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Understanding your strengths, vulnerabilities, and where your team should allocate time is crucial in the realm of cybersecurity. However, determining these factors and prioritizing tasks can be challenging. So, conducting penetration testing is a highly effective approach to gaining clarity.

Penetration testing is a solid basis for any security team. It excels at pinpointing what to focus on and proposing initiatives for your team’s future endeavors. So, what exactly is pen testing, and why is it so important? The following article will provide further insights.

What is Penetration Testing?

A penetration test (or pentest), is a sanctioned simulation of an attack carried out on a computer system to assess its security. Penetration testers employ identical tools, methods, and procedures as actual attackers to discover and illustrate the detrimental effects of system vulnerabilities.

These tests typically simulate diverse attack types that pose potential risks to a business. They evaluate the system’s ability to resist attacks from authorized and unauthorized sources, as well as various system roles. With appropriate parameters, a pen test can delve into any system facet.

Why is Penetration Testing Important?

A penetration test holds a strong significance in ensuring network security. This testing methodology enables businesses to accomplish the following objectives:

• Uncover security vulnerabilities preemptively, beating hackers to the punch.
• Identify gaps in information security compliance.
• Assess the response time of the information security team, gauging how quickly  to detect breaches and minimize the impact.
• Understand the potential real-world consequences of a data breach or cyber attack.
• Obtain actionable guidance for remediation purposes.

Penetration testing empowers security experts to methodically assess the security of multi-tier network architectures, custom applications, web services, and other IT components.

Penatration testing services and tools provide swift visibility into high-risk areas, letting businesses build security budgeting.

Comprehensive testing of an organization’s entire IT system, a web app or a mobile app is crucial for safeguarding critical data from cyber hackers and enhancing the IT department’s responsiveness during potential attacks.

5 Phases of Penetration Testing

Penetration testers replicate the tactics employed by determined adversaries. At LQA, we adhere to a comprehensive plan that encompasses the following penetration testing process:

Phase 1 – Estimation

In the first pen testing process, we need to understand the exact number of items in scope, such as

• HTTP requests in web application and API,
• screens & main functions in Android / iOS application,
• server and network devices,
• IP addresses in systems.

Then, we build a plan based on the function severity. The ranking on a scale of A to S will be used as a criterion for customers to select items to test from the estimate list.

Phase 2 – Preparation

In this phase, we need to prepare some things before testing, including:

• Web application information: Site name, host, system, cloud services, penetration testing type (remote, onsite), period time, environment testing.
• Access restriction: Restricting access with IP address, basic authentication, we also need some special configured access settings.
• Account information: Multiple permission settings, multiple accounts (username and password).
• Various process: Assessment of functions associated with various processes and external systems.
• Validation: Confirm other important information before testing.

Phase 3 – Penetration testing

In this phase, LQA’s testing team will:

• Schedule penetration testing
• Implement manual and automated testing
• Analyze and evaluate detected vulnerability
• Analyze and evaluate the case of threats and impacts when the vulnerability is exploited

Phase 4 – Report

In the report phase, we will:

• Send daily quick report for high-risk vulnerability detected.
• Write a summary and technical report, then deliver the final report.

Phase 5 – Re-testing

In the last phase, LQA’s testing team will re-test the vulnerabilities after remediating programs.

After completing a successful pen-test, an ethical hacker collaborates with the target organization’s information security team to share their findings.

Typically, these findings are categorized with severity ratings, enabling the prioritization of remediation efforts. Issues with the highest ratings are addressed first to ensure effective resolution.

A business uses these findings as a foundation for conducting additional investigations, assessments, and remediation to enhance its security posture.

At this stage, decision-makers and stakeholders become actively involved, and the IT or security team establishes deadlines to ensure prompt resolution of all identified security issues.

Pen Testing Approaches

Penetration testing includes a trio of primary approaches, each equipping pen testers with specific levels of information required to execute their attacks effectively.

• White box testing: In white box testing, the customer furnishes comprehensive system information, including accounts at various access levels. This ensures that the testing expert can band encompass system’s functionalities.
• Black box testing: Black box penetration testing is a form of behavioral and functional testing in which testers are intentionally kept unaware of the system’s inner workings. Organizations commonly engage ethical hackers for black box testing, as it simulates real-world attacks and provides insights into the system’s vulnerabilities.
• Gray box testing: Gray box testing combines white box and black box testing techniques. Testers are granted limited knowledge of the system, including low-level credentials, logical flow charts, and network maps. The primary objective of gray box testing is to identify potential code and functionality issues in the system.

>> Read more:

Best software testing methods to ensure top-quality applications

What Should Good Penetration Testing Include?

To ensure a robust the pen test engagement, business should conduct a thorough assessment of an organization’s attack surface.

This assessment aims to identify all conceivable entry points into the network, encompassing unsecured ports, unpatched vulnerabilities, misconfigured systems, and weak passwords.

By addressing these critical aspects, organizations can fortify their defenses against potential security breaches.

After the identification of potential entry points, the penetration tester proceeds to exploit them to gain network access. Once inside, pentesters meticulously examine the network for sensitive information, including customer data, financial records, and proprietary company secrets.

Furthermore, the tester endeavors to escalate privileges to obtain complete control over the network.

How Often Should Pen Tests Be Performed?

The frequency of conducting penetration testing varies based on several factors, yet most security experts advise performing it at least annually. This regular assessment aids in the detection of emerging vulnerabilities, including zero-day threats, ensuring proactive mitigation measures can be promptly implemented.

When planning the schedule for penetration testing, organizations should focus on the following key considerations:

• Cyber-attack risks: Organizations with increased exposure to potential financial and reputational damage, should prioritize regular security testing to proactively prevent cyber-attacks.
• Budget: The frequency of pen testing should align with the available budget and its flexibility. Larger companies may have the resources to conduct annual tests, while smaller businesses might opt for biennial assessments due to budget constraints.
• Regulatory requirements: Certain industries, such as banking and healthcare, have specific regulations mandating regular penetration testing. Compliance with these regulations should guide the frequency and timing of security assessments in those organizations.

Apart from regular scheduled penetration testing, organizations should also consider conducting security tests in response to the following aspects:

• Incorporating new network infrastructure or appliances into the network.
• Implementing upgrades to existing applications and equipment.
• Installing security patches.
• Establishing new office locations.
• Modifying end-user policies.

What are The Best Penetration Testing Tools?

Penetration testers employ a diverse range of tools to execute reconnaissance, identify vulnerabilities, and streamline essential aspects of the penetration testing process. Here are several widely used tools:

• Specialized operating systems: Penetration testers rely on specialized operating systems tailored to penetration testing and ethical hacking. 

Among these, Kali Linux stands out as the preferred choice. This open-source Linux distribution comes equipped with an array of built-in pen testing tools, including Nmap, Wireshark, and Metasploit.

• Credential-cracking tools: In the pursuit of uncovering passwords, penetration testers leverage credential-cracking tools. These software applications employ various techniques such as encryption-breaking or launching brute-force attacks.

By using bots or scripts, these tools systematically generate and test potential passwords until a successful match is found. Prominent examples encompass Medusa, Hydra, Hashcat, and John the Ripper.

• Port scanners: These tools enable pen testers to remotely examine devices for open and accessible ports, which can serve as potential entry points into a network. While Nmap remains the most popular port scanner, other commonly used options include Masscan and ZMap.
• Vulnerability scanners: These scanning tools are designed to identify known vulnerabilities in systems, enabling pen testers to swiftly pinpoint potential weaknesses and entryways into a target. Notable examples of vulnerability scanners include Nessus, Core Impact, and Netsparker.

Web vulnerability scanners include a specialized category of tools within the broader realm of vulnerability scanning. These scanners specifically evaluate web applications and websites to identify potential vulnerabilities. Notable examples in this domain include Burp Suite and OWASP’s Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP).

• Packet analyzers: Also referred to as packet sniffers, empower penetration testers to analyze network traffic by capturing and examining individual packets.

These tools provide insights into the origin, destination, and, in some cases, content of transmitted data. Prominent packet analyzers include Wireshark and tcpdump, widely recognized for their effectiveness in this domain.

• Metasploit: On the other hand, serves as a comprehensive penetration testing framework encompassing a multitude of functionalities. Its most significant attribute lies in its ability to automate cyber attacks.

