteristics of these tools which are mentioned below:

  • Tools should be easy to use and configure
  • It should scan a system without any issue
  • Tools should categorize the vulnerabilities depending upon its intensity
  • It should re-verify the previous vulnerabilities or exploits
  • It should generate detailed vulnerability reports and logs

There are many free penetration testing tools available on the internet and it enables the pen testers to adapt or modify the codes depending upon their own needs.
Some most widely used free pen-testing tools are mentioned below:

  • The Metasploit Project (an open-source project owned by Rapid7, a security company)
  • Nmap or Network Mapper
  • Wireshark

The interesting thing is that both white hats and black hats can use these tools as these are free.
But, these tools also help the pen testers to understand the functionality of these tools in a better way and they also make out how these tools can be driven against their organizations.
Internal and External Penetration testing strategies:
There are some strategies used by the pen testers mentioned below:

  •    External testing

External testing is executed to find out how far an outside attacker can get in after gaining full access.
Generally, a company’s external servers like domain name servers, email servers are tested through this testing.

  •   Internal testing

Internal testing simulates an inside attack that is performed by an authorized user and this kind of test is executed to find out how far an intruder can damage a system if he or she is connected to the internal network.
However, there are many other strategies like blind testing, black-box testing, white-box testing but, among those the strategies mentioned above are commonly used.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it may be remarked the results of internal and external penetration testing can give a perfect picture of the security of a system.
These tests are very useful in order to get rid of the weaknesses as the reports related to these tests provide accurate suggestions. Though it is difficult to make a system invulnerable, these tests are still useful to cut down the threats.

Information Security Testing Guide For You

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Online applications are becoming increasingly refined as the world gets more organized.
Small and mid-sized organizations currently depend aggressively on web applications for maintaining their business and expanding income.

Application engineers, designers, and developers are currently centered around making more secure application structures and on planning and composing secure code.
With the end goal to make an application safe, it is basic to have a solid procedure for security testing.
What’s exactly Information Security Testing?
Information security testing is the act of testing stages, administrations, frameworks, applications, gadgets and procedures for data security vulnerabilities.
It is regularly exceptionally robotized with instruments that examine for known vulnerabilities and mimic assaults utilizing realized risk designs.
It might likewise incorporate a progression of manual risks by talented data security pros.
How do you start with Information Security Testing?
Installing security testing in the improvement procedure is basic for uncovering application layer security flaws.
Subsequently, security testing must begin ideally from the necessity gathering stage to comprehend the security prerequisites of the application.
The ultimate objective of security testing is to recognize whether an application is powerless against risks, if the data framework ensures the information while looking after usefulness, any capability of data spillage, and to survey how the application acts when looked with a destructive attack.
Security testing is likewise a part of practical testing since there are some fundamental security tests that are a piece of functional testing.

Also Read : The Security Challenge Posed by the Internet of Things: How to Rectify Them

