Definition
Web Application Penetration Testing is identifying vulnerabilities in web applications and simulating real-world attacks to gain access to sensitive data to check the application’s security. In today’s world attackers are keeping an eye on gaining access to sensitive user data for their advantage, so it becomes crucial to get web application penetration testing done.
What are the benefits of web application penetration testing?
With the numerous benefits of web application penetration testing, we would like to list down a few major benefits:
- Gain insights into hidden vulnerabilities: Vulnerabilities if not identified on time, can lead to breaches and can cause not only financial loss but reputational loss also. A security program inclusive of web application pen testing is a must-have.
- Mitigating Risk: Once vulnerabilities are identified, organizations can prioritize and address them, reducing the risk of exploitation. This proactive approach to risk management is crucial in preventing potential data breaches and safeguarding sensitive information.
- Compliance and Regulation: Many industries and regulatory bodies mandate adherence to specific security standards. Web application penetration testing helps organizations meet compliance requirements, ensuring that they operate within the legal and regulatory frameworks.
- Gaining Customer Trust: Customers are increasingly concerned about the security of their data. Knowing that a web application undergoes regular penetration testing instils confidence in users, enhancing trust in the organization’s commitment to protecting their information.
How is penetration testing performed for web applications?
- Scoping: Configuring the penetration testing is important for a number of reasons, defining the proper scope(How many web applications, APIs, etc, should be included, also if the test is for an external or internal web application) and goals of the pentest is crucial. Talk to your pentesting provider to ensure all the requirements are fulfilled such as compliance needs, etc.
- Commencing the penetration testing: Once all the necessary information is gathered the penetration testing provider is ready to commence your web application penetration testing. Be ready with at least one technical person available from your team to be in communication with the penetration testing team for queries/clarification or technical problems they encounter during the course of the pentest.
- Analysing the report and working on the patches: Once the web app pentest is completed the testing team will provide you with a comprehensive report containing everything they have covered in the testing. The report will contain an executive summary, a technical summary and every finding with proper steps of reproduction, remediation and reference. Perform patches on the identified vulnerabilities in the order of priority. The critical and high ones should be patched first and then the medium and low ones.
How can Bluefire Redteam help?
Bluefire Redteam provides on-demand penetration testing expertise to global organisations. We help in identifying vulnerabilities to perform patches and then verification of the patches performed by the client. We have an excellent track record of working with organisations for their web application penetration testing needs.