Equipped with a comprehensive library of prewritten exploit codes and payloads, Metasploit empowers penetration testers to select an exploit, assign a payload to deliver to the target system, and delegate the remaining tasks to the framework itself.

Penetration Testing Case Study

Below are two outstanding LQA’s penetration testing case studies you can refer to:

SaaS penetration testing

Overview

The product is a SaaS service software system that uses the Microsoft Azure cloud based on business management.

Its features aim at the user experience and business development system for small and medium enterprises.

Project information

• Country: USA
• Domain: ERP
• Framework: .NET, Vue
• Tools Involved: Burp Suite Professional

What we did

Our objective was to assess the security of the web applications by conducting a thorough penetration test aligned with the OWASP Top 10. This helped us identify and mitigate vulnerabilities to enhance the security posture.

Findings

• Privilege Escalation
• Account Takeover
• Stored XSS
• File Upload Vulnerabilities
• Information Leakage

Achievements

We found 12 vulnerabilities, fixed 100% of severe issues, and did 1400 APIs tested.

Dental clinic management system penetration testing

Overview

Our client has a dental clinic management system to make appointments, bookings, check exam results, invoicing, etc.

However, their system, which was built a decade ago on outdated PHP, lacked optimized performance, sustainability, and security. So, they needed an experienced vendor to upgrade their technology stack to ensure easier maintenance and future development.

Project information

• Country: France
• Domain: Healthcare
• Framework: NodeJS, React
• Tools Involved: Burp Suite Professional

What we did

Based on our client’s requirements, we needed to assess the security of the web applications by conducting a thorough penetration test aligned with the OWASP Top 10. This helped to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities to enhance its security posture.

Findings

• SQL Injection
• Access Control Issues
• Weak Authentication Mechanism
• Information Leakage

Achievements

We found 8 vulnerabilities, fixed 100% severe issues, and did 390 APIs tested.

FAQ

How often should I run a penetration testing?

The optimal frequency of conducting penetration tests varies for each company, contingent upon factors such as the nature of its operations and its appeal to potential attackers.

In the case of highly sensitive activities, you should conduct penetration tests regularly, ideally several times per year. This approach ensures that the latest attack methods are thoroughly tested and safeguards against emerging threats.

For activities of lower sensitivity, you should perform a penetration test for each new version release or whenever significant features are added. This targeted approach focuses on assessing the security of specific updates or additions, thereby maintaining an adequate level of protection.

By tailoring the frequency of penetration tests to the unique characteristics and risk profile of each company, organizations can proactively address potential vulnerabilities and bolster their overall security posture.

I don’t have sensitive data, why would I be attacked?

No website is immune to cyberattacks, even those that may not possess sensitive data.

Hackers can have varied motivations, ranging from honing their skills and knowledge, to exploiting compromised servers for hosting malicious websites, generating profits, or even simply seeking amusement.

Among the most frequently targeted websites are those built on the WordPress platform. These sites often face automated attacks on a massive scale, targeting tens of thousands of websites.

The victims of such attacks are not specifically singled out, but rather fall victim to the widespread and indiscriminate nature of these automated campaigns.

How much does a pentest cost?

The required time and budget for testing depend on the scope and level of thoroughness desired.

If comprehensive and exhaustive testing is sought, it is natural if you expect a longer duration and, consequently, a higher financial investment.

You can contact LQA to have further discussion and detailed quotation.

What is the most important step in a penetration testing?

The estimation phase holds significant importance in a penetration test as it serves as the foundation for gathering crucial information about the target. This stage is particularly critical since having a comprehensive understanding of the target significantly simplifies the gaining access process.

What are the risks of penetration testing?

Improperly executed penetration tests can potentially result in significant damage, leading to adverse consequences. For instance, servers may experience crashes, essential data might be corrupted or compromised, and the overall aftermath could be a criminal hack.

>> Read more:

• How to create a test plan? components, steps and template
• Cybersecurity testing: definition, different types, and comprehensive guide
• Top 10 software testing companies in the world in 2023
• How to choose an automation testing services provider

Conclusion

In light of the continuously advancing and sophisticated nature of cyberattacks, we can’t overstate the significance of regular penetration testing in organizations. These tests play a vital role in identifying vulnerabilities, patching security loopholes, and validating the effectiveness of cyber controls.

By conducting pen testing methodology, organizations adopt a proactive approach to fortifying their infrastructure, software applications, and even their personnel against potential threats.

This proactive stance motivates the development of robust and continuous security measures that can adapt to the ever-changing cyber threat landscape, ensuring the organization remains resilient in the face of evolving challenges.

Leveraging the expertise of LQA, companies can establish a comprehensive defense against both recognized and unforeseen threats. By enlisting their support, you can proactively prevent, identify, and mitigate potential risks.

If you are eager to implement penetration testing, we encourage you to reach out to LQA. Contact us today for further discussion!

• Website: https://www.lotus-qa.com/
• Tel: (+84) 24-6660-7474
• Mail: [email protected]
• Fanpage: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lqa/

Non functional testing and functional testing are both vital to ensure that your product operates as intended. Non functional testing examines aspects that go beyond functionality. It guarantees a superior level of product quality, performance, and usability, which can improve user satisfaction.

Within this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive definition of non functional testing. Furthermore, we will explore a range of examples showcasing non functional tests, shedding light on the specific areas they assess.

Additionally, we will guide you on the most effective approach to aligning non functional testing with your business objectives and user requirements, enabling your business to deliver a remarkable product that fulfills both functional and non functional testing expectations.

What Is Non Functional Testing?

Non functional testing is a critical software testing methodology that assesses an application’s non functional components, encompassing usability, performance, scalability, reliability, security, compatibility, and more.

→ Take a look at: LQA’s software testing services

Non functional testing focuses on ensuring the overall product quality rather than merely examining its features. You have to understand the significant impact that non functional testing has on a product.

In the realm of software development, non functional testing has equal importance to functional testing. Without it, a system may exhibit flawless performance in a controlled environment and encounter significant failures when confronted with real-world conditions.

Why Use Non Functional Testing?

Functional and non functional testing are both crucial for any software. Functional testing ensures the correct functioning of internal features, while non functional testing evaluates how well the software performs in the external environment.

Non functional testing plays a vital role in examining various aspects such as performance, stability, responsiveness, portability, and more. It involves assessing the software’s installation, setup, and execution.

By gathering measurements and metrics, non functional testing facilitates internal research and development efforts. It provides valuable insights into the software’s behavior and the technologies employed. Moreover, it helps mitigate production risks and reduces associated software costs.

Non Functional Testing Characteristics

The essential traits of non functional testing include:

• Non functional testing necessitates quantifiable metrics. Therefore, using subjective terms such as “good,” “better,” or “best” is not appropriate for this type of testing.
• During the initial stages of the requirement process, it may be challenging to ascertain precise figures.
• Giving priority to the requirements holds immense significance in non functional testing.

Non Functional Testing Types

The following are the prevalent types of non functional testing:

1. Performance testing

Performance testing aims to identify and address the factors that contribute to slow and constrained software performance. The software must exhibit fast response times, ensuring an efficient user experience.

To conduct effective performance testing, businesses should establish a well-defined and specific set of requirements regarding the desired speed. Without clear specifications, it’s hard to determine whether the test results indicate success or failure.

For instance, if 1000 users access an application together, the load time should not exceed 5 seconds.

Tools used: LoadRunner, Apache JMeter, WebLOAD.

2. Load testing

We use load testing to evaluate the system’s capacity to handle increasing concurrent users. It specifically assesses the system’s loading capability and its ability to cope with higher user loads. By simulating real-world scenarios, load testing helps identify potential bottlenecks and performance issues under heavy usage.

To gauge a website’s speed and performance, you can run a quick website speed test, which provides insights into the website’s speed scores. This helps measure the website’s responsiveness and overall user experience.

Tools used: Neoload, Load Multiplier.

3. Security testing

Security testing is employed to identify a software application’s vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This type of testing involves examining the system’s design and adopting the mindset of a potential attacker.

By scrutinizing the application’s code, and potential attack vectors, security testers can pinpoint areas where an attack is most likely to occur. This knowledge is then used to create targeted and effective test cases that assess the application’s resilience against potential security breaches.

