Blog - Automated security testing using ZAP
Demand for security tests within organizations is increasing now-a-days, as these tests can be executed in different ways, each with its own pros and cons. Key objective of security testing is to find out how vulnerable a system may be without security and to regulate whether its data and resources are protected from potential intruders.
Online transactions have increased rapidly; late making security testing will become the more critical in areas of testing for such web applications. Automated security testing is more effective in identifying potential vulnerabilities when performed regularly.
Security testing has the following attributes:
- Authentication
- Authorization
- Confidentiality
- Availability
- Integrity
- Non-repudiation
- Resilience
Automated scans for security purpose offer a solution to quickly test applications. Ideally, automated security tests can be integrated within the software development lifecycle; every time if any changes or additions done to an application, the security scans will be automated to identify and fix security related issues.
Web vulnerability scan tools like Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP), can be used in an automated manner and are therefore suitable for automated security testing. ZAP is an open-source security application which scans web applications for security issues, like vulnerabilities and security bugs, ZAP provides a REST Application Programming Interface (API) which allows interacting with ZAP programmatically.
Key features of ZAP significant for security testing:
- ZAP functions in Cross platforms
- Easy to use and Easy to install
- Finds security weakness and intelligently manage vulnerabilities
- Quick and easy website vulnerability scans
- Avoids network down time cost
- Meet regulatory requirements and avoid fines
- Preserve corporate image and customer loyalty
Information Gathering or Foot printing is the initial step for performing security testing, the more information you gather will be the more you would be successful in delivering bug free secured applications, Get to know more leave an enquiry or visit us @ www.angleritech.com to view our testing services.
