Why Web Application Security Testing is Important

Businesses are going digital to take advantage of the intelligent features associated with such platforms. It helps streamline their workflows and use versatile features to stay ahead of their peers. With all enterprises shifting to the web, there are frequent incidents of data breaches across several industry leaders. It is essential to undertake web application security testing to prevent such breaches.

Security testing involves the processes that help identify the risks and threats in any web application. Assessing the risks from malicious programs that can access the application is essential. The application must run flawlessly and ensure its integrity. Web security programs can prevent data breaches and keep the underlying data secure from unauthorized access.

Why Web Application Security Testing is Important for Businesses

Avoid Repercussions

A successful data breach can have several severe repercussions on the business. The healing processes can be harsh, and you can face several hardships along the way. One of the critical outcomes could be the fines and levies charged by government agencies against the business. You can also face several legal hassles which may drive your attention away from your core activities.

We have witnessed that any data breach can lead to adverse news in the press, harming the business’ reputation. It can lower the brand image, and even loyal customers will begin looking for other options for their necessities. There must be suitable procedures to assess web application security to prevent any untoward incident affecting your business.

Identify Flaws in the Web App

When you undertake periodic security testing, you can encounter flaws in the web application. It can help developers consider the security factor across all levels of the SDLC. You can assess the security levels and find the possible security gaps in the web app. It can help you readily address these gaps and set up a comprehensive security strategy in the future.

You must proactively determine whether the web app has faced hacking attempts. While advanced software can help you address this issue, a regular security audit can help identify hacker attempts. You can then tweak the application to thwart future attempts too. Your operations also save time in recuperating from adverse incidents.

Assures Business Continuity

One of the critical outcomes of a data breach is that your business can come to a standstill. A DDoS attack can take your business by surprise and abruptly halt your operations. It leads to a severe loss of revenue as your networks remain inaccessible to your audience. It is difficult to ascertain the actual revenue loss, but it can lead to reputation loss too.

The business network must have adequate customer protection algorithms to prevent data breaches. When you have good security testing practices in place, you can stay assured of higher availability of your business which forms the lifeline of your operations. It can help plug any vulnerabilities across your digital framework and ensures business continuity even after cyberattacks.

Builds Trust Factor

Your audience must trust your business, allowing them to undertake safe online transactions. The business must have the proper security apparatus to enable the audience to ensure that they do business with a secure website. If you accept online transactions, you must adhere to PCI-DSS regulations, which require a proper security apparatus.

If hackers breach the business, it can lead to a negative effect on your business. When you undertake security tests on the company, it will help address any security lapses and plug them readily. It can thwart any attempted data breaches and protect customer data. Showcasing a robust security infrastructure can ensure the audience trusts your business and will help you have a steady revenue stream.

Adhere to Compliances

Businesses across the globe must adhere to various compliances related to data safety. It requires them to imbibe a robust security framework that can help prevent data breaches proactively. Comprehensive security testing must be in place to ensure no loopholes across the network can affect your website.

You must consider data security as a critical factor for your business. It is crucial for websites that store customer records as part of their operations. The company must have strong security testing abilities and adhere to various compliances, like HIPAA, GDPR, Sarbanes-Oxley, etc. Undertake due diligence at proper intervals to establish the required security controls.

Prevent Security Threats Proactively

Various web applications store confidential customer and other business information for the smooth running of operations. The application must exceed performance requirements while ensuring proper security safeguards are in place. The business must consider several aspects of the company while deploying sustainable security safeguards across the application development lifecycle.

Developers must remember to include adequate information safeguards when designing and maintaining the web application features. There must be a comprehensive security review to detect any errors which can cause issues in the future. Identify the boundaries correctly before implementing the web app. You can utilize security testing properly to ensure the web apps interact with the external components of the business properly.

Steps to Follow to Implement Web Application Security Testing

Let us discuss the web application security testing checklist for IT experts.

Define the scope of the test

You must understand the objectives of the test by knowing more about the business and its security mechanisms. Consider the security gaps across all web applications and view the entire business framework.

Evaluate the system and gather data

You must analyze the application correctly and identify any gaps in the business logic. Also, undertake user checks and schedule scanning using next-gen tools. Assess the digital framework and list out the specifications.

Design the Traceability Matrix

You must assess the expected risk and security gaps in the web applications. But you must first identify all risks associated with the applications. Design the Traceability Matrix, which will allow you to assess all risks.

Finalize the tools for the test

Businesses must use automated tools to carry out security testing. After creating a list of the possible tools, you must consider various factors and finally decide on one which can be of help. It must address all potential security gaps in the application and allow you to plug them.

Undertaking the tests

You can have a list of the tests you want to perform. Undertake the tests for the several methods hackers use to gain access, like cross-site scripting, SQL injection, etc. Address the cloud configuration and source code too. Validate the output of the scans and check the areas that hackers can exploit.

Execute the test cases

The security application must execute the test cases prepared by you. You can re-execute earlier tests to assess whether the functions are working as expected. The changes must not lead to new loopholes.

Create a report and devise strategies

Once the assessment is complete, design a comprehensive report which will contain the vulnerabilities found and described in detail. It must also include how to address the security gaps. You can also suggest digital strategies to prevent such events in the future.

HCL AppScan is an Agile and Accurate Option for Businesses

Businesses must resort to web application security testing at regular intervals to ensure the security of all web apps and prevent any data breaches. You must deploy robust application security scanning software to help you across all stages of the SDLC. The HCL AppScan can help you operate a platform-friendly application designed for novices and professionals.

It can readily secure the code using advanced features and on-the-fly testing techniques. Powerful DevSecOps shows the security gaps and allows faster remediation across all phases of the SDLC. It provides comprehensibility for security teams and will enable developers to write secure code. It can support several code languages and makes scanning easier.

Conclusion

Businesses are taking the digital route to enhance their revenue potential. The use of web applications is increasing fast, and it has also led to several attacks by cybercriminals. There must be adequate safeguards to prevent such attacks.

Applications like the HCL AppScan can be the ideal option to protect your web applications. It is fast and accurate, can identify security gaps, and allows prompt remediation. It is among the best security testing tools and is an industry leader among its peers.

Are you worried about the security of your web applications? Look no further. Schedule a demo for a discussion with our experts.