Additionally, security testing should be organized and implemented independently. Not at all like functional testing that approves what the analyzers know and ought to be valid, security testing centers around the unclear components and test the endless ways that application would be able to.
Types of Security Testing:
In order to come up with a safe application, security analyzers need to direct the accompanying tests:
Vulnerability Checks:
Vulnerability check tests the whole framework under test, to recognize framework vulnerabilities, escape clauses, and suspicious powerless marks.
This sweep recognizes and characterizes the framework shortcomings and furthermore predicts the adequacy of the countermeasures that have been taken.
Infiltration Testing:
An infiltration test additionally called a pen test, is a recreated test that copies an attack by a programmer on the framework that is being tried.
This test involves gathering data about the framework and recognizing passage focuses on the application and endeavoring a break-in to decide the security shortcoming of the application.
This test resembles a ‘white hat attack’. The testing focuses on testing where the IT group and the security analyzers cooperate, outer testing that tests the remotely noticeable passage focuses, for example, servers, gadgets, space names and so on.
Inside testing, that is led behind a firewall by an approved client, checks how the application acts in case of a genuine attack.
Security Risk Assessment:
This testing includes the appraisal of the danger of the security framework by exploring and breaking down potential dangers.
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These dangers are then ordered into high, medium and low classifications dependent on their seriousness level.
Characterizing the correct alleviation systems dependent on the security stance of the application at that point pursues.
Security reviews to check for administration passageways, between the system, and intra-arrange access, and information assurance is directed at this level.
Moral Hacking:
Moral hacking utilizes an ordered authority to enter the framework imitating the way of genuine programmers.
The application is attacked from inside to uncover security defects and vulnerabilities and to recognize potential dangers that pernicious programmers may exploit.
Security Scanning:
To upgrade the extent of security testing, analyzers should direct security outputs to assess arrange shortcoming.
Each sweep sends malignant solicitations to the framework and analyzers must check for conduct that could show a security weakness.
SQL Injection, XPath Injection, XML Bomb, Malicious Attachment, Invalid Types, Malformed XML, Cross Site Scripting and so forth are a portion of the outputs that should be rushed to check for vulnerabilities which are then learned finally, broke down and afterward settled.
Access Control Testing:
Access Control testing guarantees that the application under testing must be gotten to by the approved and authentic clients.
The goal of this test is to survey the separating strategy of the product parts and guarantee that the application execution adjusts to the security arrangements and shields the framework from unapproved clients.
Why is Information Security Testing Important?
A complete security testing structure manages approval over all layers of an application.
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Beginning with examination and assessment of the security of the application, it moves additionally covering the system, database and application presentation layers.
While application and mobile testing serve to assess security at these levels, cloud penetration testing uncovers the security chunks, when the application is facilitated in the cloud.
These testing ideas make utilization of a mix of automated scanner instruments that assess lines of code for security irregularities and infiltration testing that reenacts attacks by unintended access channels.
Defenselessness appraisal shapes a critical part of security testing. Through this, the organization can assess their application code for vulnerabilities and take therapeutic measures for the equivalent.
As of late, a significant number of the product improvement enterprises have been making utilization of secure software development lifecycle procedures to guarantee recognizable proof and correction of vulnerable areas at an early stage in the application improvement process.
How does Security Testing increase the value of Organizations?
In the present interconnected world with buyers depending even more on online channels to make exchanges, any security threats, however major or minor it might be, prompts misfortune in client certainty and at last income.
Further, the security threats have additionally developed exponentially, both in quality and in addition to affecting potential prospects.
In such a situation, information security testing plays the main role that enables an association to recognize where they are defenseless and take the restorative measures to repair the holes in security.
An ever increasing number of enterprises are completing the security reviews and testing measures with the end goal to guarantee that their central goal i.e. basic applications are protected from any breaks or unintended entrance.
The broader an organizations security trying methodologies are, the better are its odds of prevailing in a progressively menacing innovation terrain.
Information safety efforts empower an organization to dodge the traps emerging from accidental leakage of delicate information.
Ordinarily, such spillages cost them beyond a reasonable doubt, by virtue of legal difficulties emerging because of affectability of data.
Information safety efforts diminish the consistency cost by improving information review components and automating them.
They additionally empower the organization to guarantee respectability of information by avoiding unapproved use and alterations.
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In the present, very much associated world, appropriation of information security procedures and systems guarantee that the association is all adjusted to the legitimate and consistence norms across nations.

Serious Security Issues in Robotics : There is a Solution!

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We often hear about the cyber threats that hackers posed and most of them were cyber attacks and security breaches.
But now, the main concern of threat which people are mainly discussing is how complex the security system will become with global promotion of robotics.
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Robotics has been introduced to computers as well as computer-related machines by early adopters without taking security issues and privacy into consideration.
The threats that robots poses are much higher than the threats compared to security breaches of the computer.
The attack on the computer may result in the data loss or identity theft, but what will happen if the robots were to hack?
Adoption of Robots in Market
Already, many industries have started practices to use automated robots for their operations and tasks which were once done by a human.
These robots generally involve open networks and remote access which lets the user use these machines from distant or from a remote location.
Many robotics companies use authentication, basic security level, and authorization while developing robotic software.
For instance, a teleoperated surgical robot which is a machine can be used by a doctor to perform a procedure on a patient from the other side of the world.
In the future, these robots could provide urgent care to people in disaster zones, on the battlefield, even up in space or radioactive zones where people can’t reach.
If you’re sending a robot to these areas but still want the human in control, there is a link between robot and human that let them interact with each other.
It can be used to control movements and operation of robots from remote locations via a network.
This may arise the potential that it can be compromised by the hackers and used for the disastrous purpose.
The long distance between the human operator and the robot means the communications between the two could be vulnerable to attack.
Cyber Security Problems in Robots
 Cyber security problems in robots arise due to some of the following reasons listed below:

