– Web Application VAPT is security testing methods for security holes or vulnerabilities in web applications and corporate websites. Due to these vulnerabilities, websites are left open for exploitation. Nowadays, companies are moving their most critical business and applications process on the web. There is no denying the fact that today, web apps are considered as vulnerability’s major point in the organizations.

– The result of web application holes is theft of plenty of credit cards, paramount reputational and financial damage for a lot of enterprises, and also the compromise of several browsing machines that visited those websites which were attacked by hackers. To avoid a scenario like this, WAPT maintains complete security and that is the major reason why it holds utmost importance for an organization. Web Application Penetration Testing is designed for detecting security vulnerabilities within the web-based apps.

– In the times of intense competition, safety and security of your critical and sensitive business data are highly relevant. Unlike the other penetration testings, it also evaluates the risk that is related to a third-party app. Now, this makes it the best option for searching the web-based app’s security vulnerability that has previously been deployed as well as running. Penetration test carried under it is performed by manual and tool-based testing procedure.

Black Box Testing: – Black Box Testing is a Software Testing technique in which the tester doesn’t know the internal structure, design and implementation of the software application that is being tested.

White Box Testing: – White-box testing is a method of software testing that tests internal structures or workings of an application, as opposed to its functionality. In white-box testing an internal perspective of the system, as well as programming skills, is used to design test cases.

Gray Box Testing: – Gray Box Testing is a software testing technique which is a combination of Black Box Testing technique and White Box Testing technique. The internal structure, design and implementation is partially known in Gray Box Testing.

1] Information Gathering: The penetration tester of a WAPT provider locates publicly-accessible information related to the client and finds out ways which can be exploited for getting into systems. The tester employs tools like port scanners for completely understanding the software systems in a network. With the use of this information, tester pinpoints different findings’ probable impact on the client.

2] Planning and Research: After information collection through several informational tools or manual surfing, next stage demands planning and thorough research. The planning process is initiated by defining penetration testing’s objectives. Goals are then defined jointly by tester and client so that both parties have the same level of understanding and objectives.

3] Vulnerability Detection: Testers of the right online WAPT provider understands the response of a target app to several intrusion attacks. Static as well as dynamic analysis is used in this situation. The former method is used to check whether the application code is behaving in the exact way it should be while running or not and the latter one involves its inspection in the running condition.

4] Penetration Testing: It utilizes web app attacks like cross-site scripting, backdoors, and SQL injection for uncovering a target’s vulnerabilities. Then, the testers try for these vulnerabilities’ exploitation to comprehend the destruction that they can cause.

5] Report and Analysis: The test’s result is consolidated and compiled into the report that briefs the sensitive data accessed and particular vulnerabilities exploited etc. This report is analyzed by security personnel to create strong safety solutions.

1] What is Mobile Application Penetration Testing?: The Mobile Applications we use daily have significantly advanced in recent years. This advancement and reliance upon such services has exposed users to a variety of new security risks. Protecting these applications from new threats is a constant challenge, especially for developers who may not be security aware and typically working toward a performance deadline. Vision4 Infosec have a wealth of knowledge in the area of mobile application security testing, and the professional Mobile Application Security Testing Service can be used to identify vulnerabilities that exist on your Mobile applications.

2] How Can Our Mobile Application Penetration Testing Help?: Vision4 Infosec can help mitigate the risks associated with Mobile Applications by identifying vulnerabilities that exist within the app in both IOS & Android Operating Systems. Vision4 Infosec Mobile Application Testing service looks at mobile applications at a storage level by reverse engineering the application package and viewing the database and configuration files. We use specialised technology to simulate a malicious application stored on the phone alongside your application to check for vulnerabilities that require a malicious application to exploit. We also examine the API backend using our full API methodology which covers all of the OWASP top 10 vulnerabilities, common misconfigurations and in depth business logic testing. Our Mobile Application Security service would be delivered as part of the Vision4 Infosec Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) and full access to the SecurePortal and other complementary tools would be provided.

3] What are the Risks?: Mobile Applications are becoming increasingly complex, as they do so their threat landscapes are becoming larger with more personally identifiable and business critical data being stored. Insecure applications may result in sensitive data being exposed to other applications on the device, the ability to trigger application components to perform malicious actions amongst other attack vectors. Mobile Applications typically make use of on API to send and retrieve data from the server, this is also a focal point of assessment with our full API methodology being covered.