Tools Used: ImmuniWeb, Vega, Wapiti

4. Portability testing

Portability testing focuses on assessing the software’s capability to operate seamlessly across multiple operating systems without encountering any bugs or compatibility issues.

Additionally, this testing also examines the software’s functionality when deployed on the same operating system but with different hardware configurations. By conducting portability testing, one can ensure that the software performs consistently and reliably across various environments, enhancing its usability and flexibility.

Tools Used: SQLMap.

5. Accountability testing

Accountability testing plays a crucial role in determining the correctness of system functionality. The primary objective is to ensure that each function in the system consistently produces the expected outcome for which it was designed.

If the system generates the desired results, it passes the accountability test; however, if it fails to do so, it indicates a potential flaw or malfunction in the system’s functionality.

By conducting thorough accountability testing, one can effectively assess and validate the system’s performance and its ability to meet the intended objectives.

Tools Used: Mentimeter.

6. Reliability testing

Reliability testing is based on the premise that the software system runs without errors within predefined parameters. It involves running the system for a specified duration and several processes to assess its reliability.

The reliability test is considered unsuccessful if the system fails under predetermined circumstances.

For instance, in the case of a website, all web pages and links should be dependable and function reliably. If the system exhibits issues or malfunctions, such as broken links or errors, during the reliability test, it indicates a failure to meet the expected reliability standards.

By conducting reliability testing, one can evaluate the system’s ability to consistently operate as intended and identify any potential weaknesses or areas for improvement in terms of reliability and error-free performance.

Tools Used: Test-retest, Inter-rater.

7. Efficiency testing

Efficiency testing examines the utilization of resources during a software system’s construction, assessing both the actual resources employed and the ones required. This type of testing aims to determine the efficiency and optimization of resource usage throughout the software development process.

By analyzing resource consumption, such as CPU usage, memory utilization, or network bandwidth, efficiency testing provides insights into the software system’s resource requirements and helps identify potential areas for improvement in resource allocation and utilization.

Tools Used: WebLOAD, LoadNinja.

8. Volume testing

Volume testing, also referred to as flood testing, is a type of software testing that entails subjecting the software to a substantial amount of data. Its purpose is to evaluate the system’s performance by increasing the volume of data in the database.

By simulating scenarios with a large and often excessive amount of data, volume testing helps assess the system’s ability to handle and process such data loads without compromising its performance or stability.

This type of testing ensures that the software can effectively manage and scale with growing data volumes, thus preventing any potential bottlenecks or performance issues.

Tools Used: HammerDB, JdbcSlim.

9. Recovery Testing

Recovery testing assesses an application’s resilience in recovering from crashes, hardware failures, and similar issues.

By intentionally breaking the software through simulated scenarios, recovery testing aids in identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the recovery mechanisms. This type of testing helps make sure that the application can gracefully handle unexpected failures, quickly restore functionality, and minimize any potential data loss or system downtime.

Tools Used: Box Backup, Bacula.

10. Responsive testing

Responsive testing enables you to evaluate your design across a range of screen widths, providing a more authentic assessment of its adaptability rather than relying solely on predetermined screen sizes.

By utilizing specialized tools, you can test your website’s responsiveness by adjusting the screen width dynamically after entering the website’s URL.

This allows you to observe how your user interface adapts and adjusts in real-time to accommodate different screen sizes.

The primary objective of evaluating responsive websites is to ensure a seamless and friendly user experience across various digital devices. By conducting responsive testing, we can ensure that websites and applications deliver a smooth and consistent experience to users, regardless of the device they are using.

Tools Used: Responsinator, Screenfly, Google DevTools Device Mode.

11. Visual testing

One way to address issues is using visual testing (or visual UI testing). This type of testing focuses on validating whether the software user interface (UI) is displayed correctly to every user.

Visual tests meticulously examine each element on a web page to ensure they have the proper shape, size, and placement as intended. By comparing the application’s visible output to the expected design outcomes, visual testing helps identify “visual bugs” that may exist, separate from functional bugs that affect the software’s overall functionality.

In essence, visual testing plays a crucial role in detecting any discrepancies or issues related to a page or screen’s appearance and presentation.

Tools Used: Percy, PhantomCSS, FBSnapshotTestCase, Gemini, Needle (Uses Python).

→ Read more:

• Best Software Testing Methods to Ensure Top-quality Applications
• 5 Steps To Hire A Test Automation Engineer
• How to Choose an Automation Testing Services Provider

Non Functional Testing Parameters

Let’s delve into these parameters and examine them in detail:

• Security: The security parameter establishes the level of protection a system has against both intended and unintended attacks originating from internal or external sources. Security testing is conducted to assess and verify this protection.
• Reliability: The reliability parameter examines a system’s capability to perform its intended functions consistently, without any failures over a specific duration. Using reliability testing to evaluate and validate this ability.
• Survivability: The survivability parameter determines a product’s capacity to maintain its operation and recover from failures or disruptions. We use recovery testing to assess and validate this ability.
• Availability: The availability parameter determines the level of reliability and consistency a user can expect from a system and its functionalities during operation. We use stability testing to measure and evaluate this parameter.
• Usability: The usability parameter gauges the user’s ease of interaction with a product, including learning, operating, and input/output preparation. Usability testing is employed to evaluate this aspect and ensure optimal user experience.
• Scalability: Scalability assesses a system’s capability to adjust its performance in response to varying workloads without compromising its effectiveness. Scalability testing is used to evaluate this ability and ensure optimal performance.
• Interoperability: The interoperability parameter determines a system’s capacity to interface with other software systems smoothly. Interoperability testing is conducted to verify this ability and ensure smooth integration.
• Efficiency: Efficiency measures the software system’s ability to handle volume, capacity, and response time effectively.
• Flexibility: Flexibility refers to the application’s continuous operation across a wide range of hardware and software configurations. For instance, most applications have specific minimum RAM and CPU requirements to ensure proper functionality.
• Portability: Portability refers to the ease with which an application can transit from one hardware or software environment to another.
• Reusability: Reusability denotes a component or module in a software system that can be utilized in multiple applications.

Best Practices Of Non Functional Testing

To achieve effective non functional testing, you should take certain best practices into account. 

• Early engagement: Engage in non functional test activities starting from the early phases of the software development life cycle (SDLC). Collaborate closely with stakeholders, architects, and developers to comprehend non functional requirements and incorporate them into the system design.
• Well-defined goals: Establish precise and measurable objectives for non functional testing. Set clear targets for performance, security, usability, and other non functional aspects to guide the testing process and provide a basis for evaluation.
• Realistic test environment: Set up a test environment that resembles the production environment. Use representative hardware, software, network configurations, and data volumes to ensure accurate analysis of performance and behavior.
• Test automation: Employ test automation tools and frameworks to streamline and expedite non functional testing. Automation facilitates the simulation of user loads, generation of consistent test data, and execution of repetitive tasks, resulting in more efficient and dependable testing.

→ Don’t miss: 10 BEST Automation Testing Companies Worldwide in 2023

• Monitoring and performance metrics: Implement robust monitoring mechanisms throughout testing to capture performance metrics such as response times, resource utilization, throughput, and error rates. These metrics provide valuable insights into system behavior, aid in identifying bottlenecks, and facilitate performance analysis.
• Risk-based testing: Prioritize non functional test cases based on risk analysis and their impact on business operations. Give attention to critical functionalities, high-risk areas, and cases that are likely to lead to performance degradation, security vulnerabilities, or usability issues.
• Continuous improvement: Foster a culture of ongoing improvement by leveraging insights from testing experiences and incorporating feedback into subsequent iterations. Capture lessons learned, update documentation, and refine testing strategies based on the knowledge gained during non functional testing.

These practices represent only a fraction of the existing methods for efficient non functional testing. By adhering to them, organizations can conduct effective non functional testing to ensure optimal performance, security, usability, and other non functional attributes of their software systems.

Examples Of Non Functional Testing

To gain a better understanding of this concept, let’s explore some examples of non functional testing across different types. The table below illustrates a range of non functional test cases specifically for web applications.

How To Align Non Functional Testing With Business Goals And User Needs?

Here are some valuable tips to seamlessly align non functional testing with your business objectives and user requirements.

Understand the context

Before commencing non functional testing, you should comprehend the project context, your intended audience, and your business goals.