  • Due to insecure communication between user and robot becomes the main cause for a cyber attack. Hackers can easily hack into insecure communication link in no time.
  • Another reason that can let hackers into the robot’s system is their authentication issues. Failure in guarding against unauthorized access can easily let hackers to use features of robots from remote locations without using any valid username and password.
  • If vendors do not have any proper encryption, it can expose sensitive data to the potential hackers.
  • Most of the features of robots are programmable and accessible. If the default configuration of the robot is weak, hackers can easily get access to these programmable features and change them.

Cyber Attacks On Robots
Thousands of robots are now showing up in professional as well as personal organizations. As many of them are self-propelled it is important to make them well protected that is not easy to hack.
If they are not secured, instead of helping people it can become a dangerous tool capable of doing unthinkable damages and causing havoc. Already, we have seen numerous consequences of cyber security problems associated with iOT (internet of things) that affects the internet, companies, and consumers.
Compromised cyber security in robots could result in massive impact. Moreover, computers like robots having legs, arms or wheels can pose serious threats which we have never confronted before.
As the communication between robot and human enhances, more severe attacks appear that eventually become a larger threat.
Humans are now researching over new peripheral devices and mechanical extremities that robot can operate, any mistakes in security could even lead up to kill.
We have already witnessed serious incidents associated with robots. In 2015, an incident took place at a car part manufacturer where a robot killed a woman worker at Ajin USA plant. It was said that the robot was restarted unexpectedly and loaded a trailer attachment assembly part onto the women’s head that crushed her skull. Similar incidents involving robots took place at other places as well. Here are the few examples:

  • At Stanford Shopping Center in Silicon Valley, a security robot runs over a toddler.
  • In Manesar India, a factory worker died after his ribs and the abdominal region was tightly gripped by the robot.
  • In 2007, 9 soldiers were killed by a robot cannon that was malfunctioned during the shooting exercise.
  • A study in the US has shown that robotic surgery is associated with 144 deaths.

These cases may be accidents, but we have a clear illustration of the consequences due to malfunction of robots. Hence, similar incidents can be caused by a robot that can be remotely controlled by the hackers.
How To Prevent Robot Hacking?
Robots use networks to communicate with human and then operate. It becomes easier for hackers to hack into the system of these networks and induce threats.
Currently, there are numerous popular home, business, and industrial robots available that can be accessed by the hackers.
Since the potential threat to the robot is much higher, a team of experts around the globe is finding ways to hack these vulnerable robots in order to figure out what security features need to be included in teleoperated robots, they find different ways to hack and then overcome it by introducing new features of security to these robots. Building a secured robot is a complex task and is not easy to achieve, thus below are some recommendations that can exponentially improve the security of a robot.

  • Encryption: Communication link and software updates in the robot must be properly encrypted by the vendor. If this link is not properly encrypted, it can become the major cause of the cyber
  • Factory Restore: Methods of restoring a robot to its factory default state must be provided by the vendor.
  • Authentication and Authorization: Vendors should ensure that the authorization and authentication to robot services and functionality are only accessible to specific users.
  • Secure by Default: The vendors need to ensure that the robot’s default configuration is properly secured so that if the robot were to be compromised, its configuration does not get changed by the hacker.
  • Supply Chain should be Secured: The technology providers should implement the best practices for Cybersecurity. Vendors must ensure whether the proper Cybersecurity practices are being done on the robot.
  • Proper Education: There should be a proper education for the cyber security that should be provided by the vendor not only to developers or engineer but to all the executives who all are involved in the product decisions. Thus it should be mandatory to train them with proper cyber security
  • Security Audits/QA Analysis: Before letting go the robot into production, the vendor should properly complete assessment to check safety and security aspects and also the performance of the robot.