4] Key Benefits: The application will be reversed engineered to check for misconfigurations or missing core security defences such as root detection, SSL pinning and code obfuscation. The source code of the application will be analysed to look for misconfigurations, hardcoded credentials or keys. There is no need to supply us with the source code, this will be available via reverse engineering the application. The application-level will be analysed for weaknesses such as weak passwords policies, insecure change password functionality and extraction of data from the application. Services, Broadcast receivers and activities will be tested in an attempt to trigger these outside of the normal business logic of the application. This often finds authentication bypasses and the ability to interact with the application and its data in a malicious way.

What Is Vulnerability Assessment?: Vulnerability assessment refers to the process of identifying risks and vulnerabilities in computer networks, systems, hardware, applications, and other parts of the IT ecosystem. Vulnerability assessments provide security teams and other stakeholders with the information they need to analyze and prioritize risks for potential remediation in the proper context. Vulnerability assessments are a critical component of the vulnerability management and IT risk management lifecycles, helping protect systems and data from unauthorized access and data breaches. Vulnerability assessments typically leverage tools like vulnerability scanners to identify threats and flaws within an organization's IT infrastructure that represents potential vulnerabilities or risk exposures.

Why Vulnerability Assessments are Important: Vulnerability assessments allow security teams to apply a consistent, comprehensive, and clear approach to identifying and resolving security threats and risks. This has several benefits to an organization: Early and consistent identification of threats and weaknesses in IT security Remediation actions to close any gaps and protect sensitive systems and information Meet cybersecurity compliance and regulatory needs for areas like HIPAA and PCI DSS Protect against data breaches and other unauthorized access

How Vulnerability Assessments Relate to IT Risk and Vulnerability Management: A vulnerability assessment explores a wide range of potential issues across multiple networks, systems, and other parts of your IT ecosystem, on-prem and cloud. It identifies weaknesses that need correction, including misconfigurations and policy non-compliance vulnerabilities that patching and maintenance alone may not address. Most vulnerability assessments assign a risk to each threat. These risks can have a priority, urgency, and impact assigned to them, which makes it easier to focus on those that could create the most issues for an organization. This is an important part of vulnerability management, as your IT security team will have limited time and resources, and must concentrate on the areas that could cause the most damage to your business. The information provided by a vulnerability assessment helps IT teams, as well as automated third-party tools (i.e. patch management), to prioritize vulnerabilities and chart the path for action, which often means remediation. However, sometimes organization choose to accept the continuance of the risk. For instance, if the uncovered vulnerability is of low potential impact and of low likelihood, but on the other hand, fixing it would require downtime or potential breaking of other systems, IT may determine the vulnerability risk is less than the risk posed to ongoing IT operations. This is how vulnerability assessments fall into an overarching IT risk management framework.

WHAT IS API PENETRATION TESTING?: On a high level, functions and methods within the API are tested to determine: If and how they could be abused, Whether authorisation and authentication could be bypassed, Whether any form of malicious data entry – SQL injection, cross-site scripting, etc. – does get a response with the result of data being displayed. API penetration testing applies to both SOAP and REST APIs

WHY DO API PENETRATION TESTING?: Loopholes and gaps in an API would not only allow attackers to exploit the API but any and every application which is associated with the API. Hackers can bypass the API and get access to all data within the underlying application, the application logic, and other internal infrastructure. All businesses and customers using the API would be vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to the API not being robust and secure. It opens the gate to data breaches, system and/or network takeover, stealing data for ransom, performance issues, defamation, and other information security hazards. It’s for this reason that exploitation of APIs has become very lucrative to hackers.

HOW TO DO EFFECTIVE API PENETRATION TESTING?: Let’s discuss how API penetration testing can be effectively carried out. GATHERING INFORMATION Before starting the testing activity, preparation is required. The tester needs to collect as much information available on the target API that is to be tested. Information required includes, but is not limited to: IP addresses, URLs, Definitions of the endpoints and all related details, Authentication credentials, Examples of calls and valid responses, A detailed list of test cases, All available documentation, It usually is the onus of the tester to collate all preparatory details, however, companies can help reduce the time involved by keeping this information ready and documented VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS On acquiring the required details and documentation, the penetration tester begins the enumeration task of the target API on both application and network layers. This involves identifying and noting down the usernames, machine names, network resources and services of the application. This process helps to understand which weaknesses or loopholes may be present in the API.

