Web Application Penetration Testing
Providing the cybersecurity assurances you need when it comes to your critical web applications
What is a web application?
A web application is a broad term for an application which can be accessed by users through a web browser. This can be a public web browser, a specific private network or via an application programming interface (API).
Web applications are often pivotal to the day-to-day operations of your organization and any breach could potentially cause reputational damage, as well as financial loss.
The security of web applications is therefore vital, whether you’re a software developer, end-user client or require testing to satisfy regulations such as GDPR & ISO 27001. Security should considered at all stages, from development through to deployment.
The most common web applications we test include:
Corporate & transactional websites
Client, user & supplier portals
Corporate management software & intranet
Application programming interfaces (APIs)
Our web application testing
How can you approach web application testing?
Our web application tests are delivered remotely, simulating a real-world attack. Engagements can follow a number of different approaches, guided by your requirements and priorities:
Black Box Approach
Black box testing mimics a real-life attack scenario, where we have basic knowledge of the application, but have no access to the source code or any admin/user credentials.
Black box assessments are typically used by clients who wish to find out if a malicious threat could gain access to an web application from the outside.
White Box Approach
White box testing provides our consultants with a level of access prior to the test, whether it’s access to source code or user credentials.
This type of testing assumes that an attacker already has some level of access within the application and is designed to understand the potential damage that can be achieved.
Grey Box Approach
This is our preferred approach to web application penetration testing, as we believe it provides the best value test in terms of results.
It is a hybrid approach (combining both white box and black box testing elements) and provides a security overview of the application from both the outside and the inside.
What we review
Our web application testing is aligned with industry standards such as OWASP and is tailored to your exact requirements, whether you’re looking to test the entire application or just specific areas of functionality. Our reviews can include:
Security configuration
& authentication
Application functionality, technology & data flow
Susceptibility to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), SQL & other injection attacks
Data transfer security, password and sensitive data storage
Logic flaws such as access
control & broken authorization
Testing against OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
Not sure what type of testing you need?
Our team will be happy to discuss your individual requirements and provide a no obligation proposal based on your needs.
Our approach
The security confidence we provide doesn’t come from a one size fits all solution.
Every web application penetration test goes through a rigorous process to ensure you get the best possible results. Below we outline the key stages our testing goes through:
1. Client Focused Scoping
We work closely with you to fully understand the environment under investigation and your exact requirements before putting forward a bespoke test proposal.
2. Expert Manual Testing
Our manual testing is designed to challenge your security. That's why we only hire the very best information security consultants & all consultants are directly employed by us.
3. Tailored Reporting
Reporting isn't just a piece of paper, it's a ongoing process. We tailor our reporting to you, whether you require ASVS reporting, ticket integration or a bespoke test report.
4. Post-Test Support
Our job doesn't finish on the delivery of a report. We make our consultants available after your test to provide clarification on findings & pass on their wealth of expertise.
5. Fix Check & Documentation
A fix check can be employed to ensure issues found have been successfully remediated & additional documentation can be supplied for assurance purposes
6. Ongoing Partnership
We see ourselves as trusted advisors and welcome clients contacting us outside of testing, providing honest advice on security issues wherever we can.
Like the sound of our approach?
You can find out more about our test process and why it sets us apart.
Contact us
Want to find out more about our web application penetration testing services? Our team are on hand to provide you with the information you need. Please fill out the form below and one of our team will be in touch shortly.
