Penetration testing for applications

Developing an application is one of the most lucrative methods to expand your business in this digital age. However, there is also a huge risk of cyber threats, which are always evolving. Penetration testing for applications is a security testing method that helps businesses discover potential vulnerabilities present in their applications and fix them before a hacker exploits them. In this blog, we will learn about penetration testing, why it should be done for applications, and the steps involved in it. What is Penetration Testing for Applications As the impact of cyberattacks increases, the need for cybersecurity also equally increases. Penetration testing for applications is a process of finding weak points through which cyberattacks can happen. Penetration testers mimic real-world cyberattacks on the application to check where the fault lies that hackers could exploit. In contrast to vulnerability scanning using automated tools, application penetration testing human skills and expertise to discover security flaws. Manual penetration testing for applications not only detects vulnerabilities but also provides detailed guidelines to remediate them. In addition to that, it also provides no false results as opposed to automated scanning. Businesses can effectively know all the security flaws and fix them before any harm is caused to them. Why Conduct Penetration Testing for Applications As per a study, the annual average cost of cybercrimes was $8.4 trillion in 2022, which is predicted to hit more than $3 trillion in 2027.  Penetration testing helps businesses find what flaws lie in their application’s security before any hacker does any malicious activity. Penetration testing is possibly the best way to test the effectiveness of your application’s security against various cyber threats. Let’s dive into the benefits of conducting penetration testing for applications. Identify Vulnerabilities Organizations perform Application Penetration Testing to identify vulnerabilities before hackers or cyber attackers can exploit them. By simulating real-world attack scenarios, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting, penetration testers discover weaknesses in the application’s defenses. As a result, organizations can fix those weaknesses quickly and reduce the risk of security breaches and data loss. In addition to that, identifying vulnerabilities early helps organizations prioritize security measures and allocate their resources effectively to strengthen their application’s overall security posture. Meeting Client Needs For any business, meeting the client’s needs is something that needs to be fulfilled. Clients are more likely to choose a provider that prioritizes security and takes necessary steps to safeguard their interests. They expect their data and other digital assets to be secure while using your application, making security testing essential. By conducting Penetration testing for applications, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to the security of client’s information. This not only builds trust but also ensures you share a long-lasting business relationship. Internal Security By identifying vulnerabilities early in the application, penetration testers help strengthen the overall security of the internal network. In other words, penetration testing for applications protects sensitive data, intellectual property, and other digital assets from various internal and external threats. Additionally, it helps organizations detect gaps in their security measures so that they can implement necessary controls to mitigate them effectively. Ultimately, investing in penetration testing is essential to secure the organization’s resources and maintain business continuation swiftly. Compliance with Industry Standards Penetration testing is often mandatory by various industry standards, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, or GDPR, to ensure proper security of sensitive data and personal information. Not meeting these can result in hefty fines, legal consequences, and reputational damage. By conducting Application Penetration Testing, organizations can comply with these industry standards effectively. Moreover, by doing penetration tests regularly, organizations can align their security measures with the industry’s best practices and stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements. Maintain Reputation A positive and strong reputation is very important in a competitive business environment and maintaining it requires good security measures. Penetration testing helps organizations sustain their reputation by identifying and fixing potential security risks before they can be exploited by hackers. By investing in penetration testing for applications, organizations can show that they are committed to protecting their customer’s data and maintaining the trust of their stakeholders. As a result, it enhances brand reputation and credibility among partners, customers, and investors. A good penetration testing company that offers cost-effective solutions for applications is hard to find. So, now that you have found one, waste no time contacting us. Talk to our Cybersecurity Expert to discuss your specific needs and how we can help your business. Schedule a Call   Different Types of Penetration Testing for Applications There are basically 3 types of penetration testings: White box  Black box Grey box  Each penetration test differs in its approaches and the amount of information provided to the testers. However, the ultimate goal of each type of penetration test is to detect vulnerabilities present in the current security measures. Black Box Penetration Testing Also known as closed box or external penetration testing. In black box penetration testing for applications, the testers are given little to no information regarding the internal structure of the application. It requires a high level of programming knowledge and is probably the best approach to test the overall security posture of the application. Black box pentesting can take up to six to seven weeks to complete, making it the longest type of penetration test. This, however, depends on the scope of the project. White Box Penetration Testing Also known as open box or internal penetration testing, white box penetration testing for applications is where the tester has full knowledge and access to the source and environment. The goal of white box pentesting is to conduct an in-depth security audit of the application and provide the tester with as much information as possible. However, since the testers have all the working knowledge of the application, they cannot mimic how hackers would approach, those who don’t have any information. As a result, there is a high chance of many vulnerabilities being missed. Grey Box Penetration Testing In grey box penetration testing for applications, the tester has partial information