The robotic industries are now making their way to disrupt other industries with their innovative technology in robots.
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As many of the people are now becoming dependent on the robots, it has become mandatory for these industries to quickly enhance its security to avoid any consequences or cyber attacks. It is time for robotic industries to take immediate action for securing their technologies from any vulnerable attacks.

Also Read : Major Cyber Attacks on India(2018)

15 Most Powerful & Reliable Security Testing Tools

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Security testing is a technique that aims to determine if a system or software performs well enough to protect data and deliver functionality as planned. This technique forms to be an integral part, when it is considered in terms of testing software for banking, website hosting or any other high-security application.

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It works on six basic principles that include confidentiality, integrity, authorization, authentication, non-repudiation, and availability. Performing this technique is a challenging task as it requires a tester who has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the process so that he/she is able to check and verify any risk factors, loopholes or issues in the program.

As compared to the normal testing, this method aims to break the entire program into different parts and then, test its safety and security under normal and abnormal circumstances.
With a large number of software and apps available in the market, there is certainly an increasing demand for high performing and reliable security testing tools that can help ensure that these programs are up to the mark in terms of their security.

While there are several companies that offer a number of high performing security testing tools to the market, these 15 top the chart of the most powerful and reliable security testing tools.

  1. Metaspoilt

Popularly used for penetration testing, Metaspoilt is one of the most advanced frameworks that work on the concept of ‘exploit’. Exploit is a code that can test a system to extremes by surpassing the security measures and entering the system. When entered, exploit runs a ‘payload’, which is a code that performs operations on a target machine, to create the most appropriate framework for penetration testing.
This framework can be used for security testing on web applications, networks as well as servers.

  1. Wireshark

Available for free, Wireshark is one of the most popular open source packet analyzers. This protocol is capable of providing the users with the minutest details about the network protocols, packet information, decryption, and others. One can use this protocol on Windows, Linux, OS X, Solaris, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and many other systems.

  1. W3af

 W3af is a freely-available web application audit framework that works effectively against multiple odd vulnerabilities. With a GUI that is available with expert tools, this framework is capable of sending HTTP request and cluster HTTP responses. Some of its impressive features include quick HTTP requests, integration of web and proxy servers into the code, etc.

  1. CORE Impact

This tool can be used for multiple testing purposes such as, mobile device penetration, password identification and cracking, network device penetration, and several others. With a GUI click-able interface, this works best on Microsoft Windows and is one of the most expensive tool in this category.

  1. Netsparker

Available with a vigorous web application scanner, Netsparker is an excellent tool to recognize vulnerabilities and accordingly suggest remedial action. Available with a command-line and GUI interface, Netsparker can help on to exploit SQL injection and LFI (local file induction).

  1. Burpsuite

 This is one such tool on which security testing specialists highly rely. Although this tool majorly functions as a scanner, Burpsuite has a limited scope to deal with attacks. Interrupting proxy, creeping content and functionality and web application scanning are some of the common functions performed by this tool.

  1. Cain & Abel

Cain &Abel is an excellent tool to crack encrypted passwords and network keys. Available exclusively for Microsoft operating systems, the functions are performed on the basis of network sniffing, Dictionary, Cryptanalysis attacks and Brute-Force and routing protocol analysis methods to achieve this.

  1. Acunetix

Developed specifically for web applications, acunetix is a scanner that helps identify the probable dangers for these applications. This security testing tool performs various functions for its users such as SQL injection, cross site scripting testing, PCI compliance reports etc. Although a bit expensive, one can get its free trial version to understand how it actually works.

  1. Retina

Available as a complete package known as Retina Community, this is one such tool that targets the entire company at once. The Retina is a commercial product that should be used more as a vulnerability management tool instead of a pen-testing tool.

