What is Security Testing and Why is It Important?

Security is essential for everyone, no matter the aspect of life we consider. In today’s hyper-connected world, digital threats are everywhere, constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated. As technology advances, so do hackers and the methods they use to exploit vulnerabilities. The market for security testing reflects this growing concern, with an estimated value of $15.4 million in 2024. With an annual growth rate of 15.2%, it is projected to reach $62.6 million by 2034.

In this blog post, we’ll explore key testing methodologies involved in security testing and review notable data breaches from the past year. Let’s dive in!

Why is security testing essential?

Security testing is key to ensure that the user's data is kept safe and that the software or service is as less susceptible to hacks and breaches as possible. Several reasons why security testing is important:

• Ensures product compliance with industry and regulatory standards. Many industries worldwide are subject to strict security regulations and standards. Security testing ensures that these regulations and standards are met, keeping the product compliant with industry norms.
• Protects sensitive data. Security testing can bring out certain flaws in the product, which if not fixed can result in data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• Ensures system reliability. Security testing helps identify various security weaknesses that can cause product failures or crashes, and fixes that when implemented can improve the overall stability of the product.
• Boosts user satisfaction and trust. Companies offering secure products to their users and potential customers foster a trusting relationship in the long run. Everyone wants their data to be safe and secure.

Biggest data breaches of 2024

As technology advances, companies want to be up to date with the latest technologies and industry standards so that they do not fall behind their competitor. But then as the companies advance, so do their main antagonists, the hackers. Hackers pose a constant threat to companies and their cybersecurity, as they are getting more advanced, and adapting continuously. 

In 2024 over 1 billion data records were exposed, and it seems as though the numbers have been going up each year, and the battle between security experts and hackers is like a chess match. An average data breach is estimated to cost about $4.9 million and Ransomware costs an average of $5.2 million.

Some of the largest data breaches in 2024 were:

• AT&T (2 breaches, over 110 million users)
• UnitedHealth (100 million users)
• Ticketmaster (40 million users)
• Evolve Bank (7.6 million users)
• Dell (49 million customers and 10,000 employees)

When should you start security testing in the SDLC?

Security testing is essential and should be present throughout the software development lifecycle (SDCL) to ensure security in every stage of development, this concept is called shift-left security because it integrates security testing early in the development process. Some quick examples:

• Requirement analysis stage. In this stage, we focus on security requirements based on the application’s purpose and compliance needs.
• Design stage. In this stage, we conduct threat modeling and architectural risk analysis to identify vulnerabilities in the design itself.
• Development stage. In this stage, the main focus should be on implementing secure coding practices. Use static application security testing (SAST) to scan the developed code for vulnerabilities.
• Testing stage. In this stage, we implement dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools, which should be done in this stage, where applications undergo test runs to try and seek out vulnerabilities. Additionally, we may perform penetration testing.
• Deployment stage. In this stage, a security assessment should be done for the overall application before it is pushed to the production environment.
• Maintenance stage. In this stage, we perform regular vulnerability scans to monitor and log any security vulnerabilities and live patch any vulnerabilities as they are discovered.

What are some of the types of security testing?

1. Penetration testing

Penetration testing, a form of ethical hacking, involves simulating real-world attacks on a product to identify vulnerabilities that may have been missed during development. Penetration testing can be performed both manually and through automated tools. 

2. Vulnerability scanning

Vulnerability scanning primarily relies on automated tools to identify product or network infrastructure security weaknesses. This method helps ensure potential vulnerabilities are flagged efficiently.

3. Application security testing

Application security testing (AST) assesses the overall security of web applications and web services. This process can be conducted manually or automatically and aims to uncover potential vulnerabilities. AST is crucial for detecting both external and internal threats to a product.

4. Web application security testing

Web application security testing is a specialized subset of AST that focuses on identifying vulnerabilities specific to web-based applications. Common testing techniques include SQL injection testing, authentication testing, SAST, and DAST. Both manual and automated approaches can be employed for this type of testing.

