Steps To Web Application Vulnerability Assessment

More and more businesses are turning their business operations online due to the many advantages of online businesses. Just as sharks are attracted to the smell of blood, the same is with hackers and cyber criminals who have increased their significantly increased their attacks.

The digital world has now become a hacker’s paradise. 

Businesses usually hire chief information security officers and penetration testing companies to combat this threat. However, there’s a lot more to information and web application security.

Web Application Vulnerability Assessment – A New Type of Security

Offered by Lean Security, the web application penetration testing and vulnerability assessment is a testing tool that enables businesses with:

Vulnerabilities Identification

With the help of this tool, you can identify vulnerabilities within your web application and computer system’s framework. Additionally, the tool will help uncover potential (negative) impact to the application, infrastructure and operational levels.

Security Posture

The tool will also let you know how your website security posture is presented to potential attackers. Knowing just how hackers view security of your web application will give you an idea of what step should be taken to ensure high security.

Following are some steps that you can take in order to review and fix your web application’s security.

Assess the Web Application Security Your Company

Majority of cyber attacks take place because of basic security vulnerabilities that often go unnoticed. Take care of this when assessing your web application for vulnerabilities. What to look out for?

o   Poor patch management procedures

o   Web-based personal email services

o   Weak passwords

o   A lack of end-user education

o   Sound security polices

Remember: unknown vulnerabilities can wreak havoc to even the most secure network!

Pinpoint Applications and Data Important To Business Processes

Identify and rank each business process according to its importance and sensitivity. Once this step is completed, identify data and web applications over which the above processes depend.

This step is made easier with the collaborated help of your IT department and other business players. In time, you will find out there are far more critical process than previously identified.

Find Hidden Data Sources

Take mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) and desktop PCs into account as well when searching out data sources and application. Why? These devices contain collective, most recent and sensitive data processed by your organisation.

Try and understand how data flows between these devices and the data centre applications (as well as storage). Find out how your employees are sending important business emails that might contain sensitive information.

Determine What Hardware Runs Applications and Data

You will find all layers of your system’s infrastructure as you continue to follow the above step. This identification process of servers (both virtual and physical) is important. There will be three or more sets to look out for when it comes to web/database based applications – web, application, and database.

Interlink the Network Infrastructure with Connecting Hardware

In this step, web application developers must know all there is about routers and other network devices which enable your applications and hardware to operate fast and provide a secure performance.

Identify Controls That Are Already In Place

Let’s take a look at the security continuity measures you already have in place. These measures will include application firewalls, IDP systems, virtual private networks, polices and firewalls, data loss prevention systems and encryption.

You will have to understand important qualities and capabilities that each protection provide to all addressed vulnerabilities.   

You should run vulnerability scans only after every step is addressed. Small businesses (with a less structured IT department) can have trouble with this procedure.

Having trouble securing your web operations? There are a very few web application vulnerability scanners in the market that can help identify all false positives within an application. Save the hassle and contact Lean Security for that job.

Three Main Considerations For Cloud Network Testing

Cloud computing – it’s everywhere these days. Based on the hype of this computing system, it would make sense to assume you should move to the cloud as well, no? Not before you understand the pros and cons of cloud computing first!

There are many benefits of cloud computing for businesses. Moving servers and storage to the cloud proves us with simplified management and administration, ever-present access, and even enables more efficient business operations while cutting costs!

Yes, it certainly sounds idealistic. However, moving to the cloud has one pitfall that should be considered fully when moving servers or storage.

Why Should You Think Before You Leap with Cloud Computing?

Storing data on the internet (which is done in cloud computing) increases risk of exposure. Cloud computing also requires businesses to trust third party managed service vendors when it comes to providing security and privacy of data over the cloud. Yes, you can hire a dedicated penetration testing service provider to carry out all vulnerability assessment and testing as well.

If you think switching to the cloud is one-step forward to success of your business and increased productivity, take care of these considerations:

1.     Performance

You might not have any control over the applications running on the cloud, as they in turn run on hardware. Ensuring performance and required scalability is therefore extremely important!

This can be done by testing performance of applications that you will be using in production, in a cloud environment first. Running load tests on applications that share the same resources (under your control) is another way to see if applications affect each other or not.

Doing the above can prove costly, hence identify under load breakpoint and monitor to see how close you are. This will help make up the budget for your infrastructure needs. 