What are your users’ and clients’ expectations and demands? What are your domain’s and environment’s risks and challenges? Which standards and regulations apply to your software?

Addressing these queries will assist in defining the scope, criteria, and priorities for your non functional testing.

Choose the right techniques

Non functional testing is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the context, different techniques and tools may be required to measure and evaluate the non functional aspects of your software.

For instance, we use load testing, stress testing, and endurance testing to assess system performance under varying levels of demand. Usability testing, accessibility testing, and user experience testing can be utilized to evaluate user satisfaction and convenience.

Security testing, penetration testing, and vulnerability testing can help identify and mitigate potential threats and breaches. Maintainability testing, portability testing, and compatibility testing ensure software adaptability and interoperability.

Align with functional testing

Non functional testing should not be treated as a standalone or separate activity from functional testing. Instead, it should be integrated and harmonized with functional testing throughout the software development life cycle.

This approach ensures the relevance, consistency, and comprehensiveness of nonfunctional testing while avoiding duplication, confusion, and conflicts with functional testing.

For instance, leveraging test automation allows for efficient and effective execution of both functional and non functional testing.

Additionally, incorporating non functional requirements and specifications into test cases and code through test-driven development, or behavior-driven development further enhances the integration of non functional aspects.

Communicate the results

Non functional testing goes beyond simply identifying and addressing defects. It also offers valuable insights and feedback to stakeholders and users. Therefore, you should communicate the results of non functional testing in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.

You can apply various methods and formats to present and report non functional testing results, including graphs, charts, dashboards, metrics, or narratives. Additionally, different channels and platforms can be used to share and discuss these results, such as emails, meetings, demos, or blogs.

The key is to emphasize the benefits and impacts of non functional testing on business goals and user requirements.

Learn and improve

Non functional testing is not a one-off or stagnant endeavor. It’s an ongoing and dynamic process that necessitates continual learning and improvement. Regular and frequent monitoring and measurement of software performance and quality are essential.

→ Read more:

• How to Create A Test Plan? Components, Steps and Template
• Benefits of Test Automation: Efficiency, Accuracy, Speed, and ROI
• A Comparison of Manual Testing vs. Automation Testing

Furthermore, you should review and update non functional testing strategies and techniques in response to the evolving needs and expectations of stakeholders and users. You can apply range of sources and methods, such as surveys, interviews, reviews, or analytics to collect and analyze feedback and data.

Additionally, leveraging various tools and frameworks, such as DevOps, Agile, or Lean, can provide support and enhance non functional testing efforts.

Differences Between Functional And Non Functional Testing Requirements

Let take a quick look at some differences between nonfunctional testing and functional testing:

FAQ

What is functional vs non functional testing?

Functional testing ensures that the application works as intended. In contrast, non functional testing evaluates the application’s efficiency, performance, security, scalability, reliability, and portability.

What are non functional testing examples?

Non functional testing focuses on evaluating the non functional aspects of the product. To gain a clearer understanding, consider the following examples:

• Validate that the application’s dashboard loads within 5 seconds upon login.
• Ensure that email notifications are dispatched within 3 minutes.
• Verify that the application supports concurrent login by 500 users simultaneously.

What are the challenges of non functional testing?

Below are several risks related to non functional testing:

• Risk #1: Performance bottlenecks.
• Risk #2: Security vulnerabilities.
• Risk #3: Subpar user experience.
• Risk #4: Compatibility issues.
• Risk #5: Scalability challenges.

What will happen if non functional requirements are ignored?

Neglecting non functional requirements (NFRs) can significantly affect the adoption of the system, leading to various consequences.

These include the system’s inability to scale up to meet customer demands, sluggish performance resulting in unresponsiveness, security breaches compromising confidential data, and system unavailability during critical periods. Those directly impact business operations.

What is the main goal of non functional testing?

The objective of non functional testing is to enhance the usability, effectiveness, maintainability, and portability of the product. This testing process helps mitigate the manufacturing risk associated with the non functional aspects of the product.

Final Thoughts On Non Functional Testing

Non functional testing plays a crucial role in guaranteeing the overall quality and success of software systems. It extends beyond functional requirements and concentrates on pivotal aspects such as performance, security, usability, scalability, and reliability.

By conducting comprehensive non functional testing, organizations can effectively mitigate risks, elevate user satisfaction, adhere to industry standards, and optimize costs.

At LQA, we have the excellent expertise, specialized skills, and knowledge to conduct comprehensive assessments and evaluations of non-functional attributes.

Our team is highly proficient in utilizing specialized tools and techniques, enabling them to proactively identify and address potential issues.

With our proficiency in performance testing, security testing, usability testing, and compliance testing, we are adept at uncovering hidden problems, optimizing system performance, enhancing security measures, and ensuring a seamless user experience.

Our ultimate goal is to provide clients with high-quality software systems that meet performance expectations, prioritize user satisfaction, safeguard against security threats, and comply with industry standards.

If you are eager to improve the quality and reliability of your software systems, we encourage you to reach out to LQA. Contact us today to discuss your testing requirements and elevate your software to new heights.

• Website:https://www.lotus-qa.com/
• Tel: (+84) 24-6660-7474
• Mail: [email protected]
• Fanpage: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lqa/

Penetration testing, or pen testing, also called ‘ethical hacking’, in the world of software testing is a cybersecurity practice that involves simulating cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or applications to identify and address security vulnerabilities.

Black box penetration testing, together with gray box penetration testing and white box penetration testing, makes up the three major methods in the field of penetration test.

In this article, LQA will give you a comprehensive guide to black box penetration testing and its difference from the other two.

What is black box penetration testing?

Black box penetration testing definition

Black box testing in penetration testing is a security assessment where testers, with no prior knowledge of the system, simulate real-world attacks to identify vulnerabilities from an external perspective.

The goal of black box penetration testing is to assess the system’s resilience to external threats and provide recommendations for improvement.

Key characteristics of black box testing

• Limited knowledge: Testers have little to no knowledge of the internal workings, code, or architecture of the system being tested.
• External perspective: Testing is conducted from an external viewpoint, simulating how an external attacker with no insider information would approach the system.
• Objective evaluation: Testing is conducted from an external viewpoint, assessing an app’s resistance to external threats without bias from internal knowledge.
• Real-world simulation: The goal is to simulate real-world attacks to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by external threats.

When your organization might need this type of pen test?

With the above characteristics of back box penetration testing, there are various scenarios when your organization might need this type of pen test. Common scenarios are:

• Early vulnerability detection: Use this type of pen test when your business wants to unveil vulnerabilities at the initial stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC) and address issues before they escalate into significant security concerns.
• Compliance & regulatory obligations: When industry regulations or compliance standards mandate regular security assessments, black box testing can help meet these requirements by providing an unbiased evaluation.
• Real-world simulation: A black box approach helps assess your application, infrastructure, or network in a setting that closely mirrors a real-life attack scenario.
• Third-party vendor assessment: Before onboarding a new third-party service or vendor, conducting black box testing helps ensure the security of their external-facing systems.

Black-box vs. Gray-box vs. White-box Penetration Testing 

You may want to take a wider look at black box, white box. and gray box testing before digging into these software testing methods in the niche of cybersecurity testing.

Advantages and disadvantages of black box penetration testing

Below are the most common advantages and disadvantages of black box pen test during a penetration testing engagement.

Advantages of black box penetration testing

• Realistic testing: Assess your application, infrastructure, or network in a setting that closely mirrors a real-life attack scenario.
• Unbiased evaluation: Testing is conducted from an external viewpoint, eliminating insider bias from internal knowledge.
• Quick start: Back box testing doesn’t require testers to learn about the internal structure of software, hence allowing a quick start.
• Cost saving: It may be cheaper to conduct a black box penetration test compared to other pen testing types, as it doesn’t require much time and resources needed for preparation.
• Reduced chances of overlooking external vulnerabilities: As penetration testers don’t have prior access to the system blueprints and processes, the chances of testers focusing on a specific set of external vulnerabilities and missing out on others are often low.

Disadvantages of black box penetration testing

• Limited understanding of internal controls: The testing team has restricted knowledge of the internal workings, potentially missing nuanced vulnerabilities that require internal context.
• Overlooking internal vulnerabilities: The external focus may result in missing certain internal vulnerabilities that could be identified with more internal knowledge.
• Lack of context: While efficient, the quick start may come at the cost of lacking context for a more nuanced evaluation of internal security measures.

