Web application penetration testing is a crucial part of ensuring the security of your organization’s web applications. However, the process can be challenging and time-consuming, and it’s important to properly prepare for the test to get the most out of it. In this article, we’ll discuss the key steps that a client should take to prepare for a web application penetration test.
Define the Scope
Before beginning a web application penetration test, it’s important to define the scope of the assessment. This includes identifying the specific applications that will be tested, as well as any relevant systems or infrastructure. Defining the scope helps to ensure that the testing is focused and efficient and that all critical areas are adequately covered.
Prepare a Development Environment
Ideally, the web application penetration test should be conducted in a non-production environment to avoid any negative impact on the production environment. If this is not possible, a backup of the production site should be made to minimize the risk of data loss or downtime. Additionally, credentials for all available profiles should be prepared and tested to ensure that they are working properly.
White List Tester IP Addresses
To ensure that the penetration test is conducted safely and without interruption, the client should whitelist the tester’s IP addresses in their firewall and web application firewall (WAF). This allows the tester to access the environment and perform the necessary tests without triggering any security alerts or being blocked by security measures.
Ensure Credentials are Ready
Make sure that all necessary credentials for accessing your web applications are available and working before the testing begins. This includes credentials for all user roles (such as admin, user, and guest), as well as any API keys or other access tokens that may be required.
Define Critical Points
Work with the penetration testing team to identify the most critical points in your web applications, such as login pages, payment gateways, and other sensitive areas. This will ensure that these areas are thoroughly tested and that any vulnerabilities are identified and addressed.
Inform Security Team but Let Auditors Work Independently
The client should inform their security team about the upcoming web application penetration test, but it’s important to let the auditors work independently to avoid any interference or false results. The security team can assist by providing information about the environment, but should not modify the environment during the testing period.
Define Critical Points and Possible Needs
The client should work with the auditors to define the critical points of the application that should be tested and any particular needs or concerns they may have. This includes any specific compliance requirements or the need for the testing to be conducted during a particular window of time.
Plan for Retest Window and Reporting
Finally, the client should plan for a possible retest window and date, in case any issues are discovered during the testing period. They should also define when and how the results will be presented to the team, and what actions should be taken based on the findings.
Conclusion
Preparing for a web application penetration test is a critical step in ensuring the security of your organization’s web applications. By following the steps outlined in this guide, clients can help ensure that the testing is focused and efficient and that all critical areas are adequately covered. This will ultimately help to identify any vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the application and enable the organization to take the necessary steps to address them.