Posted by: Praveen Joshi
April 19, 2023
Pen testing is the most widely used methodology to test and enhance the strength of web application security. It is the process of simulating unauthorized attacks internally or externally on the target website. The purpose of web pentesting is to exploit the vulnerabilities and escalate them to the highest level possible. It allows testing teams to determine the maximum impact a particular security loophole can have during a real attack. Additionally, pen testers try to gain access to sensitive data and check the resilience of security policies guarding it. Overall, pen testing a web application helps you find out how your current security systems will react when your website comes under attack. Plus, you get to know what areas are weak and how to make them strong.
of companies rely on automation for 70% of their security testing needs.
is the expected compound annual growth rate for the global pentesting market from 2022 to 2027
of successful breaches against businesses are due to the penetration of vulnerable web applications.
of web applications are found with at least one critical vulnerability during penetration testing.
The following are the key steps for executing a penetration test web application process:
It is the first stage of the pen testing process. In this phase, the testing team tries to gather as much information as possible about the application and infrastructure they are going to test. It lays the foundation for the execution of the penetration test.
There are two types of reconnaissance involved with this phase. It all depends on the level of interaction between the testing teams and the target application.
This is the part where the testing team brings all the gathered information into use. It involves identifying the parts of your web application to be tested. They use penetration testing software to execute the pen test and automate typical attacks, disclosing hidden paths inside the web application.
This phase is also known as the attack phase of the process as the penetration tester tries to exploit the vulnerabilities found in the last phase. The attack methods might include social engineering attacks, physical security breaching, web application exploits, and phishing.
This is the post-attack and final phase of the penetration test web application process. Here the testing teams deliver a comprehensive report to the business owners. This report usually contains:
The pentesting team also recommends necessary steps to take in order to make the web application’s security robust and resilient against prevailing threats. It is important to carefully analyze the results of the test to ensure that needed changes and improvements are implemented.
The following are the top tools you can use for testing your web applications:
There are several other tools in the market as well. You can choose one that suits your requirements.
The following are the key benefits of the process:
