Application Security Testing for Protection from Threats

Application Security Testing for Protection from Threats Just like any other program, mobile apps are also vulnerable to security threats. With the evolution of large number of apps that require sharing and storing of sensitive data like credit card and bank details, personal IDs and health related data, the need for security testing has intensified even more. It is essential to identify the threats and figuring out how the apps can be protected against it. Conducting a test without awareness about security is next to impossible.

Majority of the mobile apps developed these days use third-party codes and libraries. This third-party support is usually associated with some sort of security threats to which an app is at risk. Even if the app developer is aware of these threats, the open source constituents of the app are capable enough to destruct its performance. These threats can also sink the app in the market, even before surfacing.

The Concerns of Enterprise: According to a report by Gartner, 99% of the exploited vulnerabilities will continue to be the ones known

by IT security professionals for at least a year. In an earlier report, it was reported that 75% of the mobile apps would fail basic security tests in iOS, Android and Windows platforms as they lack basic business related security standards.

For organizations, the consequences are huge, as the policies are at a threat of being violated with sensitive business related network and data.

App Security and Vulnerabilities In the app development process, the traditional practice of using open source codes for non-core segregating features is widely accepted. It saves time of the resources for coding over non-essential components of the app. Therefore, as a part of their app development, the developers cannot ignore channelizing third-party libraries and code. It is imperative to understand the concerns, issues and license restrictions associated with the third-party codes to comprehend the level of security exposure that your app is facing.

Contributing to the security updates from an extensive vulnerability database that points towards the set of the security threats applicable to your app can check for recounted security concerns. The unreported security threats pinpoint the technological evolution or exclusive code extensions that can cause serious complications in the application technology.

The Security Specifications for Third-Party Open Source Components Security testing should be conducted time and again using automated testing tools. The app developers should be well versed with the third-party open-source mechanisms such as security complications and issues on the apps and app users. Proficiency with the third-party codes ensure that the app developer takes the charge of the security concerns associated with it and averts hacking by dealing with the flaws in the security and the vulnerabilities in the app.

As the technology evolves, also evolves a new security threat with every new version of third-party library and code. This creates the spirit of remaining updated with the latest information related to security of the third-party components.

Security Test Amendments Gartner stated that the static and dynamic application security testing vendors need to amend their tests for mobile applications because of the enhanced degree of technological evolution in the app development.

Security testing evolves to the next level with the introduction of behavioral analysis testing to monitor the GUI and background apps to detect risky behaviors.

Innovative apps and the servers connected to the mobile devices are tested continuously and secured. A lot of apps are available in the app market, so the obligation of the security also rests on both the consumers and organizations.

Organizations should test their apps and softwares efficiently through all the apps as frequently and quickly as possible. Overlooking this can result in a huge security cost later.

Bugraptors is one such testing company that provides web and app security and performance testing.

Bugraptors is a CMMi5 certified company with an extensive experience as a third party testing vendor.

Have a glance of their work here.