Common Black-box Penetration Testing Techniques

Enumeration

Enumeration is about listing test targets for comprehensive testing.

Enumeration involves identifying and listing all possible test targets, such as IP addresses, services, and applications, to create a comprehensive inventory for testing.

It helps testers understand the scope of the system and potential points of entry.

Full port scanning

Full port scanning is crucial for mapping out the entire attack surface and discovering hidden services that might be overlooked with selective scanning.

Full port scanning is a specific scanning technique that involves checking all possible ports on a target system for open and closed statuses. This comprehensive approach helps identify services running on each port, providing insights into potential entry points for attackers.

Fuzzing

Fuzzing, or fuzz tests, is an automated testing technique that injects malformed or random inputs into an application that the application is not designed to handle.

The purpose of fuzz tests is to detect crashes, errors, memory leaks, and different behavior than expected.

Exploratory testing

Exploratory testing is when you perform tests with minimal predefined test plans and test cases and without an expectation or specific outcome.

Exploratory testing uses a dynamic and unscripted approach with the idea of letting the outcomes of one test guide the others.

This particularly works in black-box penetration testing, in which testers have no idea about the internal workings of the system.

Vulnerability scanning

Vulnerability scanning is an automated technique that systematically identifies and evaluates potential vulnerabilities within the target system, network, or application.

In vulnerability scanning, testers leverage automated tools to scan for common vulnerabilities in the target’s external-facing components.

This type of black-box pen test provides a quick and efficient way to identify potential security issues, such as outdated software, misconfigurations, or known vulnerabilities.

Exploitation

Exploitation involves attempting to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or compromise the target’s security.

During exploitation, testers simulate real-world attacks, crafting malicious requests to exploit weaknesses in the system’s defenses. This process demonstrates the potential impact of successful exploitation and assesses the overall security resilience of the target

Black Box Penetration Testing Steps

A black box pen test process often goes through 8 steps as below.

1. Scoping the test

In this stage of the penetration test, the team defines the scope of the test, outlining the specific systems, applications, or networks to assess.

They also establish rules of engagement, setting guidelines and limitations for the testing process.

2. Reconnaissance

Reconnaissance involves gathering information about the target system, typically publicly known information such as domain names, employee information, IP addresses, and network configurations.

The purpose of the reconnaissance step is to collect publicly known information about the target system to lay the foundation for subsequent testing phases.

3. Scanning & enumeration

Post reconnaissance, testers conduct a further step to identify additional technical data about the target system, such as types of running software, operating system details, connected systems, user accounts, and user roles.

The step aims to enhance the tester’s understanding and inform subsequent testing actions.

4. Vulnerability discovery

Utilize gathered information in previous steps, testers identify public vulnerabilities in the public components target systems and networks. This involves searching for known common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) in system components, versions, or third-party applications.

5. Exploitation

At this stage, pen testers craft malicious requests or use social engineering techniques to exploit the identified vulnerabilities actively. The objective is to penetrate the system efficiently and navigate to the core.

6. Privilege escalation

After gaining initial access, testers attempt to escalate privileges to achieve complete control over the system and database.

This stage is crucial for assessing the potential impact of a successful attack and understanding the extent of compromised access.

7. Reporting and communicating

After completing black box penetration testing, the test team comprehensively documents findings, outlining discovered vulnerabilities, exploitation methods, and potential risks.

Then, the test team presents a clear and actionable report, providing insights for stakeholders on areas of concern and recommended remediation steps.

8. Remediation and follow-up

At the remediation stage, the test team and stakeholders coordinate to fix and address identified vulnerabilities.

Follow-up assessments should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of remediation efforts and ensure a more secure environment.

How To Choose The Right Pen Test Provider?

There are cases when a company lacks internal capabilities for implementing penetration tests and seeks outsourcing. In such instances, choosing the right provider is crucial to delivering the expected outcomes.

Here are LQA’s suggestions for choosing the right pen test vendor:

• Prioritize providers with expertise in your industry and familiarity with your specific systems and technologies.
• Look for a provider willing to customize their testing approach to address your company’s unique security concerns and priorities.
• Consider the vendor’s price-to-quality commitment, which assesses the cost of the services in relation to the value offered.
• Investigate the provider’s reputation by reviewing testimonials, case studies, and online feedback from previous clients.
• Emphasize the provider’s commitment to ethical hacking practices and integrity in handling sensitive information to ensure a trustworthy collaboration.
• Your vendor should also communicate clearly, detailing their methodologies, findings, and recommendations in a way that is easily understandable for your team.

Black Box Penetration Testing by LQA

Enhancing cybersecurity testing involves engaging a specialized security firm to assess your business’s vulnerabilities and deliver a detailed report with recommended solutions, a crucial step in preventing cyber attacks.

Having more than 7 years of experience, and as the pioneering independent software testing company in Vietnam, LQA stands out as a prominent software quality and security assurance firm, offering a complete range of penetration testing services to fortify businesses against security threats.

Alongside black box penetration testing services, LQA provides comprehensive software testing services including white box, black box, web application, mobile application, API, manual, and automation testing services.

At LQA, we maintain up-to-date expertise on the latest threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities, employing industry-leading tools to conduct comprehensive penetration tests.

Frequently Asked Questions about Black Box Penetration Testing

1. What is the timeline for black-box penetration testing?

The timeline for black-box penetration testing can vary based on factors such as the scope, complexity of the target environment, and the specific testing objectives.

Below is a typical timeline for black box penetration testing:

• Planning: 1 – 2 weeks
• Target system’s information gathering: 1 – 2 weeks
• Execution: 1 – 2 weeks
• Reporting: 1 week
• Communicate reports: 1 day

2. What is more costly: black box or white box penetration testing?

The cost comparison between black box and white box penetration testing is context-dependent. For example:

• In case you develop the system in-house and have an internal test team who deeply understands the internal structure of the system, you can quickly kick off white box testing with minimal preparation. On the contrary, black box testing demands additional time and resources for information gathering, potentially costing more.
• In another scenario, where a legacy system lacks documentation and internal teams lack technical insights, white box testing may become more expensive. This is because it necessitates a substantial investment in understanding the system, while black box testing can commence more promptly.

3. What is the difference between gray-box and black-box penetration testing?

Black box penetration testing requires no knowledge of the internal workings of the target system. Meanwhile, gray box penetration testing requires partial knowledge of the internal workings of the target system.

Final Notes On Black Box Penetration Testing

Black box penetration testing is among the three major pen test approaches: black box, grey box, and white box. Among them, the black box method serves as an independent and objective method, simulating real-world cyber threats without prior knowledge of the system’s internal workings.

If you are looking for experts in conducting black box testing services, don’t hesitate to contact LQA’s security testing team.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, safeguarding software integrity is a top priority. White box penetration testing is a crucial cornerstone in the proactive defense strategy against emerging cyber threats. This detailed testing approach offers a unique viewpoint, much like a hacker’s perspective from inside the system, enabling a thorough exploration of potential vulnerabilities deeply embedded within the software. 

As the digital world continues to expand and evolve, so do the sophisticated techniques of cyber attackers, white box penetration testing serves as a crucial tool in staying ahead of these threats by revealing weaknesses in the system’s core, allowing for proactive reinforcement of security measures.

Understanding the pivotal role of this method within software quality assurance is essential, as it not only identifies existing vulnerabilities but empowers organizations to proactively strengthen their software, fostering resilience against potential breaches and cyber-attacks.

What Is White Box Penetration Testing?

White box penetration testing definition, referred to as clear box or structural testing, is a technique that grants the tester access to the internal structure of the system to replicate a hacker’s actions and uncover potential vulnerabilities. This method provides a comprehensive understanding of the application, identifying all possible entry points into the system.

White box pentest is frequently employed to examine a system’s essential parts, particularly by companies that develop their software products, or integrate multiple applications. It is a method to evaluate a system’s security by assessing its capability to withstand various real-time attacks.

What is white box penetration testing?