2.     Security

You will have to address access control issues and data privacy when allocating resources and infrastructure to your cloud network. Ask these questions:

o   Is sensitive data being encrypted at the time of storage?

o   Are access control mechanisms embedded for all possible situations (at at all levels)?

The same questions need to be considered when moving your applications to a private cloud network.

3.      Third-Party Dependencies

Cloud applications provide most of their functionality by consuming external APIs and services. Proper cloud networking testing and monitoring should be conducted before any kind of implementation.

Want to know why your cloud network and applications aren’t working as they should? Contact Lean Security for cloud infrastructure and web application penetration testing today.

Eliminate The Blind Spot On Your Web Application

There is no need to develop a web or mobile application if it’s going to be offline most of the time. In addition to inconveniencing your customers, the web application won’t generate anything of value for your business!

Yes, you can select a web application support vendor who will oversee security objectives of your business, but what should you look for in such a professional?

Features, brand, and price are some common selection criteria. However, you must also explore several specific capabilities that will bring positive impact on the end-solution.

Following are 5 critical factors that should be kept in mind when choosing a managed service provider for you web application.  

False Positive Removal

Most managed services use automated vulnerability scanners to test applications (for vulnerabilities). While automated scanners do work, it’s the same as casting a large net into the ocean. These automated scanners help identify relevant, ‘real’ vulnerabilities; however, some false positives will show up as well.

It’s up to your IT and security department to sift through all vulnerabilities and find the real ones! The chosen managed service vendor therefore should be equipped to removal false positives as well.

Continuous Assessment

New zero day vulnerabilities pop up every week. If not tested regularly, the vulnerabilities can take root in your web applications and possibly wreak havoc. Continuous assessment and testing therefore is absolutely necessary, especially if you are thinking of integrating security into the software development lifecycle.

Remediation Guidance

What feature separates an excellent application security testing provider from the rest? It’s the remediation guidance.

A good remediation guidance feature will let you know the best ways to clean up your application to ensure a seamless operation. Choose your vendor based on how much remediation guidance they provide and their responsiveness towards your queries.

Risk Management Capabilities

You won’t have the important resources at your disposal to fix all vulnerabilities that crop up, especially if you operate a small scale organisation. This is one reason why choosing a professional managed service provider based on their risk monitoring and management capability is a good idea. You’ll also be able to address critical vulnerabilities in a timely fashion, before they can do much damage.

Vulnerability Risk Ratings

An important role is played by vulnerability risk ratings especially when it comes to the prioritisation and remediation process. It doesn’t matter how your organisation manages risks as your chosen vendor will be keeping a close eye on how vulnerabilities evolve in the first place. This will;

Ø  Accurately reflect potential impact

Ø  Associated damage risk

Ø  Likelihood of exploitation

Why are you wasting time and money if your current managed security service vendor doesn’t offer all of the above? Take a look at how Lean Security can help!

Avoid A Costly Security Breach With These Essential Tips

Human error is the single reason why 52% of security breaches occur in the world.

This is why Lean Security is the biggest advocate of employee training when it comes to web applications and implementation of proper security protocols.

We’ve established the importance of educating employees on security breaches.

Here, we discuss how costly security breaches can be avoided altogether!  

Emphasize the Importance of Security to Employees

Employees, both new and old, should realize risks associated with poor security practices, i.e. what will happen if they were applied in the website’s framework. Cyber criminals head straight to identity or financial theft, which holds dire consequences for everyone involved.  

Always Protect Sensitive Information

Cyber criminals and hackers are constantly on the lookout for confidential user data, in the form of email addresses, payment card numbers, and social security numbers.

They can easily gain access to this financial information, without much effort on their part. Why? The data and information is right there for access!

Most of the time it’s the user who shares such information via email. To make sure this doesn’t happen, install a secure file transfer system which encrypts data and information first before sending.

Enforce Strong Passwords on All Web Applications

This is the obvious way to protect information from getting into the wrong hands. Web applications and platforms ask users to utilize strong passwords when signing up for a site or service. We really don’t pay attention and create passwords that are easy and simple to crack.