5. API security testing

API security testing evaluates the security of APIs and the systems they interact with. This involves sending malicious requests to APIs and analyzing their responses to identify vulnerabilities. The primary goal is to ensure APIs are resilient against attacks and safeguard sensitive data. Given the increasing prevalence of API-specific threats, such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks, this type of testing is critical.

6. Risk assessments

Risk assessments involve identifying potential security threats and evaluating their potential impact on a product or network. The primary objective is to prioritize risks based on their severity and develop strategies to mitigate them effectively.

Security testing techniques 

Security testing encompasses four primary methodologies: static application security testing (SAST), dynamic application security testing (DAST), interactive application security testing (IAST), and mobile app security testing (MAST). While each plays a crucial role, they serve distinct purposes. Let’s explore them in detail.

Static application security testing (SAST)

SAST examines your application in a non-executing state by analyzing the source code, bytecode, or binary code. Integrating SAST into your workflow helps uncover security vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential flaws, allowing you to address them before releasing the app. It's crucial to perform SAST early and consistently throughout development. This approach helps identify flow and structural issues when they’re easier to fix. Neglecting or delaying SAST can lead to serious flaws remaining in your mobile app, which may become expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to fix later, potentially delaying your app’s release. 

Popular SAST tools include: Aikido, Cycode SAST, and Checkmarx SAST. 

Dynamic application security testing (DAST)

Unlike SAST, which analyzes your app's code and structure in a non-executing state, DAST operates on your app in a running state. This type of Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) executes your app as it would function on a real device, offering an end-user perspective on its functionality.

DAST evaluates resources and identifies security mechanisms that are only apparent during runtime, such as data disclosure during transit, authentication and authorization vulnerabilities, server misconfigurations, and dynamic behavior of the application.

Since DAST inspects compiled code in a runtime environment, it is typically conducted in the later stages of the software development lifecycle.

DAST is particularly useful for assessing your app from an attacker's perspective — without access to its source code—to uncover vulnerabilities before production. Depending on the severity of the identified vulnerabilities, you can choose to address them immediately or defer fixes to a subsequent app release.

Popular DAST tools include: OWASP Zap, JIT, and Veracode.

Interactive application security testing (IAST)

IAST is a modern approach to application security that blends features of SAST and DAST. By using instrumentation—software libraries integrated into the application’s code—IAST tests the app while it runs. This added monitoring functionality actively tracks the app’s behavior and interactions during runtime.

Typically conducted later in the SDLC during the testing or QA phase, IAST provides access to crucial elements such as code, data flow, control flow, system configurations, and back-end connections.

A key advantage of IAST is its ability to pinpoint the exact location of vulnerabilities in your code, much like SAST, while operating in a runtime environment similar to DAST. Unlike DAST, which may not provide sufficient details for developers to address vulnerabilities, IAST delivers detailed insights, enabling developers to identify and resolve issues more efficiently.

Popular IAST tools include: Invincti and Acutenix.

Mobile application security testing (MAST)

These types of tools are specifically designed to conduct security testing for mobile applications. The main goal of this technique is to identify security vulnerabilities in mobile applications and to provide different recommendations for remediation. 

Popular MAST tools include: AppKnox Mobile Application Security, Checkmarx for Mobile AST. 

Final thoughts 

Security testing has never been more critical. As software applications attract a large and diverse user base, they become prime targets for cyber threats, making it vital to safeguard both users and businesses from potential risks. Vulnerabilities such as insecure data storage, memory leaks, supply chain weaknesses, and inadequate authentication not only jeopardize sensitive information but also damage user trust.

By grasping the fundamentals of security and adopting effective testing strategies, organizations can develop more robust applications. Utilizing advanced tools and techniques helps identify and address vulnerabilities quickly. This proactive approach enhances app security, protects user data, and streamlines the development process. Ultimately, prioritizing security testing builds trust and reliability, benefiting both users and businesses.

Ready to launch an app that your users can trust? Contact us today to learn how our security testing can help you identify vulnerabilities, safeguard sensitive data, and build trust.