Benefits of White Box Penetration Testing

An efficient white box penetration test helps avoid the issues, errors, and oversights that can leave your businesses vulnerable to hackers. Let’s explore more benefits of white-box penetration testing:

• Comprehensive oversights of possible issues: White box penetration testing offers the most comprehensive analysis of internal and external vulnerabilities from the internal point of view, which is not available to typical attackers.
• Early detection: White box penetration testing is integrated into the early development stages, when there is no user interface, and even before the software application is available to users, which enables detecting the vulnerabilities at a very early stage.
• Extensive testing coverage: White box penetration testing can identify weaknesses in areas that are unreachable for black box testing, for instance, an app’s source code, design, and business logic.
• Precise identification of weaknesses: Since testers have detailed knowledge of the internal workings of the system, they can pinpoint specific weaknesses, potential security gaps, and flaws in the code logic. This level of detail often leads to more accurate identification of vulnerabilities.

Benefits of white box penetration testing

Disadvantages of White Box Testing

Despite all the appealing advantages, white box penetration testing shows some drawbacks in certain situations:

• High programming language requirements: Implementing white-box penetration testing involves internal network testing, which requires the testers to be familiar with critical programming tasks, like performing port scanning, SQL injection, and common attacks. By this, they will have a better understanding of the potential access points.
• Limited real-world simulation: White box testing operates with complete knowledge of the system, which doesn’t accurately replicate real-world attack scenarios where attackers have limited or no knowledge. This approach might overlook vulnerabilities that would be apparent to external attackers working with less information.
• Risk of biased testing: Testers, armed with complete system details, might inadvertently focus on known weaknesses or areas they are more familiar with, potentially overlooking other vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers with different perspectives.

Disadvantages of white box penetration testing

Black Box, Grey Box and White Box Penetration Testing Differences

Black box, grey box and white box testing are all types of penetration testing – the practice of testing a computer system, network, or web app to find issues, errors, and vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit. 

Black box, Grey box and White box penetration testing differences

To help you distinguish between black box, grey box and white box penetration testing, understand the benefits and limitations of each type, and when to apply it to get the best results, we have summarized it in the following comparison table:

The selection of Black Box, Grey Box, or White Box Penetration Testing depends on the level of internal knowledge required, the depth of the assessment needed, and the specific objectives of your security testing rpojects. It’s often beneficial to employ a combination of these methodologies for a comprehensive security assessment based on the unique needs of the system or software being evaluated.

Choose the right penetration testing type with LQA experts

White Box Penetration Testing Techniques

When it comes to software security testing, security testing white box techniques review source code (the internal structure of the software application) to detect gaps that can make an application vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.

One of the main goals of white box penetration testing is to cover the complete source code as extensively as possible. Three main types of techniques for use in white box penetration testing include Path coverage, Statement coverage, and Branch coverage.

White Box Penetration Testing Techniques

Path coverage

This white box test methodology pays attention to all the paths. The path is a flow of execution that follows a set of instructions. The path coverage examines all possible paths of the software and ensures each path is traversed at least once. The path coverage is far more powerful than the branch coverage and is useful for testing complicated builds.

Statement coverage

Statement methodology checks if each functionality was tested one time. A statement indicates a functionality or set of actions for the application to decode depending on its programming language. 

An executable statement is when the statement is put together and transformed into an object code, which will subsequently execute the action it was designed for. It helps to uncover unused or missing statements and branches as well as leftover dead codes.

The statement coverage evaluates if each line of code is executed at least once and helps find unnecessary or missing lines.

Branch coverage

A branch is one of many execution paths that the code can take after processing a decision statement like an if statement. This method is to confirm that all branch codes are tested.

The branch coverage is tested to check whether all branches in a codebase are exercised by tests and no branch leads to abnormal behavior of the application. It maps the code into branches of conditional logic and ensures that all branches are covered by unit tests.

One should ascertain that all codes have been launched at least once.

Common White Box Penetration Testing Tools

Several common tools/libraries employed in white-box penetration testing include:

1. Metasploit: Penetration testers utilize Metasploit to create and authenticate exploit code before deploying it in real-world scenarios. It’s instrumental for network security testing or remote system intrusion.
2. Nmap: As an open-source network administration tool, Nmap monitors network connections and scans extensive networks, aiding in host and service auditing as well as intrusion detection. It offers packet-level and scan-level analysis and is freely available for download.
3. PyTest: Pytest, a comprehensive Python testing tool, facilitates writing more efficient programs, supporting test-driven development (TDD) and behavior-driven development (BDD).
4. NUnit: NUnit is an open-source unit testing framework beneficial for the .NET Framework and Mono, aiding in writing better code and reducing application bugs.
5. John the Ripper: This fast password cracker identifies weak Unix passwords and is compatible with various operating systems such as Unix, Windows, DOS, BeOS, and OpenVMS. John the Ripper supports multiple password hash types commonly found in Unix systems and other patches contributed by users.
6. Wireshark: Functioning as a network traffic analyzer, Wireshark enables monitoring and analyzing traffic within system networks. It is open-source and widely recognized as the foremost network analyzer globally, primarily used by network administrators and professionals to troubleshoot network and system performance issues and filter various network protocols.

The tools employed in white-box penetration testing are similar to those used in other penetration tests, but the methodology for employing these tools differs significantly.

Access LQA’s Industry-leading Penetration Testing Tools

Essential White Box Penetration Testing Steps

A process of software white box penetration testing comprises the following steps:

Essential White box penetration testing steps

Source code review

The initial step is understanding the internal structure and functionality of a target software application. This crucial step requires a test engineer to review thoroughly the software’s source code, and understand clearly how it works in order to set the foundation for designing test cases that will help encounter security weaknesses.

Select the testing areas

After understanding completely the software’s internal structure and how it functions, the next step is determining the areas that need to be tested. 

As the test aims to encompass every potential scenario for running code systematically, it proves more effective to explore the numerous possibilities within a smaller area rather than a larger one, as the latter wouldn’t ensure the same comprehensive coverage.

Covering a vast area is feasible, yet it demands significant effort, resources, and labor for test coverage. Consequently, it’s not recommended to execute this extensive coverage only on demand. For instance, it becomes essential in situations where it’s crucial to safeguard every aspect of the system; in such cases, it would be deemed necessary.

Code & flowchart identification

This step adds a structured approach to the white box penetration testing by visually mapping the code execution process, facilitating a more organized and systematic analysis of the system’s functionalities.

• Identify potential code lines: Thoroughly examine the system and identify all possible code segments associated with the functionalities or aspects under test. This involves a comprehensive review of the codebase, focusing on critical areas that could be potential sources of vulnerabilities.
• Create a flow chart: Outline the flow of the identified code segments. Create a flow chart or diagram to represent the flow of code execution, including input points, processing stages, and output results.
• Output tracing: Document and trace the output of each code segment within the flow chart. This helps in understanding how inputs are processed and how outputs are generated, aiding in the identification of potential vulnerabilities and understanding the system’s behavior.

Design test cases

Designing test cases is a pivotal phase in white box penetration testing, involving the creation of detailed scenarios for every identified code segment and system functionality. 

Each test case outlines potential vulnerabilities, failure points, and specific testing procedures. It includes boundary testing, attack scenario simulations, and meticulous recording of testing outcomes to comprehensively evaluate the system’s security posture and ensure a systematic approach to identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.

Execute testing 

The execution phase in white box security testing involves putting the devised plans into action, rigorously conducting tests according to the outlined strategies, and repeatedly iterating through the testing process until all identified systems are thoroughly examined, leaving no vulnerabilities unchecked.

This phase includes comprehensive testing, meticulous documentation of findings, validation of vulnerabilities, and continual refinement of testing procedures to ensure the system’s robust security against potential threats.

Reporting 

Compile a detailed report that includes identified vulnerabilities, their potential impact, and recommendations for mitigation. This report should prioritize vulnerabilities based on their severity and guide how to address them.

Continuous improvement

Security is an ongoing process. Continuous monitoring, regular security assessments, and improvement in policies and practices are essential to maintain a robust security posture.

LQA continuous white box penetration testing solution

White Box Penetration Testing by LQA

Enhancing cybersecurity testing involves engaging a specialized security firm to assess your business’s vulnerabilities and deliver a detailed report with recommended solutions, a crucial step in preventing cyber attacks.

