Security Testing: How to Prepare for the OWASP Top 10

🛡️ Introduction: Why Security Testing Matters More Than Ever

Every digital product today faces growing risks. From customer data to internal operations, your applications must stand up to constant threats. And yet, many development teams still underestimate the importance of proper security testing in the software lifecycle.

At Software Testing Bureau, we’ve helped companies for over 30 years to build secure, reliable, and high-performing software. In this article, we explore the globally recognized OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities and explain how our security testing services help you mitigate these risks effectively.


🔍 What Is the OWASP Top 10?

The OWASP Top 10 is a global industry standard that identifies the most critical web application security risks. It is published by the Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP) and is regularly updated to reflect the evolving threat landscape.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest OWASP Top 10 list, with a short explanation for each vulnerability:

1. Broken Access Control

Users can perform actions or access resources beyond their intended permissions. This includes unauthorized access to admin functions, user records, or restricted APIs.

2. Cryptographic Failures

Sensitive data is exposed due to improper use of encryption algorithms or missing encryption altogether. This affects both data at rest and in transit.

3. Injection

An attacker sends malicious input (e.g., SQL, NoSQL, command injection) that alters the application’s behavior, leading to unauthorized data access or corruption.

4. Insecure Design

The application lacks built-in security controls. It results from poor architectural decisions and missing safeguards such as input validation or secure authentication flows.

5. Security Misconfiguration

Common missteps include unnecessary services running, default accounts, improper permissions, and missing security headers—leaving the application vulnerable to attacks.

6. Vulnerable and Outdated Components

Use of software libraries, frameworks, or plugins with known security flaws that haven’t been updated or patched.

7. Identification and Authentication Failures

Weak login mechanisms, unprotected credentials, or flaws in session handling that let attackers impersonate users or gain unauthorized access.

8. Software and Data Integrity Failures

Failure to verify the integrity of software updates, libraries, or critical data sources allows malicious changes to go undetected.

9. Security Logging and Monitoring Failures

Without proper logging and alerting, suspicious activities go unnoticed—preventing early detection and rapid response to incidents.

10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)

The application makes unauthorized internal or external requests, often manipulated by attackers to access protected resources within the organization.


🔐 How Software Testing Bureau Addresses Security Risks

At Software Testing Bureau, we deliver comprehensive security testing services tailored to your application’s context, industry, and compliance requirements.

🔎 Our Approach Includes:

  • Manual and automated penetration testing.

  • Vulnerability assessments using industry-standard tools.

  • Configuration and infrastructure reviews based on OWASP and CIS benchmarks.

  • Security test automation embedded in CI/CD pipelines.

  • Secure design analysis and threat modeling.

  • On-demand workshops and training for development and QA teams.

We work closely with your development team to not only identify security issues—but to resolve them and build a long-term culture of security.


✅ Benefits of Working with Software Testing Bureau

  • ✔️ Early detection of high-risk vulnerabilities.

  • ✔️ Compliance with standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR.

  • ✔️ Reduced cost of fixing issues post-deployment.

  • ✔️ Expert guidance and hands-on mitigation support.

  • ✔️ Strengthened customer trust and brand reputation.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I run security tests?

Ideally with every major release or change. At a minimum, perform a full security review annually.

What’s the difference between penetration testing and regular security testing?

Penetration testing simulates real-world attacks, while broader security testing includes configuration reviews, policy enforcement, and vulnerability scans.

Can security testing be automated?

Yes, many tests can be automated and integrated into your CI/CD process—but human expertise is still required for complex vulnerabilities and architectural analysis.


How Can Software Testing Bureau Help You?

With over 30 years of experience in software testing, Software Testing Bureau offers:

Automated testing from the early development stages with STELA.
AI-driven assistance with STEVE to optimize test and defect generation.
Integration of testing into CI/CD pipelines to enhance continuous delivery.
Specialized consulting to implement Shift-Left Testing in your company.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🔹 Does Shift-Left Testing replace testing in later stages?

No. This strategy complements traditional testing by ensuring errors are detected earlier, but it does not eliminate the need for final-stage validations.

🔹 Can Shift-Left Testing be applied in Agile methodologies?

Yes, it is ideal for Agile environments, as it allows for continuous error detection and correction during development sprints.

🔹 How does STEVE improve the Shift-Left Testing process?

STEVE facilitates test case generation, optimizes defect documentation, and automates quality reporting, accelerating the QA cycle.


Conclusion

Adopting Shift-Left Testing is essential to improving software quality, reducing costs, and accelerating digital product delivery. At Software Testing Bureau, we support this process with innovative tools like STEVE and STELA, enabling QA teams to work with greater efficiency and accuracy.

Software Testing Bureau: Your Partner in Quality

At Software Testing Bureau we specialize in software testing that ensures the success of digital business. We focus on ensuring that technology platforms work seamlessly, both in areas visible to the customer and in the internal operations of the company.

Our services include:

  • Security testing: We protect the integrity of your platforms against external threats.
  • Functional testing: We validate that the solutions meet all the requirements and work without errors.
  • Performance testing: We guarantee that your systems work without interruptions, even under high demand.
  • Test automation: We optimize the testing processes using advanced tools that increase efficiency and reduce execution times.
  • Testing Consultancy: We provide specialized advice to implement effective testing strategies aligned with your business objectives.

More sales, less risk

If you are looking to maximize the impact of your products in the market, improving the quality of the software is an essential step. At Software Testing Bureau, we collaborate with companies that want to transform the way they operate through reliable and effective technological solutions.

Would you like more information on how testing can boost your sales? Contact us and find out how we can help you achieve success in every project.

Our commitment

We make sure that every piece of software released by our clients provides a captivating and reliable experience for their users. We are ready to help you take your solutions to the next level, improving quality and customer satisfaction every step of the way.

Protect your business today
Don't wait for an incident to affect your operations Contact us today.

    © 2024 Software Testing Bureau. All rights reserved