Application Security Assessment

With more and more tech in our lives, cyber threats are on the rise. And since apps are often the gatekeepers to sensitive data and systems, it's crucial to make sure they're secure. Doing regular security assessments can help you catch any problems before they're exploited by bad actors, give you peace of mind, and show your customers that you take security seriously. Plus, it can help you comply with industry standards and regulations. So don't wait, get your app checked out!

• Threat modeling - identifying potential threats to an application and determining the best way to mitigate them.
• Vulnerability scanning - automated testing of an application to identify known vulnerabilities.
• Penetration testing -Activities include identifying critical issues defined by OWASP Top10.
• Code review - manual examination of the source code of an application to identify potential security risks.
• Fuzz testing - feeding large amounts of random data to an application to identify potential vulnerabilities.
• Configuration review - reviewing the configuration of an application's infrastructure and identifying potential risks.

1. Defining the scope and objectives of the assessment.
2. Gathering relevant information, such as source code, system configurations, and architecture diagrams.
3. Ensuring that personnel and systems are available during the assessment.
4. Establishing a clear process for documenting and addressing findings and recommendations.
5. Allocating necessary resources, including budget, personnel, and technology. Encouraging collaboration and open communication between the assessment team and stakeholders.
6. Determining a plan for incorporating assessment findings into ongoing development and operations.
7. Ensuring that all necessary approvals and permissions are obtained.

• For highly critical applications, assessments should be performed regularly, e.g. quarterly or bi-annually.
• For less critical applications, assessments can be performed annually or bi-annually.
• After significant changes or updates to the application, an assessment should be performed.
• When new threats or vulnerabilities are identified in the industry, an assessment should be performed to determine if the application is affected.

1. Unidentified vulnerabilities - which can be exploited by attackers leading to data breaches, theft of sensitive information, or disruption of operations.
2. Compliance violations - failure to perform regular security assessments can result in non-compliance with industry regulations and standards.
3. Reputational damage - a security breach can result in loss of trust and reputation for the organization.
4. Financial losses - data breaches can result in direct financial losses through remediation costs, legal fees, and compensation for affected individuals.
5. Competitive disadvantage - organizations that prioritize security are more likely to attract customers and partners, and are better positioned to withstand attacks.
6. Decreased efficiency - fixing security issues after a breach can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, leading to decreased efficiency.

1. Data triage - categorizing and prioritizing findings based on the severity of the issue and potential impact.
2. Root cause analysis - identifying the underlying cause of each issue and determining the best way to address it.
3. Recommendation development - providing specific recommendations for remediation, including technical solutions, process changes, and additional controls.

1. Implementation planning - determining a plan for incorporating recommendations into ongoing development and operations, including timelines and resource requirements.
2. Monitoring and reporting - tracking the implementation of recommendations, monitoring the effectiveness of the remediation, and reporting on progress.
3. Continuous improvement - incorporating lessons learned from the assessment into ongoing development and operations, and updating policies and procedures as necessary.