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The proliferation of applications especially in view of the rapid technological advancements in mobile, IoT and cloud has meant that business dynamics are changing. The change is more a reflection of the user preferences that value quality more than quantity. Applications, be it web or mobile based are launched with a remarkable speed every day and hour. This is mainly done to improve the user experience. The adoption of applications as a means to leverage products or services is not confined to the external customers alone. Rather, it is increasingly being used by the members of an organisation who have built the app. 

 Application security versus Network security

All said and done, the growing number of applications has meant a greater security risk. Let us understand that hackers find it easier to steal data or information from an organisation or individual through the application route. They are able to do so because organisations have become increasingly aware of the need to strengthen Network Security. Since the architecture of an application uses multiple platforms or devices, it is often difficult to ensure total application security. Thus, the use of an application security testing methodology vis-a-vis following network security is not effective.

The network security of an organisation can be easily tightened by a single patch or an update whereas the same is not possible in the case of software application security testing. The reason being, applications are unique in their architecture, functioning, and usage, which a single security patch or an update as a part of software application security testing cannot aim to address.

The role of application security testing

In view of the enhanced security threat perception from hackers, organisations can be better off in carrying out application security testing. However, an application security testing methodology can be quite elaborate in its scope and ramifications. So, it needs the involvement of stakeholders like third party vendors, IT department, and clients. In fact, software application security testing should be an integral part of the development process. This approach, however, should in no way be compromised to achieve a faster time to market.

Challenges for application security testing

Faster software release: The Agile and DevOps scenario requires faster software releases to stay in the competition. This puts the task of following an application security testing methodology under increased stress.

No single solution: Even though test automation has made the task of carrying out software application security testing relatively easy, there is no single tool or kit that can check all types of applications. Thus, for a number of applications, separate testing scripts have to be written.

Changing nature of security threats: Hackers have got active more than ever before, as organisations grapple with strengthening their application security testing methodology. Add to this is the stronger compliance needed by regulatory authorities.

To be a step ahead of the hackers, organisations need to set up an effective application security testing program. The four ways are given below.

1. Educate the staff & stakeholders 

The organisation should adequately train its management and staff into the crucial issue of following application security testing methodology. The corporate risk of not maintaining the same should be known to everyone. These should continue in parallel or prior to establishing a security mechanism.

2. Let third party vendors toe the security line

As third party applications can be the biggest source of malware or virus, the organisation should ensure the vendors toe the security line by,

• Putting the need for ensuring software application security testing of third party apps on the vendors. Prepare an exclusive contract to this effect.
• Know about the security mechanism followed in their SDLC before entering into a contract.

3. Create strict security protocols

Merely educating the staff about following software application security testing is not enough, as eventually they tend to fall back into their usual ways. The need is to create strict security protocols such as a zero tolerance policy. The failure to meet such criteria should be known to everyone including the termination of the application. 

4. Build security into the workflow

Incorporate security mechanism right into the workflow to write secure codes. This should be done without impacting the user experience.

Conclusion

 With a view to deal with the challenges of an increased security threat to applications, organisations must strengthen their software application security testing. This is needed to not only improve the quality of applications, but also help enhance the brand value of an organisation.

Michael works for Cigniti Technologies, which is one of the top Independent Software Testing companies in the world to be appraised at CMMI-SVC Level 5, and an ISO 9001:2008 & ISO 27001:2013 certified organization.