Characteristics of a strong password are;

Ø  At least 8 characters long

Ø  Containing numbers, symbols, and capital letters

Ø  Password not created with help of a dictionary

Help Identify Phishing and Other Scams

Do your employees understand that clicking on phishing emails can cause the system to become infected with vulnerabilities? Did you know the only way to make sure vulnerabilities and viruses don’t affect web applications and an internet system is by spotting them?

Cybercriminals make use of well crafted emails by which users can be tricked. The emails contain links and attachments which can either collect data or introduce malware to the system, when clicked.

Update All Systems to the Newest System Software

Thousands of websites are scanned by hackers by the hour, in search of vulnerabilities. Upon discovery of security holes and bugs, hackers are quick to attack that software. This is why users must make sure their plugin themes and platform installations are updated and only the latest versions are installed.

Professional help can also be found in the form of Lean Security’s advanced web security testing and assessment services. Get in touch with us today and know more about the service that’s going to help make your web application more secure.   

Your Website’s Security Is Important –Find the Best Vulnerability Scanner for It

Even though computerized application security scanning and testing has been part of organisations’ operations for more than a decade, it still is a complicated and daunting process.  

However, the good news is that you will find a number of methods that guarantee a highly automated scan with reduced time and improved accuracy of results.

Creating an effective test environment can be difficult, but it surely is indispensable in today’s day and age.

For website security and vulnerability scanner for your e-commerce, follow these 3 guidelines:

Permit Sufficient Time

When you have a limited time frame to work in, testing a web security and vulnerability scanner can be overwhelming. It is important to know that sufficient time is required to settle and be comfortable when working with varying configuration methods and compare their outcomes.

Furthermore, checking reports of each technique again and again for accurateness and precision requires time.

Utilize a Real App, Not a Public Test App

Testing a web scanner on real application makes sense. As a business owner, you clearly know which applications have more vulnerabilities than the rest. So, the best practice is to test web security on those real applications, instead of public applications.

Find a Trustworthy Vendor

Regrettably, under certain circumstances, you may be compelled to depend on the conclusions of the scanning vendor. This is because the process can be complex. As a result, the only way to find a reliable website security scanner that’s tailored to your needs is by spending some time over the phone or person-to-person with multiple vendors to find out what can be achieved and what will remain untouched.

More often than not, this means coming up with a technically sound person and spending some time with them to learn how the website scanner works, its strengths and the kind of applications it has problems with.

When you pursue these 3 basic strategies, you perk up your chances of accessing one of the most programmed, precise and trouble-free application security testing solution.

We have just that for you at Lean Security. Offering a range of website security testing solutions, we have dedicated web vulnerability scanner to perform managed web vulnerability scanning and security audit. Just give us a call at +61 (0) 2 8231 6635. 

Web Security Practices The Financial Sector Must Implement ASAP

The financial services segment is the most important target for cyber criminals, making it one of the many sectors that need to take a substantial stand for the security of their web applications.

The cyber criminals have numerous opportunities at hand to violate and breach your website and thus, your customers. Despite the fact, a good number of financial firms put themselves at risk by not investing in the security of their web applications and its top practices.

 As per the  Security Spending Benchmarks Project Report, web application security accounts for less than 10% of the total security expenditure in nearly 36% firms. On the other hand, 33% aren’t even aware of what portion of their security expenditure is allocated to web applications.

Stated below are some of the best practices that the financial sector must follow for ultimate web security:

Improve Risk Assessment

Financial firms must analyse their web transactions, and determine the extent of risk based on types of transaction conducted. They must jointly develop risk alleviation strategies.  Make certain to evaluate detailed attributes such as:

·         Type of customers,

·         Capacity and capability of transactions,

·         Sensitivity of information and current level of security,

·         User-friendliness and customer experience, and

·         How mobile devices are connecting with the environment. 

Beyond considering the monetary losses, also think of liabilities, risks and reputation. Make it a practice and perform this assessment every year to determine probable impact and required levels of security.

Establish Rigorous Authentication Standards

The threats are increasing and growing stronger. Hence, the need for stronger authentication is greater than ever. Growing above usernames and passwords for wire transfers, financial firms took over alternate solutions such as OTP (One Time Passcodes) tokens. However, even these methods aren’t effective anymore, particularly against man-in-the-browser hits.

There are a range of advanced techniques that offer desired level of protection in two ways:

·         Using an individual communication channel under a user or

·         By depending upon the superior behaviour-based deception discovery engines that can instantly sense the anomalies in transactions or website navigation.

