Why Is Application Security Testing So Important?

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.