An evaluation of software vulnerabilities can reduce the chances of threats occurring through Vulnerability Testing or Vulnerability Assessment. By testing for vulnerabilities, we are reducing the chances of intruders/hackers gaining unauthorized access to our systems. It is based on a mechanism called Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration or VAPT Testing.
Why is VAPT Testing important?
- It is essential for security purposes.
- Vulnerabilities are identified and reported, which provide a method for finding and resolving security issues by spotting them before they can be abused.
- The goal of this scanning process is to identify vulnerabilities that might exist in insecure authentication, bad software design, etc.
What is the process of VAPT testing?
- Goals and Objectives: have a specific purpose
- Scope: To perform the Assessment and Test, it is important to clearly define the Assignment’s scope. There are three possibilities that can come about.
- A black box test is conducted from an external network without prior knowledge of the internal network or system.
- In White Box Testing, the process of testing the system and the internal network in a controlled environment. Sometimes referred to as Internal Testing or Internal Testing.
- A grey box test is a test conducted via external or internal networks, without knowledge of the internal network and system. Black box and white box testing are combined to get grey box testing.
- Information gathering: This includes finding out as many particulars about the IT environment as possible, including networks, operating system versions, IP addresses, etc. This is also relevant to all types of Scopes.
- Vulnerability detection: Here, vulnerability scanners are employed to analyse the IT environment to identify any possible vulnerabilities.
- Information analysis and organization: This process involves the analysis of the vulnerabilities that have been identified and planning solutions to rectify them.
What are the types of vulnerability scanners that are used?
There are different forms of scanners that are used to identify vulnerabilities in software.
- Host-based scanners: A system or host issue will be identified this way. Scanners that diagnose vulnerabilities are used to carry out the process.
- Network-based scanners: These detect the open ports and identify if they are running unknown services. These vulnerabilities will then be disclosed.
- Database-based scanners: These will identify potential security vulnerabilities in databases using tools and techniques designed to prevent attacks on those systems.
What are the advantages of VAPT testing?
There are a lot of advantages that arise from the vulnerability assessment.
- Available tools are open source.
- They identify virtually all vulnerabilities.
- They are automatically scanned.
- Easily maintained.
VAPT testing is an important procedure to have in today’s era, especially since people have become dependent on technology. Having this procedure will help eliminate any vulnerabilities or problems that could potentially arise.