Undertaking a Layered Approach

It is astounding to learn that there is no solitary corroboration or conventional fraud discovery solution to bring progressive malicious attacks on banks and other financial institutions to a standstill. What financial firms need is an additional layering of diverse, corresponding safety measures and technologies. Some examples include:

·         Well-built authentication,

·         Observable fraud discovery,

·         Out-of-band substantiation of transactions, 

·         Mobile verification and extensive confirmation digital SSL certificates — these offer the most reliable means of defending customer information and dealings in a financial surrounding.  

At Lean Security, we offer comprehensive protection of applications within the financial sector against unauthorized access and introduction of malicious codes.

Our services include, but are not limited to, application security testing, web security scanning, manual web penetration testing and more.

For more information, email us at info@leansecurity.com.au or call +61 (0) 2 8231 6635 for further information. 

Web Security Concerns In 2016- Healthcare Under Attack!

2016 started with a BANG for the worldwide hospital and healthcare industry. Several security-related incidents took place, from a ransom-ware attack on a LA hospital to an attack on a hospital in Melbourne, and so on. Three other incidents took place in the span of just 2 months into the new year!

While concerning for the security industry, it’s actually not a surprise. The healthcare industry was so far excluded in security breach concerns of the past, but with the Internet of Things on the rise, this industry has become as vulnerable as every other.

Modern Medical Devices More At Risk of Being Hacked

The medical devices and equipment used today in healthcare makes use of fully-functional computers that have complex operating systems and applications installed. Since most of these devices also make use of the Internet, external networks and various types of cloud based servers, cyber-criminals and hackers don’t need to put in too much effort to steal important data or make entire systems corrupt.

Web Application and Cloud Security Not a Concern for Health Departments

This has become a huge concern. Why? Unsecured authorization, program design vulnerabilities, unencrypted communication channels and critical buys and anomalies in software can and do lead to attacks. Security experts at Lean Security reckon there’re 3 main reasons why hackers and cyber-criminals are able to gain access to hospital systems so easily:

Ø  Usage of Internet with no or weak authorization

Ø  External devices not being protected (from being accessed) by local networks

Ø  Vulnerabilities in software design and architecture

Lean Security’s Recommendations to Improve Security Infrastructure in the Healthcare System

Following these recommendations will not only improve security of your systems but will also educate employees on what should be done in case of an attack or breach.

Ø  Implement IT security policies and make sure they’re being adhered to.

Ø  Develop timely patch management and vulnerability assessment policies as well.

Ø  Take steps to protect your systems from malware and hacker attacks.

Ø  Keep a close eye on your own local network.

Ø  Test all your web and mobile applications for anomalies and performance bugs.

Having a sound security infrastructure is quite possible with the right help. In addition to implementing IT policies and making sure employees know what to do in case of a security breach, you’ll need the help of expert security testing services. Get in touch with us to learn more.  

Can Your Website Withstand The Pressure Of A Live Video Event?

Businesses have finally learnt about load testing? In 2013, companies like Calvin Klein, Coke, Axe and several others suffered a massive crash (after putting in millions to air adverts) during the Super Bowl. Yes, why should we worry about the Super Bowl? It isn’t about the sport but how companies picked themselves up and did something about their site’s awful load times.

The fact that only one site crashed last year during the game communicates a lot about how seriously companies are treating the issue, especially with something as big as a live event at stake.

Live Video Streaming Becoming an Important Part of Consumerism

Before the emergence of live video streaming, the world may have thought: what are the chances of thousands of viewers watching the same thing at the same time? It’s hard to imagine even now, when watching videos has never been easier, how video streaming live has become an important part of consumerism.

Website load testing has become an essential element, as online viewing changes from binge watching on Hulu or Netflix into watching live video events. Companies that have shifted their marketing to the online video spectrum or stream video on demand know more than ever the issues their site can (and does) face under pressure of a live event.

Live Video Events Not the Same as Online Streaming

It’s a one-shot deal when it comes to video live events. The very nature of this mode of online video viewing means interested individuals will likely tune at the same time as everyone else - which is a lot of online traffic for the host site.

The Trouble with Video Live Streaming

Take a note of this next time you stream a live rugby match between two very popular teams: is the video loading fast enough? Is the streaming clear and unhanging? For a live video stream to be successful, the hosting site doesn’t only need fast load times for the video, but the site itself should be able to stay up despite a giant wave of online traffic.

