WHAT IS IT SO IMPORTANT

Nowadays when businesses go digital cyber security and data protection matter more than ever. Why is it so important? First, any business is dependent on its clients and their loyalty for growth. Operating online customers provide sensitive data such as credit card details or healthcare information depending on the services they avail. A data breach can make them lose their trust on an organization permanently.

Moreover, it's not just personal information of customers that's at risk, but also company's or an individual's ideas, patents, and plans potentially worth a fortune. Data breaches can be destructive for any business and can hamper the reputation of an organization. Years of hard work in building a brand name can be ruined by one severe data breach.

Failure of organizations in meeting data security compliance requirements can eventually result in destructive penalties, which can impact business to such an extent where recovery might be impossible. Moreover, it is relatively easy to rebuild an company's brand image than recouping from financial losses. Pay-outs to the affected parties can be devastating for an organization due to the damage caused by a data breach.


On top of this an importance of cyber security is often underestimated by small and mid-sized companies, but statistically over 60% oh them go out of business after a successful data breach. That's when security testing services come to scene.

SECURITY TESTING

SECURITY TESTING is a type of Software Testing that uncovers vulnerabilities, threats, risks in a software application and prevents malicious attacks from intruders. The purpose of Security Tests is to identify all possible loopholes and weaknesses of the software system which might result in a loss of information, revenue, repute at the hands of the employees or outsiders of the Organization. It also helps in detecting all possible security risks in the system and helps developers to fix the problems through coding.

Above all, Security Testing helps companies to ensure that their sensitive data is not subjected to any breach. Each organization is different in its own infrastructure and associated risks that require an in-depth analysis. Security Testing practices such as risk assessments, vulnerability scanning, security assessment and penetration testing can be used to identify threats to data security and prevent them.

SECURITY TESTING

SECURITY TESTING SERVICES

An importance of security testing is undoubted. But how to navigate a crowded marketplace wisely and choose the right vendor for security testing services? There are thousands of companies worldwide offering security testing services. Before making choice consider the following factors.

1. Tools and methodologies.

Depending on the provider, what you get can vary greatly. There is no unanimous standard for what a security test is and how it is supposed to be conducted. It is therefore important for you to ask the provider about what methodology or standard they are following. If the answer is "my own", there is reason to worry. In order for you to maximize value of the test, the provider should follow one of the international standards for security testing, such OWASP for application testing. First of all this will ensure you a structured testing process. Second, you will have an idea of what you are buying.

2. Reporting about outcomes and recommendations.

A security testing usually results in a report. The content of the report can vary greatly. As a minimum, you should make sure that the provider documents all the vulnerabilities and proves them. You should also make sure that a remediation plan with solutions is included. Be aware that some remediation plans are made with the sole purpose of selling you more security solutions. Small changes in configurations or coding, can sometimes greatly improve your security at almost no cost. You should look for independent providers who can make this kind of recommendations in their remediation plans.

3. Experts who provide services.

The result of the security testing is highly dependent on the person performing the job. When evaluating the providers' experts, you should have a look at their CVs. How long have they been in the game? What industry certifications do they have and how often they attend trainings. Most importantly, you should look at security accomplishments. How many security advisories, papers or CVE's have they published? Have they participated on any security conferences?

4. Call references

Check your potential vendor's web site and read use cases. The best way to evaluate a security testing provider is to ask for relevant reference customers. Make sure you ask the references about the value and quality of work that has been delivered.

STAGES

At Klik QA our approach to security testing includes four security testing stages. Our comprehensive approach is based on developing test strategy which aligns with security standards and policies and industries regulation.

The first stage of security testing process by Klik QA is the review of the current situation. We review the project and determine the scope of work on the basis of project documentation provided by a customer.

Review is followed by collecting information and analysing it. Then we scan the system and examine ports and exploit discovered vulnerabilities to detect potential breaches and report about outcomes and elaborate recommendations about making the system resistant to cyber security threats.

TOOLS

The big variety of modern security testing tools available allows to complete security testing of any level of complexity. At Klik QA we use security scanners, support tools for application traffic scanning, scanners for detecting specific types of vulnerabilities, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) methodology implementation.

Our top-class security testing experts are experienced in providing security testing for various industries and their expertise allows to choose the best tool set for effective work at affordable price.