Web Application Security Testing

If you already own a website, you know just how important it is that it remains secure. You can discover weaknesses in your security systems and fix them before malicious actors have the opportunity to exploit them.

Not only does regular penetration testing help keep sensitive data secure in the event of cyber attacks, but it also avoids costly breaches down the line. Plus, web application pen testing helps maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations.

There are different web application penetration testing approaches and tools that can be used to ensure maximum security. These include:

• Dynamic application security: Web applications are used in real-time and attackers look for weak spots to break into your system.
• Static application security: Source codes are used to detect security vulnerabilities, like coding errors, before the application is deployed which leads to more secure software.
• Penetration testing for web applications: Web applications undergo a simulated cyber attack. Manual and automated processes are used to identify vulnerabilities and provide remediation techniques before malicious actors can exploit them.
• Mobile application testing: Mobile applications are subjected to various attack scenarios, including data theft, reverse engineering, and malicious code injection.

Web application testing focuses specifically on the security of web-related applications. Penetration testing is broader and attempts to infiltrate the entire system through security gaps.

The former consists of identifying weaknesses in specific areas, such as access control and application control, whereas the latter looks at vulnerabilities in a wider range of areas, such as firewalls, operating systems, and so on.

No matter the size, no matter the industry. If your organization relies on a web application to conduct business operations, you should partner with a web application security testing company.

Web applications hold an immense amount of sensitive information, so if you want to protect your integrity, you need to look out for the security of customer data. Find the hidden weaknesses in your system and fix them before a hacker slips in through the cracks.

In today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, new and sophisticated threats are constantly evolving. That’s why a one-and-done approach to web application security testing just won’t cut it.

Regular testing is vital to maintain the security of your web application. Don’t wait for a breach to occur to start taking your defense posture seriously. Be proactive and stay one step ahead.

Your desired frequency depends on how often you update the application as well as the needs of your business. But the more often you test, the more prepared you’ll be, and the lower your risk of a breach.

We’re relentless in our search. We leave no stone unturned until we find the smallest crack that we can slip through. From broken authentication to weak cryptography, and everything else in between, we use both automated and manual techniques to break into your web application.

The length of a security test will depend on the complexity and size of your web application. We’ll tailor our approach to your unique needs. Depending on your requirements, a full web application penetration test could take anywhere from a few days to a few months to complete.

While we do use automated tools to augment our attacks, all CovertSwarm engagements are led by our Swarm of ethical hackers. In this way, we deliver human intelligence-led attacks that are then accelerated, and taken deeper, thanks to our cutting-edge tools.

Web application penetration testing methodology tends to follow a similar pattern, this includes information gathering, vulnerability testing, exploitation, risk assessment, and reporting. During the vulnerability phase, we operate a combination of manual and automated web application security testing techniques.

Some of the most common web application vulnerabilities that are frequently exploited by attackers include: 

• Cross-site scripting (XSS) 
• Injection vulnerabilities
• Insecure direct object references
• Security misconfigurations
• Broken authentication and session management 

Depending on the specific vulnerability, hackers can exploit your web application in different ways. For example, they may try to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, take control of your underlying server, or inject malicious code. Aside from data breaches, this exploitation can lead to other serious cyber attacks, such as denial-of-service attacks.

It depends on various factors, such as the complexity of your web application and the scope of the test. But we guarantee the cost of a web application penetration test will be minimal in comparison to the damage your brand could face in the event of a major security breach.

After the automated security testing of web applications is complete, we’ll pinpoint all of the hidden weaknesses we found. We provide a detailed debrief that cuts out the noise and gets straight to the point.

With this information, we’ll curate unique workshops that enhance your team’s skills and demonstrate exactly how we penetrated your system. Finally, we provide you with the necessary knowledge and tools that ensure a breach in the system does not occur again.