Does your website experience any video streaming issues? One way to find out is by employing live video load testers that’ll test load times of your website under stress. You can also contact Lean Security and ask about our website application testing services. 

3 Tips For Creating Better Web Browsing Experience For Your Customers

Everyone wants and expects their website to perform in a certain level. E-commerce businesses depend on more sales, bloggers are looking for better traffic, and non-profits want more participation from viewers.

All of this is only possible with good website performance. Therefore, when the site comes crashing down, everything else follows.

Creating a Better Web Browsing Experience for Consumers - An Essential Marketing Strategy?

A business’s marketing and operation strategies will only work today if websites, web and mobile applications perform at their peak effectiveness. You’d have to re-think improvement if website and applications aren’t getting the optimal level of performance needed.

While a usability test can be an effective tool to improve your website and applications, you can also do the following to improve web browsing experience for customers.   

Improve Your Search Function

Content is king for any website. This poses an issue as linking every video, blog or white paper from your website’s homepage becomes difficult (the site can get cluttered). For this to work, i.e. web browsing experience, users must find it easy to find content in the first place.

There are numerous ways to improve the search function of your website - the easiest and simplest being making the search box highly visible.   

Check out the Competition i.e. What Are They Doing?

You’ll have competitors, whether just entering a particular industry or been in the playing field for some years. Take advantage of this by evaluating their websites and applications. Ask yourself these questions:

Ø  Are they doing anything different than you? What is it?

Ø  Is their site more professional looking? How does it compare to yours?

Ø  Are they using any keywords that you aren’t?

Ø  How fast is the loading time of their website?

Think Multi-Platform – Mobile Applications and Its Design

While businesses are expanding their viewership and e-commerce prospective by introducing mobile applications, this won’t do any good if design and usability isn’t up to par as in its web counterpart.

While placing the website main subject categories – i.e. contact, home – at the top does work when viewed on a desktop, the same design shouldn’t be used in the mobile application.

Implementing a responsive web design on mobile applications is the best way to go about this.  

Since mobile is the future of e-commerce, think about developing a seamless mobile application as opposed to focusing on other marketing strategies. Lean Security can help test the new mobile application.   

3 Reasons How Managed Security Services Can Help Save Your Business

Viruses, once the bane of every IT administrator’s existence have taken a back-seat in light of the cyber and data security threats faced by businesses today. This increasing awareness of security threats in system infrastructures as well as determined and highly sophisticated cyber criminals is causing a shift in IT security systems and how they are being managed.

In order to mitigate risks, businesses are turning to professional managed security services because why not?

Protecting Businesses against Security Breaches, an Insurmountable Task

Companies are trying to keep themselves floating in the turbulent sea of security breaches and global onslaught of cyber attacks but are badly failing. Its obvious staying ahead of the curve requires more than just a sound IT infrastructure and what with 61% of Australian companies expecting a security breach, the question here is: what needs to be done?

Outsourcing your IT functions and department to a professional managed security service seems to be one answer. How would it help?

Your Company Can Make the Most of Their Security Budget

You’ll have to face huge costs by implementing your own security measures. Additionally maintenance of a rigid security posture isn’t possible with a large organization, using various devices and networks to conduct their work. While many cyber challenges do get addressed by rising security budgets, more often than not the need for extra security funding and staff retention is realized late.

Don’t forget, recruitment of new security personnel requires time and training which is why outsourcing this task to a MSSP (managed security service provider) can help decrease the large, upfront costs.

Admit It; You Simply Can’t Take Care of Everything

Even if you can take care of the company’s web application security, there’s a stark difference between doing a very good job and doing an okay one. Yes, outsourcing wasn’t considered a good word before but it is now proving to be a viable and highly effective solution to business growth and to utilize specific skill sets.  

Outsourcing your security needs to a trusted managed service provider will ensure you can concentrate on developing and expanding your business.

Increasing Threat of Evolving Security Anomalies

What you see now in the security landscape may be very different tomorrow. Since the threat environment is forever evolving and adapting to new security measures and technologies, the need to have a professional team of security experts back your business is an advantage.

 An established managed security service like Lean Security can help address every security concern, monitor and respond to the gravest of threats so that you can run your business with ease and no concern at all.