Having more than 7 years of experience, and as the pioneering independent software QA in Vietnam, LQA stands out as a prominent IT quality and security assurance firm, offering a complete range of penetration testing services to fortify businesses against security threats.

LQA software quality assurance awards

Alongside white box penetration testing services, LQA provides comprehensive software testing services including white box, black box, web application, mobile application, API, manual, and automation testing services.

At LQA, we maintain up-to-date expertise on the latest threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities, employing industry-leading tools to conduct comprehensive penetration tests.

LQA robust software testing tools

Key features of LQA’s white box cyber security solution:

• Comprehensive software QA solutions covering consulting, planning, execution, and ongoing support.
• Ensured bug rate lower than 3% for devices, mobile, and web applications.
• Rapid delivery facilitated by a diverse pool of proficient testers.
• Optimal price-to-quality ratio, leveraging cost benefits and expertise of Vietnamese IT human resources.
• Tailored solutions based on industry-specific experience.
• Maximum security ensured through a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA) and best security practices during database access.

Connect with LQA’s experts to safeguard your data and assets from potential hackers today!

LQA white box penetration testing solution

Frequently Asked Questions about Haptic Feedback

1. What is white box penetration testing?

White box penetration testing is a comprehensive security assessment method where testers have complete access to the internal architecture, design, and system details of the target. In this approach, the tester possesses full knowledge of the system’s infrastructure, including source code, network diagrams, and system configurations.

2. What is a white box penetration testing example?

An example of a white box test could involve analyzing the source code of a web application to identify vulnerabilities. Testers would scrutinize the code, look for potential security flaws, and examine the database structure and application logic to uncover weaknesses in the system.

3. What are black box grey box and white box penetration testing?

Black box, grey box, and white box penetration testing are distinct approaches used in security assessments to evaluate the vulnerabilities of a system. Here are the brief definitions of each type of penetration testing:

• Black box penetration testing: A security testing method where testers have no prior knowledge of the system. They approach it as an external hacker would, without any internal information about the system’s architecture or design.
• Grey box penetration testing: A security testing method where testers have partial knowledge of the system, such as limited access or some details about the internal architecture. This approach combines elements of both white and black box testing.
• White box penetration testing: A security testing method where testers have complete access to the internal architecture, design, and system details of the target. Testers possess full knowledge of the system’s infrastructure, including source code, network diagrams, and system configurations.

4. What is the difference between black box and white box penetration testing?

The main difference between black box vs white box penetration testing lies in the level of information and access the testers have. White box testing involves complete access to the internal structure, code, and system design. On the other hand, black box testing operates without any knowledge of the internal system; testers approach it as an external attacker.

5. What is more costly black box or white box penetration testing?

Typically, white box penetration testing is more resource-intensive and thus can be more costly. It demands a higher level of expertise, time, and resources due to the need for in-depth knowledge of the system’s internal workings, including analysis and evaluation of code, architecture, and configurations.

6. What is the white box penetration testing methodology?

White box penetration testing is not just a single test but a methodology involving a structured and systematic approach. It involves various steps such as reconnaissance, scanning, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, and reporting. The white box security testing methodologies focus on a deep dive into the internal workings of a system to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities and security risks. White box testing is an essential part of a comprehensive security assessment, ensuring a thorough evaluation of system security from an insider’s perspective, and it plays a crucial role in strengthening the overall security posture of an organization’s infrastructure.

Final Thoughts About Whitebox Penetration Test

White box penetration testing serves as an effective method to strengthen software security. The level of complexity varies based on the application under assessment. Evaluating a small application that conducts straightforward operations is a swift process, often taking only a few minutes. However, larger applications necessitate significantly more time, ranging from days to weeks or even months.

Conducting these tests is crucial during the software development phase, both after its initial writing and following any subsequent modifications. Integrating white box penetration testing into your security strategy is pivotal, as it aids in preventing mistakes and oversights that could potentially expose your company to cyber threats.

If you are looking for experts in conducting white box testing for your IT environment or apps to check if they’re secure, don’t hesitate to contact LQA’s security testing team.

In today’s software development, quality assurance (QA) has solidified its position as an integral component to guarantee flawless software. The evolving landscape of websites and applications constantly necessitates more efficient QA measurements. This is where QA metrics come in to make QA processes more systematic and efficient!

In this article, we will delve into 12 absolute QA metrics and 7 derived QA metrics that will help you maximize the effectiveness of your test process and the productivity of the QA team.

QA Fundamentals: What is QA Testing

Quality Assurance (QA) in software development refers to the systematic process of ensuring that the final product meets specified requirements and standards. It involves comprehensive testing, identifying defects, and ensuring that the software functions smoothly before reaching the end users.

In the software development life cycle, QA plays a pivotal role. From the initial stages of requirement analysis to the final product launch, QA teams combine manual and automation testing methods to ensure the software aligns with the envisioned goals. They work closely with developers, detecting bugs and issues early, which minimizes costs and guarantees a higher-quality end product.

QA Metrics Fundamentals

What are QA metrics?

QA metrics are measurable standards used to measure and monitor the quality of the deliverables, processes, and outcomes.

For example, numbers of determined/passed/failed/blocked test cases.

QA metrics make QA processes more systematic and efficient. By quantifying key parameters such as test coverage, defect rates, productivity, and more, QA metrics aid in making informed decisions, mitigating risks, and continuously improving the software development process to align with QA goals and objectives. 

Types of QA metrics

There are two major categories of software QA metrics: quantitative metrics (absolute number) and qualitative metrics (derived metrics).

• Quantitative metrics: Quantitative metrics are absolute numerical values that measure specific aspects like the number of defects found, the number of test cases executed, or the percentage of code coverage.
• Qualitative metrics: Qualitative metrics are derived numbers that evaluate the effectiveness and quality of processes and products. They involve analyzing trends, patterns, and data relationships to draw meaningful insights.

At LQA, our testing team excels in both categories, leveraging quantitative metrics for precise measurements and qualitative metrics for deeper insights into the overall software quality and testing effectiveness.

QA metrics for software success

Why Do QA Testing Metrics Matter?

Of course, a software quality assurance process can function without specific QA test metrics. Yet, the presence of precise QA metrics significantly elevates QA’s effectiveness and efficiency by providing measurable insights into the testing process and product quality.

QA metrics in agile empower project managers and decision-makers to

• allocate resources effectively,
• manage timelines,
• ensure a smoother development process.

These metrics enhance the software’s overall quality and streamline development workflows, leading to successful project outcomes.

Also read: Top countries for software quality assurance services

Types of Quantitative Metrics

Quantitative metrics, in particular, offer a clear and numerical insight into the various dimensions of the testing process, ranging from testing coverage to defect identification and overall efficiency.

Top-used quantitative QA metrics examples include:

• Total number of test cases
• Number of passed test cases
• Number of failed test cases
• Number of blocked test cases
• Number of identified bugs
• Number of accepted bugs
• Number of rejected bugs
• Number of deferred bugs
• Number of critical bugs
• Number of determined test hours
• Number of actual test hours
• Number of bugs detected after release

Gain a practical guide to test case design with examples with our blog: Test case design techniques. 

Types of Derived QA Metrics

Derived QA metrics, a step beyond quantitative metrics, are derived from various quantitative data points collected during the software testing process.

At LQA, besides absolute numbers, we often implement derivative QA metrics to help clients get a better grip on the effectiveness and thoroughness of testing efforts.

Test coverage

Test coverage measures how much of the software has been tested. It ensures that all critical parts of the software are verified.

Below are common test coverage metrics:

• Percentage of code coverage: The proportion of lines of code tested compared to the total lines of code, reflecting the thoroughness of testing.
• Percentage of requirements coverage: The percentage of requirements addressed by test cases, indicating requirement validation.
• Percentage of critical paths tested: The critical paths executed out of the total possible paths in the software, revealing critical path coverage.
• Percentage of high-risk modules covered: The high-risk modules tested compared to the total high-risk modules identified, indicating risk mitigation.
• Percentage of interfaces tested: The interfaces tested compared to the total interfaces in the software, ensuring proper integration testing.

Test effort

Test effort metrics evaluate the human and time resources invested in various testing activities, providing insights into the efficiency and resource allocation.

