Software application developers have to focus on security testing crucially in today’s web world, since more and more people everyday have integrated Internet and software into their daily life. Whether it is mobile, computer software, monitoring system or even airplane, everything requires software to perform their rudimentary functions. Although most of your software users may not know much about software security, it is absolutely necessary for you to perform software security testing as a software provider in order to protect your software, as well as your clients, from illegal malicious activities by hackers and pranksters.
These are the top 6 software security threats identified in 2016
1. SQL Injection
This code injection method directly attacks software that is data driven by injecting an SQL query through the input data. This can basically leave all your client data vulnerable to the hackers.
2. Broken Authentication and Session Management
For software that works on authentication and sign-in system, this vulnerability can let any unauthorized person access the user’s identity and data, which can result in loss of confidentiality and availability of data.
3. XSS or Cross Site Scripting
Typically found in software that connects through the Internet (web-based), cross site scripting vulnerability results in the hackers being able to relay client-side script on the web pages that are viewed by other users. This method has become the centre of attention in the hacking universe in the past few years.
4. Insecure Direct Object References
This vulnerability can grant a hacker who is an existing software user to violate the security of the software easily by changing the parameter and accessing the part of system that the particular user is not authorized for. This can enable the hacker to wreck havoc from within the software.
5. Security Misconfiguration
This vulnerability can happen at any stage in the software, including custom code, web server, application framework and database. The hacker either gains access or knowledge of the internal system through unprotected files and directories, system flaws, etc.
6. Cross Site Request Forgery
This vulnerability allows the authorized users to access system functions which are left unprotected by the software, by changing the URL or a parameter that grants access to privileged functions. If the administrative functions of software fall in the wrong hands, they can be used to expose private data processes of other users, which can severely degrade the reputation of the software.
Hackers have always found their way into the software by breaking its security parameters, and following up on just a few software security testing measures won’t solve the problem for good. Continuous improvements in the software’s security will strengthen not only the software, but the trust you share with your software users. Hence, it is highly recommended that security testing for your software must be integrated into the software development process, so that it is implemented from the very foundation. We all wish to create software for our clients that is not only reliable in terms of processing and user experience, but also safeguards their privacy and secures their confidential data.
