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What to expect from a web security analysis assessment?

As businesses move ever-further into the digital world, web security has become a top-of-mind consideration for many managers and owners. Whether you’re a small start-up or a multi-site organisation with its own in-house IT team — protecting your assets should be top of your agenda.

So, where to start?

Just as you would set your car or house alarm on your way out, you should consider applying the same principles to your IT strategy and procedures.

Firstly, let’s discuss what is web security analysis?

This should form an important component of your regular web system assessment. The best way to protect your digital data from possible data breaches or cyberattacks is to bring in a firm of independently certified security experts to perform a thorough examination of your existing web security, testing and identifying key areas that pose risks to your business.

Why do we need web security analysis?

  • Legal compliance. A company’s web system may fall under security regulations such as those stated by SOC2, ISO 27001 (27002), HIPAA, PCI DSS and GDPR — for example.
  • Client agreement. As cyber security and data breaches become a major consideration for businesses, it may well be that they will only look to partner up with suppliers who can demonstrate that they have robust security solutions in place.
  • Risk avoidance. By carrying out web security analysis, you can identify any potential system vulnerabilities and put the necessary shields in place to protect your data.

What is involved?

Although each client’s requirements will be specific to their business needs, typically, a web security analysis assessment would cover the following steps:

  • Manual penetration testing (black box, grey box, or white box)
  • Manual code review
  • Architecture security analysis
  • Infrastructure security analysis
  • Automatic scanning for vulnerabilities
  • Risk Assessment
  • Development of recommendations
  • Recheck of fixed vulnerabilities

Five key points to look for when selecting a web security analysis provider:

  • Check their credentials. What professionally recognised qualifications do they hold? Look for international certifications such as Microsoft-certified professionals, Microsoft-certified technology specialists, certified information systems security professionals (CISSP), certified ethical hackers (CEH), offensive security web experts (OSWE), ISO27001-certified ISMS lead auditors (CIS LA).
  • Test their knowledge and experience on the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) top ten cyber threats
  • A comprehensive testing programme should be a major factor of any planned activity, with penetration tests focused on the following areas: information gathering, identity management, authentication and authorisation, session management and input validation, data access, error handling, weak cryptography, business logic, and client-side vulnerabilities.
  • Request a full scoping process document and be clear on what tests will be carried out beforehand. Ensure that all essential components are covered off in the plan before signing on the dotted line.
  • Finally, a strong analysis programme should also include a detailed final report with all findings, risk ratings and remediation advice, backed-up with post-testing support for an agreed period to allow for any follow-up activity to be completed.

If you’d like to discuss how we can help your organisation to improve its web security, we’d be happy to hear from you. Get in touch

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