What is Network Penetration Testing? Network penetration testing is the process of simulating a hacker-style attack on your network assets to detect and exploit security misconfiguration, network vulnerabilities, and threats like open ports, vulnerable devices, or outdated software running on the network. For easier reference, imagine it to be a mock drill against known cyber threats. The goal of a network pentest is to detect security vulnerabilities in a network and help the target organization strengthen its defenses against cyber threats.

What is the importance of network penetration testing? To understand more about how to secure networks and prevent data breaches, we’ve put some insights into the importance of network penetration testing through this article. Sometimes, companies who have put their systems through vulnerability scanning doubt the relevance of pen tests since both processes have the same goal. However, an internal or external network pen test is to follow vulnerability assessments. While vulnerability assessment uses automated website scanners to conduct security checks, internal penetration testing puts forward stimulated cyber attacks. With external penetration testing, you can test the site from an outsider’s perspective. If both point out the issues in the firewall and other security measures, network pen tests bring in more concerted efforts to recognize the problem and solve it. Using high-quality versions of both VA and PT allows you to cyclically go through a website vulnerability scanner, attain risk reports and the varying levels of danger, then use this information to conduct a pen test before preparing the final assessment and applying fixes.

What is the Purpose of Network Pentest?
1. Protect your data Single-handedly the most important reason, every organization must guard itself against data breaches. Pen testing networks often function like ethical hacks and simulate cyber attacks as best as possible. A small weakness has the potential to let out sensitive information, affecting your customers’ trust and the more serious violation of various rules and regulations. Here, a helpful way to determine the level of possible intrusion is to identify the different levels of risk that you are exposed to.
2. Ensuring overall security Be it the structure of your business as a whole, sensitive data, or newly released applications, ensure that no overlooked flaw can compromise your integrity through network pentests. Security assessments and website security scans should be a part and parcel of any new initiatives, especially if there is the management of important data. Some examples of such flaws include SQL injections, weakly configured firewalls, outdated software, and traditional virus or malware. 
3. Compliance requirements Certain regulations insist on penetration testing services, no matter the industry. For example, data security for the payment card industry ensures such tests for the protection of customers’ sensitive information (PCI DSS). 
4. Continued maintenance Network pen tests require multiple runs through a continuous time period to ensure long-term security. Professionals hired for this purpose will also look over the security controls used for the business network such as firewall, layered security, encryption processes, etc. Proper penetration tests, keeping in mind the needs of the system, client, and overall security. 

What is Code Review? Code review is a software quality assurance process in which software’s source code is analyzed manually by a team or by using an automated code review tool. The motive is purely, to find bugs, resolve errors, and for most times, improving code quality. Reviewing the codebase makes sure that every software or new feature developed within the company is of high quality. Code review is an essential process that every software company must follow, so we researched the best practices for reviewing code.

Why is secure code review important? Secure code review is a critical process employed by the most successful development teams. It can: Reduce the number of delivery defects found at a later stage in the SDLC Decrease the amount of time developers spend fixing late-stage defects, thereby increasing productivity Reduce the number of bugs and security vulnerabilities going into production Improve consistency across codebases and increase maintainability Improve collaboration, knowledge sharing, and developer productivity, and lessons learned can help inform future code development Improve ROI by helping make processes faster and more secure, and use less resources and time.

Best Code Review Technique
1. Instant Code Reviewing Technique The most direct form of reviewing code is the Instant Code review technique. In this, the developer is writing code while the reviewer sits beside reading the code simultaneously and correcting it on the go. Also known as pair programming, this process is best suited for highly complex programs where two minds can solve the problem much quicker and efficiently.  