  1. Canvas

Canvas is a security testing tool that can be used for testing the security issues of web applications, wireless systems, and networks. With multiple payload options, this tool is available with GUI interface and can work on Linux, Apple Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows.

  1. Nmap

Also known as Network Mapper, this tool is a must have for ethical hackers as it makes it easy to understand the characteristics of any target network. These characteristics can include things like host, services, OS and packet filters. The tool is open sourced and can perform in any environment.

  1. Dradis

This tool is an open source framework, which is used majorly for keeping a record of information that can be shared among multiple participants of penetration testing. When this information is interpreted, it helps them understand the details of testing such as, the aspects that are already covered and others that are still to be covered. With a GUI interface, this tool is open source and can work on Linux, Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X.

  1. Security Onion

Security is an easy to manage security monitoring system that can be used in place of expensive commercial grey boxes. Simple to setup and configure, this tool is an effective way to identify any security related issues on the network.

  1. Nikto

 This is a web server testing tool that entered the market of security testing tools almost a decade ago. The tool is highly effective to identify vulnerable scripts, configuration mistakes and related security problems. However, this tool cannot identify XSS and SQL web application bugs.

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  1. Vega

Vega is a vulnerability scanning and testing tool that works well on various platforms including OS X, Linux and Windows platforms. With a GUI, Vega is available with an automated scanner and an interrupting proxy that can help identify web application vulnerabilities, header injection, cross site scripting etc.
Apart from these, there are a number of other security testing tools already available in the market or ready to be launched with latest upgrades. The ultimate purpose of using any such tool is to deliver an exclusive product that ensures the maximum benefit to the company.

Security Testing – Threats, Tools & Techniques

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Security testing is performed to determine the security flaws and vulnerabilities in software. The rise in online transactions and advancing technology makes security testing an inevitable part of the software development process. It is the best way to determine potential threats in the software when performed regularly.
Security testing looks into the following aspects of software:

  • Authentication
  • Authorization
  • Confidentiality
  • Availability
  • Integrity
  • Non-repudiation
  • Resilience

Why is security testing necessary?
Those who skip the process in order to save time are actually putting their business in trouble. You cannot afford to ignore security testing for the following reasons:

  • Security threats can cause your customers to abandon your services
  • Loss of customers means a decrease in revenue generation
  • Undoing the mistakes at a later stage can cost you more than detecting them and rectifying them at the earliest
  • Better security can save you from the extra expenses in the future
  • Customers can sue you for their personal information being leaked, which of course, is the result of security flaws existing in the software or application

Major types of Cyber-threats faced by businesses
There are various kinds of security threats that the software or application is prone to that may cost your business, if not identified. With the advancement in technology, attackers are inventing new ways to break into the security mechanisms of a system. Therefore, it’s necessary for the testers to be aware of the various kinds of security threats and find solutions to tackle them. Here are some of the common security threats that testers come across during the testing process:
SQL Injection
This type of security attack happens when the hacker inserts harmful SQL statements into the entry field for execution. The consequences of SQL injection are quite severe that it leads to leakage of classified information from the server database. This type of attack is possible only when there are loopholes in the execution of software or applications. It can be prevented by thoroughly checking the various input fields like text boxes, comments, etc. Also, it’s necessary to rightly handle or never use special characters are either in the input.
Privilege Elevation
In this type of attack, the hackers use his/her existing account to raise the privileges to higher levels than what he/she deserves. If the hacker becomes successful in doing so, he/she will use the privilege to run the code and the system will eventually give in.
URL Manipulation
It is the process where hackers make changes to the URL query string to access information. Applications that use the HTTP GET method to pass information between client and server are usually prone to this kind of attack.  In the HTTP GET method, information is passed in the parameter in the query string. Therefore, the tester must modify the parameters to see if the server accepts it.
Unauthorized Data Access
This is one of the popular security attacks where the hacker gains access to data by unauthorized means. This includes:

  • Use of data-fetching operations to gain access
  • Gaining access to reusable client authentication information by keeping track of the success of others
  • Gaining access to data by monitoring the access of others

Data Manipulation
Data manipulation involves hackers gaining access to website or application data and makes changes to it for their own advantage or to humiliate the owner of the application/website. The hacker does this by accessing the HTML pages of the website.
Identity Spoofing
It is a type of security attack where the hackers use the credentials of a valid user or device for attacking the network hosts, for data theft and for gaining the advantage over access controls. IT- infrastructure and network-level mitigations are required to prevent such attacks.
Denial of Service
Through the denial-of-service attack, the attacker aims at making a system or network resource unavailable to the valid users.  When applications or software are prone to such attacks, the application or the entire system may end up being unusable.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
It is a major security risk found in web applications. XSS allows attackers to insert the client-side script in web pages that are viewed by other users and manipulate them into clicking the URL.  After the user clicks the URL, the code changes the way the website behaves and gives access to the attacker to steal personal data and other critical information.
How to Prevent 
Now that you have a list of possible security vulnerabilities, what techniques can be used to tackle them? Let’s see:
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
The testers must check the web applications for cross-site scripting.  They must ensure that the application doesn’t accept any HTML (e.g.: <HTML>) or any script (e.g.: <SCRIPT>). If it does, the application will be prone to XSS. This will allow the attackers to insert harmful scripts into the application or to manipulate the URL of the user’s browser to steal information. Cross-site scripting must be performed for apostrophe and greater-than and less-than signs.
Ethical Hacking
Ethical hacking is performed by individuals or companies to identify potential vulnerabilities in an application that provides a path for the attacker to gain access to its security mechanism. An ethical hacker or white hat, as they are called, tries to break into the application to look for vulnerabilities that the hackers, also known as black hats, can utilize to their advantage.
Password Cracking
Hackers use password cracking tools or guess the commonly used username/passwords In order to extort private information. The commonly used usernames/passwords are usually available online along with open source password cracking tools. Therefore, it is important to perform testing for password cracking.
Penetration Testing 
A penetration test is an authorized attack on a computer system, network or application to detect security loopholes that hackers can put to use.
 Security scanning
It is a program meant to detect web application vulnerabilities by communicating with the application through web front-end.
Security auditing
A security audit is a methodical evaluation of the security of a company’s information system to see how well it complies with a particular set of guidelines.
 Risk analysis
This process involves the evaluation of potential risks, where each risk is analyzed and measured. Detecting defects and rectifying them after the software hits the market is expensive.
Therefore, it is important to deeply analyze the various types of risks and identify the areas that are prone to security risks. By understanding the vulnerabilities and acting at the earliest can reduce the risk of security threats after the software or application reaches the users.
SQL injection
SQL injection attacks are very harmful as the attackers try to extort confidential information from the server database. When a tester enters a single quote (‘) in any textbox, it must be rejected by the application. On the contrary, if the application shows a database error, it means that any input entered in a query has been executed by the application.
This means that the application is prone to security vulnerabilities. But, how do you find the areas of the application that are liable to such threats? Just check for codes from the code database of your application where direct MySQL queries are executed by accepting any user inputs. SQL injection testing can be performed for apostrophes, brackets, commas and quotation marks.
Posture assessment
Posture assessment is a combination of ethical hacking, security scanning, and risk assessment and is used to determine the overall security posture of an organization.
Vulnerability scanning
Vulnerability scanning helps to identify the security threats and to determine the areas in an application or network that are prone to potential vulnerabilities.
Testing for URL manipulation
Attackers find it easy to perform URL manipulation in the application that uses the HTTP GET method for server-client communication. This method involves the passing of information through parameters in the query string. Therefore, the tester must check if any confidential information is being passed through the query strings. Also, ensure that the server doesn’t accept any invalid parameter values in the query strings.
TOOLS
There are different kinds of security testing tools that help to identify the security flaws in your application, on time.
Application testing tools
The application testing tools help to identify the potential vulnerabilities that exist in your application before it hits the market and gives you ample time to rectify the defects. When you use application testing tools, nothing can stop your business from staying ahead in the competition and earning profits. Selenium,
IBM Rational Robot, Rational Functional Tester (RFT), Apache Jmeter, etc. are all examples of application testing tools.
Code review tools
Code review involves assessment of the application source code.  The tools used for code review help to identify mistakes in the development phase itself, thus helping to polish up the developer’s skills while maintaining the overall quality and security of the software. A collaborator by SmartBear, Crucible, and Reviewable are some of the best code review tools available.
Penetration testing tools
Sometimes, manual testing won’t be enough to identify all risks existing in an application. Penetration testing tools play an important role in such occasions. They are used to perform penetration tests so as to automate some of the tasks, for efficient testing and to detect defects that are not usually visible during manual testing. Some of the most powerful penetration testing tools include Metasploit, Wireshark, w3af and CORE Impact.
Runtime Application Self Protection (RASP)
It is an inbuilt security technology in an application that helps to identify and tackle real-time application attacks.
Security review software
If not internally developing their own software, businesses tend to outsource their software development or may use third-party software at times. However it is, the applications come with their own set of risks. Security review software helps to identify the risks that come with such applications.
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Software testing tools
Securing enterprise networks has made attackers shift their focus to application layers. As a result, they are prone to 90% of the vulnerabilities in an application. The only way to protect your application from such vulnerabilities is to perform software testing and code analysis in detail right from the initial stages of software development. Selenium, Coded UI Test, Sahi and Unified Functional Testing (UFT) are examples of some of the best software testing tools.
Vulnerability assessment tools
Vulnerability assessment tools help you to identify the potential risks and get rid of them before they cause any damage to your business and its reputation. Some of the best vulnerability assessment tools available include STAT, Nmap and DB-scan.
Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing tools (VAPT)
Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing are two different kinds of testing, with different strengths. When combined together, they help to achieve an overall analysis of an application.
Vulnerability scanning
As mentioned above, sometimes, businesses purchase third party software or may outsource software development which can’t guarantee that they are risk-free. Vulnerability scanning helps to identify loopholes, harmful codes and similar other threats in such software.
 