Typical metrics to measure test effort:

• Total person-hours spent on testing: The sum of hours each team member has spent on testing, reflecting the overall effort invested.
• Average time to design a test case: The total time spent on test case design divided by the number of test cases designed, indicating design efficiency.
• Average time to execute a test case: The total time spent on test case execution divided by the number of test cases executed, revealing execution efficiency.
• Time spent on defect management: The total time spent on defect handling divided by the number of defects found, showing defect resolution efficiency.
• Time spent on test environment setup: The total time spent on setting up the test environment divided by the number of test cycles, indicating environment setup efficiency.

Test execution

Test execution metrics provide an overview of completed tests and those awaiting execution. When recording test results, testers often classify them as passed, failed, or blocked.

Typical metrics for test execution:

• Number of test cases executed: The total count of test cases executed during a testing phase, reflecting the scope of testing.
• Execution time per test case: The total execution time divided by the number of test cases executed, indicating the efficiency of test case execution.
• Number of test cases automated: The count of test cases automated out of the total, revealing automation coverage.
• Number of passed/failed test cases: The count of test cases passed or failed, indicating test success.
• Number of test case iterations: The number of times a test case is repeated or iterated, revealing reusability and robustness of the test case.

Defect distribution

Defect distribution metrics provide insights into the distribution of defects across different mediums. Hence, aiding in identifying common sources for potential improvement.

Here are common defect distribution metrics:

• Number of defects per module/component: The count of defects identified in each module or component, aiding in defect prioritization and resource allocation.
• Defects categorized by severity: The count of defects categorized by severity levels such as critical, major, and minor, aiding in priority-based resolution.
• Defects categorized by functionality: The count of defects categorized by functionality like UI, database, and security, aiding in targeted testing.
• Number of defects by testing phase: The count of defects detected in different testing phases like unit testing and system testing, aiding in process evaluation.
• Defect distribution by cause: Defect distribution by cause involves categorizing defects based on their origin or cause, providing insights into areas for improvement.

Defect detection and recovery

Defect detection and recovery metrics measure the efficiency of defect detection and the speed of recovery processes, ensuring effective defect resolution.

Here are useful metrics for defect detection and recovery:

• Defects found per hour of testing: The count of defects identified per hour of testing, reflecting detection efficiency.
• Average time taken to detect a defect: For example, if it took 100 hours to detect 20 defects, the average time to detect a defect is 100/20= 5 hours. Moreover, for a quick and accurate average of the time use the average calculator by Allmath without using any formula.
• Time taken to recover from a defect: The time taken to recover or resolve a defect, reflecting defect resolution efficiency.
• Number of retests after defect fixes: The count of retests conducted after defect fixes, indicating the need for revalidation.
• Defect reoccurrence rate: The percentage of defects that reoccur after being marked as resolved, indicating the stability of defect resolution.

Test team metrics

Test team metrics assess the productivity, efficiency, and performance of the testing team, aiding in team management and resource allocation.

Here are popular QA metrics to evaluate a test team:

• Team productivity: The rate at which test cases or components are developed or executed by the team members, reflecting team efficiency.
• Number of defects logged by each team member: The count of defects logged by each team member, aiding in defect tracking and individual performance evaluation.
• Test case execution rate per team member: The rate at which test cases are executed by each team member, indicating execution efficiency.
• Number of test environments set up by each team member: The count of test environments set up by each team member, reflecting efficiency in environment management.
• Defects validated per team member: The count of defects validated or verified by each team member, indicating validation efficiency.

Test economy

Test economy provides insights into the cost-effectiveness and financial aspects of the testing process, aiding in budgeting and cost optimization.

Below are commonly used test economics metrics:

• Cost per test case: The cost incurred for testing each test case, aiding in cost allocation and optimization.
• Total cost of testing per module/component: The total cost incurred for testing each module or component, aiding in budgeting and resource allocation.
• Cost per defect found and fixed: The cost incurred for finding and fixing each defect, aiding in defect management efficiency.
• Return on investment (ROI) of testing efforts: The ratio of the benefits gained from testing efforts to the cost invested in testing, reflecting the effectiveness of testing.
• Cost of testing as a percentage of the total project cost: The percentage of the total project cost attributed to testing, aiding in project budgeting and financial planning.

These quantitative QA metrics provide measurable data corresponding to each derivative QA metric, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the testing process.

Frequently Asked Questions for QA Metrics

1. What are quality standards for QA?

Quality standards for QA involve predefined criteria and benchmarks that a product or process must meet to ensure its quality.

These standards can encompass various aspects such as functionality, reliability, performance, usability, security, and compliance with industry regulations. They provide a clear framework for evaluating and assuring the quality of software throughout the development life cycle.

2. How do you measure quality in QA?

Measuring quality in QA involves a comprehensive evaluation of the software against predefined quality standards. This assessment is facilitated through a variety of quantitative and qualitative metrics in this blog.

Quantitative metrics include aspects like the number of defects, test coverage, and performance metrics. Qualitative metrics involve assessing user experience, feedback, and adherence to design guidelines.

A combination of these metrics offers a holistic view of the software’s quality.

3. How is QA productivity measured?

QA productivity is measured through various quantitative metrics that evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the QA process. These metrics include:

• the number of test cases executed
• defects detected
• test coverage achieved
• time taken for testing.
• person-hours spent on testing
• test case execution rates

Final Thoughts on QA Metrics

QA metrics help managers estimate the efficiency and effectiveness of test procedures. Embracing both quantitative and qualitative metrics yields a multitude of benefits. From cost-efficiency and resource optimization to product-market fit assurance, these metrics align development efforts with strategic goals.

Have an idea of outsourcing software testing in mind? Our insights will help:

• Top software testing companies in 2023
• Practical case studies for offshore software testing

In the field of software testing, there are many software Testing methods applied today. In this article, we will share three basic methods that are most commonly applied and its advantages and disadvantages. They are black box testing, white box testing. and gray box testing.

1. Black Box Testing Method

1.1. Black Box Testing Method – Definition

Black box testing is a method of software testing that examines the functionality of an application (eg: what the software does) without peering into its internal structures or workings

1.2. Black Box Testing Method – Advantages:

• Testers will not need to understand any code knowledge.
• Can find more bugs.
• Testing is done independently by developers, allowing objective views.

1.3. Black Box Testing Method – Disadvantages:

• Only a small number of inputs can be checked and many program paths or few sections will not be checked.
• The tests may be redundant if the software designer / developer has run the test.

2. White Box Testing Method

2.1. White Box Testing Method – Definition

White box testing (also known as clear box testing, glass box testing, transparent box testing or structural testing) is a method of testing software that tests internal structures or workings off an application, as opposed to black box testing.

While white box testing can be applied at the unit, integration and system levels of the software testing process, it is usually done at the unit level.

2.2. White Box Testing Method – Advantages:

• Automate easily
• Provide clear technical-based rules when stopping testing.
• Forcing testing experts to think carefully about error testing so the bug will be thorough.

2.3. White Box Testing Method – Disadvantages

• It takes time and effort.
• There will still be errors.
• Testing by this method requires extensive experience and expertise in testing.

3. Gray Box Testing Method

3.1. Gray Box Testing Method – Definition

Gray box testing is a combination of white box testing and black box testing. The aim of this testing is to search for the defects if any due to improper structure or improper usage of applications.

3.2. Gray Box Testing Method – Advantages:

• It is a combination of black and white box testing, so might be more optimal.

• Testing by gray box method can design complex test scenarios in a smarter way.

3.3. Gray Box Testing Method – Disadvantages:

• It is difficult to link errors when performing a gray box test for a distributed system application.

4. Comparison Between 3 Software Testing Methodologies

Above are the 3 most basic software testing methods that any programmer needs to know. Choosing which method depends on the ability as well as the project you carry out.

Final Thoughts on Software Testing Methods

The diverse landscape of software testing methods plays a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability, functionality, and user satisfaction of software products. 

By strategically incorporating Black Box, White Box and Gray Box testing approaches, development teams can uncover issues early, enhance overall software quality, and deliver products that meet both user expectations and industry standards. Embracing this trinity of testing methods empowers developers to navigate the complexities of modern software development with confidence and precision.

Should you have any questions related to methods of testing, contact us for further support.

Lotus Quality Assurance (LQA)

• Tel: (+84) 24-6660-7474
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.lotus-qa.com/

Frequently Asked Questions about Methods of Testing