2. Ad-hoc (synchronous) Code Reviewing Technique Also known as the “Over the Shoulder” code-review process. It is the most commonly used process with around 75% of companies participating in ad-hoc reviews. In this type of synchronous method, the coder produces the code and then asks the reviewer to review the code. The reviewer joins the coder at the screen and reviews the code while discussing it, over the shoulder. It is implemented wisely because it is informal and spontaneous. The process is successful only if the reviewer is available at the time or it disrupts the coder’s speed.  This method has a high probability of missing errors and glitches as most of the time, the reviewer lacks the knowledge of the goal of the task. Immediate review was missed to bring out better results as a team would have in their refinement sessions together with tasks discussed upfront.
3. Meeting-Based Code Reviewing Technique This is the least commonly used process with only 44% using it once a month. In meeting-based code review, coders complete their work, and a meeting is called. The whole tech team sits, commenting, and attempting to improve the code together. It is a temporary process as it is highly unlikely to perform constantly considering the amount of time, loss of workforce for the time, decreased efficiency, and inability to get the whole team together. 
4. Tool-Based Code Reviewing Technique This process is not done by a team together, at least not on the same screen. It is also called an asynchronous code review. In this, once the code gets finished, the coder makes it available for others to review. The reviewer will review the code on their screen commenting, or even amending the errors in the codes. Then notifying the coder who on her agenda will improve it. When there are no changes, the code is marked with no comments for improvements, and the software gets approved. 

Approach to Thick Client Pentesting Thick client applications have been there for a long time now. Their hybrid infrastructure makes them more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Having different architectures and both client and server-side issues expands the threat landscape substantially. Thick Client Pentesting should have a different approach than the regular pen testing methods. Because the requirements here are different than the traditional applications. Furthermore, you need to employ the security protocols differently as well. Thick client applications are susceptible to a wide variety of threat vectors due to being exposed on both client and server sides.

What is Thick Client Pentesting? Thick client applications are full-fledged applications that can work with or without a network. They have hard drives and other components that help them function independently. Thick client pen testing is an aspect of cyber security practices that scans vulnerabilities within your thick client applications to fortify their security.

Penetration Testing Approach for Thick Client Applications
Knowing the application The thick client applications have the resources to function without being connected to a network. However, it behaves as a client only when connected to a server. There might be some files and programs the thick client application needs to access but they are not stored on the system. Connecting to a server helps the application access those programs and files.

Some common examples of thick client applications are: Chrome Burp Suite OWASP ZAP Firefox Zoom Desktop games Music Player Text editor Understanding the architecture of the application

There are two common types of architecture for thick client applications: Two-tier: These applications are based on just a simple client-server construct. No intermediate is present here between the client and server. The client and the server directly communicate with each other without any obstruction. Some examples of two-tier applications are Desktop Games, Music Player, and Text Editor. Three-tier: The three-tier applications are based on three major components. Here a mediator gets added in between the client and the server. The application server acts as the mediator in between. It helps in data transition from client to server and vice versa. Some examples of three-tier applications are Firefox, Chrome, Burp Suite, and Zap Proxy.

For thick client penetration testing, there are two key methods: Black-Box Testing: It is the testing approach where the testers initiate the test without any prior knowledge about the app’s configurations. They carry out the testing of all functionalities of the application without any access to design, operation, and backend processes. Grey-Box Testing: In this testing methodology, testers are provided with some basic information on the working infrastructure of the application. Before approaching the test, they also know about data flow within the application and API documentation.

What is involved in an ISO 27001 audit? Audits are commonly used to ensure that an activity meets a set of defined criteria. For all ISO management system standards, audits are used to ensure that the management system meets the relevant standard’s requirements, the organisation’s own requirements and objectives, and remains efficient and effective. It will be necessary to conduct a programme of audits to confirm this.

What is an ISO 27001 audit? An ISO 27001 audit involves a competent and objective auditor reviewing: The ISMS or elements of it and testing that it meets the standard’s requirements, The organisation’s own information requirements, objectives for the ISMS, That the policies, processes, and other controls are practical and efficient. In addition to the overall compliance and effectiveness of the ISMS, as ISO 27001 is designed to enable an organisation to manage it’s information security risks to a tolerable level, it will be necessary to check that the implemented controls do indeed reduce risk to a point where the risk owner(s) are happy to tolerate the residual risk.

What are the types of audits?
Internal audit Internal audits, as the name would suggest, are those audits carried out by the organisation’s own resources. If the organisation does not have competent and objective auditors within its own staff, these audits can be carried out by a contracted supplier. These are often referred to as “2nd party audits” since the supplier acts as an “internal resource”. External audit The term “external audits” most commonly applies to those audits carried out by a certification body to gain or maintain certification. However, the term may also be used to refer to those audits carried out by other interested parties (e.g. partners or customers) wishing to gain their own assurance of the organisation’s ISMS. This is especially true when such a party has requirements that go beyond those of the standard.

