Modern application development, which includes continuous updates, rapid development cycles, and the pressure to constantly add new functionalities, challenges the traditional way of security testing software as a one-time event. This practice is now outdated. Software development process deployments are continuous, and companies producing or subcontracting applications can no longer rely solely on a one-time penetration testing report to ensure their security. Testing itself must be integrated into the development cycle and the development team’s activities.
The threat and risk landscape is constantly evolving Cyber risks do not wait to materialize according to a static security testing schedule. Vulnerabilities must be identified and fixed before they can cause problems in the software version going into production. At the same time, potential errors can be detected and corrected quickly within the development cycle, preventing new threats from causing harm.
Security testing can be implemented at various depths
Continuous security testing should be carried out at least according to the application and release schedule. This way, the development of the application’s risk level and security deficiencies and risks can be monitored directly from the development team’s own tracking system using tickets. Annual penetration testing is still appropriate for a deeper understanding of vulnerabilities and their potential impacts.
At a more advanced level of continuous testing, a security expert can evaluate the root causes of identified security gaps and risks. Lessons learned can be incorporated into the DevSecOps process, thus integrating security into the entire development lifecycle. Additionally, the maturity level of software development security can be assessed and developed continuously, for example, based on the OWASP SAMM methodology.
Ensuring the security of the infrastructure behind the application and managing vulnerabilities can also be integrated into the continuous testing service. This way, the development environment is also secured. The appropriate overall solution and level of testing are always determined by assessing the initial situation, security risks, regulatory requirements, and customer demands.
Security testing as part of a broader security program
Security assurance can be carried out in a broader environment of multiple applications through a comprehensive security testing program, known as an AppSec program. This work begins with mapping the entirety of the applications, conducting a risk assessment, and defining the requirements of the organization’s operating environment.
Security assurance can also extend to code and architecture reviews as well as threat modeling. It is advisable to build a security management system that meets the organization’s needs, led by a security professional. Compliance can be seen and reported in real-time through such a program implementation, for example, to the management.
Continuous security testing improves the development team’s performance
Regardless of the scale of security management needs, it is certain that continuous security testing will become an essential part of the automated CI/CD process. Security monitoring will be integrated into the development itself.
At a more advanced level, understanding and classifying security findings also help correct the development teams’ erroneous practices directly. Thus, the focus and correction are not only on individual findings and errors but on the practices themselves.
Summary: Start your journey towards continuous security testing development The threat landscape evolves rapidly, and continuous deployments in software development cannot wait for the results of periodic penetration testing. You can build an AppSec program that suits your needs with the help of a competent security partner.
Benefits of transitioning to continuous security testing practices:
- In continuous security testing, expert analysis can be combined with the test results of various tools continuously.
- Problems are fixed quickly before they escalate, and new threats do not have time to harm the version going into production.
- Cost-effectiveness in continuous testing arises from fixing problems before they have broader impacts.
- Knowledge escalates within the development team, ensuring secure programming practices in the future.
- Monitoring and reporting are continuous and real-time, and the results of the security program are easily visible and communicable
2NS, or Second Nature Security, is an experienced application security testing provider.