7 Possible Security Testing Mistakes that Can Occur Anytime

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Mobile apps become a double- edged sword especially when a mobile payment application has to do mass transfers. New features are prone to hacking and extortion if not handled with care.  NowSecure Mobile Security Report 2016 has found that 25% of the mobile applications always deal with at-least one highly extended security risk. When attacks on mobile applications increased, authorities started considering security checks before launching the app.
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Here, we are going to discuss about 7 possible security testing errors that may occur but can be avoided:

  • Failing to understand how an application is exposed to risk

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

  • Failing to connect security with application design

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

  • Lacking the quality in security testing

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

  • Use end-end encryption in data

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

  • Exposing sensitive data

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

  • Limit app features

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

 A 100% secure application is not possible, even though it passes through every type of testing. Technology is growing fast that new vulnerabilities are also being made every day to beat security plans.
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We just can’t do anything about it.
But!
A critical action plan can be implemented by:-
1. Monitoring the device, identifying every unusual activity
2. Appointing an in/out house team to identify and recover threats
3. Having policies that help you to limit the damages

Why Security Testing is Emerging as a Trend Before The New Year?

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Now that New Year is just a month away, security testing services have started emerging as a popular trend. Several research reports can be found that claim how security testing services are going to be the buzzword in the coming year. It is not surprising to find out so many research reports flooding the market because of the increasing cyber-crimes. To eliminate these cyber-crimes and security threats, the security testing of applications, database and different networks has become the top priority for most companies. So, let’s first understand the different aspects of security testing services that are in focus now.

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Following are the different aspects of security testing services that are making news:

  • Application Services: You can see several application services being introduced in the market. This include setting up of enterprise, Web, mobile and cloud configurations. Further, the work culture is also shifting because of the increasing demand for freelance employees. This has encouraged Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), work from home culture, and also the hiring of remote and offshore freelance employees. Reports suggest that in the coming years, almost 40% of the total workforce will be freelance employees. In such a case, security is a major concern as chances are that the security of the confidential information of the organisation might get compromised.