Why are ISO 27001 audits important? Why do I need to audit my ISMS? There are many reasons for auditing your ISMS: The standard requires it – Clause 9.2 Internal audit mandates a programme of internal audits. To ensure that your ISMS is adequately implemented and operated. To ensure the ISMS meets the requirements of the standard. To ensure the ISMS meets the organisation’s own requirements. To ensure the ISMS meets the objectives set by the organisation for information security against Clause 6.2 Information security objectives and planning to achieve them. To ensure the ISMS is effective in reducing information security risks to a tolerable level. To ensure that any nonconformities and corrective actions are addressed in a timely manner. To ensure that information security weaknesses, events, and incidents are reported, managed, and resolved effectively and efficiently.

What’s involved with ISO 27001 internal audits? Documentation review  This is a review of the organisation’s policies, procedures, standards, and guidance documentation to ensure that it is fit for purpose and is reviewed and maintained. Evidential audit (or field review)  – This is an audit activity that actively samples evidence to show that policies are being complied with, that procedures and standards are being followed, and that guidance is being considered. Analysis – Following on from documentation review and/or evidential sampling, the auditor will assess and analyse the findings to confirm if the standard requirements are being met. Audit report  – An audit report will need to be prepared as required by the standard in Clause 9.2 f) and provided to management to ensure visibility. Management review  – is a required activity under Clause 9.3 Management review, which must consider the findings of the audits carried out to ensure that corrective actions and improvements are implemented as necessary.

What’s involved in an external ISO 27001 audit? The processes for external audit are essentially the same as for the internal audit programme but usually carried out to achieve and maintain certification. The programme of external [certification] audits will be determined by the external auditors [certification body] but will follow a systematic requirement (see below). The relevant auditor will provide a plan of the audit, and once the organisation confirms this, resources will be allocated and dates, times and locations agreed. The audit will then be conducted following the audit plan.

How often are external audits carried out? Different accreditation bodies around the world set out different requirements for the programme of certification audits; however, in the case of UKAS accredited certificates, this will include: Initial certification audit – conducted in 2 stages. Periodic surveillance audits – typically at 6 monthly or, at a minimum, annual intervals. Recertification audits conducted every 3 years.

Value of an ISO 27001 Audit with/without Certification : The organisation’s decision to achieve compliance and possibly certification to ISO 27001 will depend on implementing and operating a formal, documented ISMS. This will often be documented within a business case that will identify the expected objectives and return on investment. Without certification, the organisation can only claim “compliance” to the standard, and this compliance is not assured by any accredited third party. If the reason for implementing the ISMS is only for improved security management and internal assurance, then this may be sufficient. For maximum benefit and return on investment to be gained from the ISMS in terms of providing assurance to the organisation’s external interested parties and stakeholders, an independent, external, accredited certification audit programme will be required.

Preparing for an ISO 27001 certification audit When preparing for a certification audit, the following key points should be considered: 1. Are the key process of the ISMS implemented and operational? 2. Organisational context – Understanding and documenting the organisational context and requirements for information security, including interested parties. This will also include documenting the scope of the ISMS, 3. Risk & opportunity management – Has the organisation identified and assessed information security risks and opportunities and documented a treatment plan?, 4. Leadership – Can strong top-level leadership be demonstrated – e.g. through the provision of resources and a documented commitment statement within the organisational security policy, 5. Internal audit – Has s a programme of internal audits been documented, agreed and commenced in accordance with Clause 9.2?, 6. Management review – has the ISMS undergone a formal management review in accordance with Clause 9.3, 7. Corrective action and Continual improvement – can the organisation demonstrate that corrective actions and improvements are being managed and implemented in an effective and efficient manner?, 8. Are the required documents in place and approved? 9. ISMS Scope statement (Clause 4.3)

Who conducts an ISO 27001 audits? All audits against ISO 27001 must be carried out by competent and objective auditors. To demonstrate competence for ISO 27001 audit, it is usually required that the auditor has demonstrable knowledge of the standard and how to conduct an audit. This may be through attending an ISO 27001 Lead Auditor course or through having another recognised auditing qualification and then provable knowledge of the standard. It can be possible to show that an auditor is competent without formal training. However, this is likely to be a more difficult conversation with your certification body.