Why has application security testing become an important requirement in
the Software Development Life Cycle? Why
can’t enterprises just deal with any cybersecurity related issue as and when it
occurs rather than creating an entire architecture to address it beforehand?
Notwithstanding the raised eyebrows of the security conscious readers to such a
suggestion, it is the path that many enterprises are continuing to pursue till
date. In their quest to release a greater number of applications into the
market, enterprises often skirt the demand to conduct rigorous web application security testing and
end up with adverse consequences – both for them and their end customers.
Today, when millions of applications
have become a part of the global digital ecosystem and accessed by customers
using myriad devices and operating environments, the scope of security breaches
has increased manifold. Moreover, since most of these applications are
developed by using open-source coding, the associated vulnerabilities and risks
have increased to unprecedented levels as well. A recent report’s finding that
by 2021, the global cost attributed to cybercrime is likely to be around $6
trillion gives an insight into the lurking cybersecurity risks with such apps.
Such humongous figures have the potential to wipe out the bottom lines of
companies, entities, and individuals alike. To tackle the menace, there needs
to be a fundamental change in the approach to application security
testing – from the present testing the functionality and performance
of apps in most cases. The time has come for enterprises to move a step ahead
in incorporating the DevSecOps model. When the stakes are so high, enterprises
cannot be smug with their application
security testing methodology but extend it to the entire SDLC and
beyond.
Risks associated with lack of cybersecurity
measures
Today’s customers are having access to
a range of applications to execute activities like buying groceries and
clothing from eCommerce stores, buying tickets for planes/trains/planes,
booking hotels or movie tickets, paying utility bills, and many more. Since
they download these apps from app stores on major operating systems such as Android,
iOS, or Windows by paying scant regard to the security considerations,
enterprises building these apps have to pull up their socks and walk the talk.
If not, the risks can be heavy, as listed below.
- Lawsuits: The growing vulnerabilities of applications owing to their touchpoints across browsers, operating systems, devices, cloud servers, and networks, can be exploited by cybercriminals to steal data and information. Since most of these applications store personal and confidential information of customers, any data breach could land everyone into serious trouble. Consequently, lawsuits can be filed by the end customers or clients making businesses liable to pay hefty compensation.
- Hit on brand image: No one would like to use an app built by a company that has
been in the news for the wrong reasons. Although being in the news is exciting
for businesses as it gives them free publicity, being there for a negative
context can force them to run aground. So, the choice is simple – push the
envelope on adopting software
application security testing and enhance the trust level with the
end customers.
- Fall foul of regulatory agencies: The onslaught of cybercrime has forced the global IT
ecosystem to set up security protocols and regulatory agencies to monitor the
same. Laws like GDPR or SOX, among others, have made companies to sit up and be
compliant or face consequences in terms of censure and hefty fines. Today,
should enterprises overlook the mandate for mobile application security testing, they can fall foul of these
laws or agencies and suffer consequences.
Benefits for implementing application
security testing
If the cost of implementing software application security testing
is juxtaposed against potential losses that enterprises can suffer in the event
of any security breach, the benefits do outweigh the cost.
- Pre-empt risks and vulnerabilities: Embracing web
application security testing as part of the SDLC can help enterprises to
identify the hidden vulnerabilities in the codes. Thereafter, when the
vulnerabilities are plugged, the chances of data breaches or the ingress of
malware are reduced significantly.
- Market reputation: In a day and age when issues related to cybersecurity have
received increased traction from tech-savvy customers, enterprises following
industry best practices related to cybersecurity can create a better market
reputation and trust for their applications.
Conclusion
Mobile
application security testing helps in
upholding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data in today’s
Agile and DevOps driven software development methodologies. In a world
increasingly driven by digital technology, QA with security at its core is
needed to be implemented to pre-empt the concerns related to cybercrime.
Author Bio
Oliver has been
associated with Cigniti
Technologies Ltd as an Associate Manager - Content Marketing, with over 10
years of industry experience as a Content Writer in Software Testing &
Quality Assurance industry. Cigniti is a Global Leader in Independent Quality
Engineering & Software Testing Services with CMMI-SVC v1.3, Maturity Level
5.
