Key Elements of Cloud-Based Application Security Testing

With a consistent focus on scalability, an interconnected ecosystem, and seamless operation, businesses are deploying their applications in the Cloud environment. Naturally, Cloud-based application security testing is emerging as an essential exercise.

In this blog, we will outline the key aspects of Cloud application testing. Before that, let’s take a brief look at the concept and importance of Cloud security testing.

Cloud Security: Overview and Importance

Cloud testing focuses on securing an application hosted on Cloud infrastructure. The latest techniques are employed to ensure data safety and prevent stealing & omission. Some of the advantages of Cloud testing include:

• Regulatory Compliance - Cloud computing security solutions help to manage and maintain an enhanced architecture for compliance.
• Limited Expenditure - There is no need to invest in external hardware or equipment. It is a cost-effective process.
• Data Security - As data breaches and cyber-attacks are becoming commonplace, Cloud-based testing is crucial to protect sensitive information and financial transaction.
• Minimize Risk - Cloud testing helps in finding the loopholes that have the potential to threaten a business. Consequently, adopting necessary measures will eliminate the threats.

Cloud application testing is ideal for a large application base, organizations with time and budget restriction, and low to medium risk applications.

Now, let’s proceed to find out the essential elements for Cloud-based application security testing.

Crucial Elements for Cloud-Based Application Security Testing

1. Enhanced Accessibility

An advantage of the Cloud is that it enables remote teams to work on a project without any hassle. In order to ensure this, the solution must be available 24/7 and accessible over any browser. It should offer a centralized dashboard with advanced features that facilitate simultaneous working.

2. Speed

The scanner must be fast and able to run parallel scans so as to complete the test within a short turnaround time. Organizations that adopt agile methodologies consider speed to be a critical aspect of Cloud testing.

3. Scalability

Lack of scalability may create an obstacle in the testing activities and create issues regarding speed, accuracy, and efficiency. An effective Cloud testing strategy should take scalability into account so that it can extend as an organization grows and accommodate updates and new configuration.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Since agile methodologies demand rapid scanning and multiple iterations of security testing, the entire process doesn’t incur undue costs. This encourages small and medium businesses to turn towards Cloud testing.

5. Quality

The scanner must perform accurately and make a fast triage of false positives and false negatives. From tracking the codes to contextual reporting - the testing should embrace it all. Further, the test report should include actionable insights and detailed guidance in order to empower the developers to resolve the issues.

6. Minimizing Threats

The ultimate aim of Cloud application security testing is to minimize the risks. From selecting the right tool to analyzing the test reports - the entire activity should focus on highlighting the risk areas and eliminating the threats. It will ensure quality applications.

Types of Testing Executed in Cloud

Some of the different types of testing executed in the Cloud include:

• Functional Testing
• Non-Functional Testing
• Acceptance Testing
• Scalability and Performance Testing
• Multi-Tenancy Testing
• Compatibility Testing
• System Testing
• Disaster Recovery Testing

Security testing, as an integral part of Cloud testing, takes all these into account and contributes to ensuring that the entire operation in Cloud can be seamlessly executed.

Effective Approach towards Cloud Security Testing

Adopting the right approach is important when it comes to Cloud security testing. Here is a tried and tested approach followed by the experts:

• Learning the latest security breach techniques and verify if the security imposed on the Cloud-based applications can overcome these.
• Verifying the security posture of the networks and systems.
• Identifying existing vulnerabilities and potential threats.
• Providing actionable information that can apply to code fixes and security patches.
• Measuring the susceptibility to cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and various other web application attacks.

Closing Thoughts

Testing Cloud-based applications demand minute attention and smart strategies. Indeed, the activities have several challenges but with the right approach, an organization can overcome them. The above-mentioned pointers will help you to maximize your efforts. Further, engaging Cloud testing services can provide an optimal result.

James Daniel is a software Tech enthusiastic & works at Cigniti Technologies I'm having a great understanding of today's software testing quality