Modern Web Application Testing Process - Part 2

Interface testing

Interface testing is a type of software testing that checks if communication between two different software systems is working properly. The term "interface" refers to a connection that connects two components. In the computer world, this interface could be anything from APIs to web services.

What is the purpose of interface testing?

It is critical to comprehend the significance of any action before taking it. Consider the case of e-commerce websites in Dubai, such as Sugar and Salt Station, Modernest and The Dubai Mall. To run the entire application, it has a web application, database, and server. Because of security concerns, data transfer from a web application to a database is done primarily through APIs and web services. The data is sent to the database when a user logs in or registers in the application using the UI.

Certain scenarios exist, such as an unauthorized user attempting to store or access data, a server error while retrieving or manipulating data, and so on. It is carried out in order to ensure that such issues do not arise and that the smooth flow of all integrated components is maintained.

The following are some key points that demonstrate the need for this:

• In order to ensure that the application runs smoothly for the end-user.
• To detect a security flaw in an application during communication between two or more interfaces.
• To ensure that the communication system is capable of handling a variety of scenarios such as network failure, server restart, and so on.
• To ensure that error handling is correct and that the appropriate error message is displayed to the user in a variety of situations.

What is the Process of Interface Testing?

Interface testing is made up of two components:

• Interface between the web server and the application server
• Interface between the web server and the database server

Almost all interface testing test cases are automated.

Interface testing is divided into three phases, which are listed below:

• Development and Configuration - When the interface between the software components is configured and the application development begins, the verification is carried out in accordance with the documents.
• Verification - Interfaces are validated and verified after they have been developed.
• Continued upkeep - This is done after the entire software has been developed, interfaces have been created, the software has been deployed, and the client has been handed over. It's kept up to date by a team of testers who keep an eye out for new bugs and security flaws in the interfaces.

Testing the software plays an important role and ensures that the end-user does not face any problems while using the software. Since it is very difficult, it must be properly planned before it is done. The best way to perform is to automate the test cases that contribute to better results.

Security testing

With each passing year, websites become more versatile, allowing users to access features previously unavailable. Users can now interact with data and content in a variety of new ways, taking advantage of features that were previously only available in desktop applications.

Everything is moving to the web these days, including the data associated with these activities. From online shopping, money transfers, and banking to the sharing of personal information, private images, and professional affiliations, the internet has revolutionized the way we do business.

As a result, the amount of data stored in web applications has increased by orders of magnitude. According to some estimates, until 2019, the internet's size was around 1,900,000 Gigabytes.

Nonetheless, the internet's growing size is less of a concern than the security of data stored on it. Security testing has become critical for any web application on the internet as concerns about cyber security have grown.

What Is Security Testing and Why Should You Do It?

Security testing is a subset of software testing that entails identifying risks, threats, and vulnerabilities in software. The purpose of this testing is to prevent cybercriminals from infiltrating applications and launch malicious attacks.

To make this possible, testers must detect all possible loopholes and vulnerabilities in the application that might lead to a loss of repute, information, and revenue. They must not only identify threats from external sources but also the danger of attacks malicious elements that gain access to the application.

Security Testing Methodologies

According to the Open Source Security Testing methodology manual, these are the main types of security testing:

• Vulnerability Scanning: This is done by scanning a system against known vulnerability signatures using automated software.
• Security Scanning entails identifying network and system flaws and then proposing solutions to mitigate the risks. This scanning can be done in two ways: manually and automatically.
• Penetration testing: This type of testing simulates a malicious hacker's attack. This testing entails examining a specific system for potential vulnerabilities in the event of an external hacking attempt.
• Risk Assessment: This type of testing entails analysing the security risks that have been identified in the organization. There are three levels of risk: low, medium, and high. This testing suggests risk-reduction controls and measures.
• Security Auditing: This is an internal check for security flaws in applications and operating systems. A line-by-line inspection of code can also be used to conduct an audit.
• Hacking an organization's software systems is referred to as ethical hacking. Unlike malicious hackers who steal for personal gain, the goal is to expose system security flaws.
• Security scanning, ethical hacking, and risk assessments are combined in a posture assessment to show an organization's overall security posture.

The most important testing for an application is security testing, which determines whether confidential data remains confidential. In this type of testing, the tester assumes the role of an attacker and navigates the system in search of security flaws. Security testing is critical in software engineering to protect data in any way possible.