  • Application Tools and Methodology: Based on the goals of a business, the tools used for security testing services can be code review tools, automated testing tools and Web testing tools. Note that these testing tools must be periodically upgraded as and when to deal with cyber-crimes and cyber threats. Similarly different organisations must devise their own plans to deal with the cyber threats by using different evaluation methodologies such as performing security tests on a quarterly, semi-annually or annual basis. All over the world, organisations are ready to increase their budgets for performing security tests of their applications and networks in order to eliminate and minimize security threats and also reduce damages as far as possible even under some worst situations.

  • Industries: Now the million dollar question is which industries are looking for security testing services? In fact, every industry will try to secure its confidential business data and aim at increasing its market share.

Be it an e-commerce, retail, government establishments, healthcare, or telecom industry, the top focus will be to add technological innovations in its business. This will, however, also lead to vulnerability. Therefore, security testing must be done to eliminate any possibility of security threats.

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Most business organisations have been able to increase their revenues by including security testing services in their business models and securing business applications. To get the real advantages of applications, organisations must be ready with security features in their applications and this can be done by appointing security testing services to perform security testing. Security testing companies use the latest methodologies, testing tools and mobile devices to provide high-quality application.

5 Reasons Why Your Security Testing Needs to Be Crowd Sourced

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It is common for companies to launch bug bounties in order to improve upon existing security assessment tools and services. Researchers, who help with software testing, discover and resolve bugs for a reward which greatly improves the level of security. This process is referred to as crowd-sourcing.
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Heroku, Twilio, Pinterest, and Dropcam are great examples of companies that utilize the process of crowd-sourcing in software testing. This helps in enhancing security in today’s world of increasing breaches.

Also Read: Top 5 Software Testing Trends to Look Out For in 2015

Here are 5 reasons why crowdsourcing can be your trump card:
1. Better results
When more security researchers are involved in assessing an application, naturally the test coverage for an app increases. More researchers mean a more diversified software testing knowledge. A different skill set is brought to the table with the addition of a researcher through crowd-sourcing.
The results obtained are something that is unattainable using conventional testing methodologies. This method is even better than the structured patterns of automated testing or the use of a handful of penetration testing consultants.
2. Cost Effective
Regardless of the results, penetration testers and security researchers are paid for their time. This invokes a belief that tapping security resources can cost you a lot. This is where a crowd-sourced bug bounty program can help you be more cost efficient. Under this model, rewards are only needed to be given to researchers who first find a valid vulnerability. This means payment is done based on the vulnerabilities they find or the bugs they fix.
Submitting a duplicate isn’t rewarded which helps reduce the cost per vulnerability which is in turn a cost efficient and legitimate method to find and report bugs.
3. Safe method of Disclosing a Breach/Exploit
By having a bug bounty or responsible disclosure program, your company is protected from a hacker who may fully disclose an exploit to the public. Inadequate set of rules for report the vulnerability more often than not causes bug leak to the public. Oftentimes companies are caught off guard by this lack of proper communication. Companies can use the transparent rules together with an increase its security which they get by using a bug bounty program.
4. Benefit of a Continuous Security Testing
A system update or code push or even something as simple as being online may cause software to become vulnerable. Running pen tests or automated scanners can shed light on a few bugs, but they are incapable of providing the extra layer of protection which is given by bug bounty program. Researchers from different countries all across the globe can test an app at any time to alert your team through crowd-sourcing.
5. Free your team
Time consumption and inefficiency are some defects related to searching for vulnerabilities especially when done in small numbers. Crowd-sourced security testing can free up IT teams to validate and fix the discovered vulnerabilities which are their sole responsibilities. This helps to fix security issues even before they become a problem, which is far better than reacting to a production level bug that your team is unprepared for.

Also Read: 8 Instances Software Bugs Proved To be too Costly

Incentivizing researchers through crowd-sourcing will help you protect your product in the world where security exploits have been increasing. This helps to level the playing field and proactively secure apps with the help of white-hat researchers.