How do you follow security testing standards?

The hardest part is not choosing or applying a specific framework but convincing the other areas to collaborate, keep it updated, measure at least every six months and use the framework, not only to improve the security posture but to support the definitions and the journey including roadmap, audits and controls. We don't have to choose the best or most used framework, as this could be a headache for the company if there is not enough staff to contribute. It could be any renowned one as long as it is implemented, controlled and measured.

In general there are different security testing frameworks, in everyday work when you do testing you have to know how to know them and combine them correctly: like the ingredients in a recipe. Some have a specific scope: - OWASP, like the Web Security Testing Guide focus on Web applications - PCI-DSS which is instead based on the scope of payment cards. - NESCOR for the Industrial Control Systtems - MITRE ATT&CK Framework for Red Teaming activities - PTES for Network Penetration Test - NIST SP-800-115 for Network Penetrattion Test Last but not least OSSTMM which contains a real meta-model on which to fully structure one's tests. It also contains chapters explaining how to use the method in different contexts, including the human factor.

Aside from the Industry Standards - The selection?of security testing standards should be governed by risk, policy, and controls. To devise effective policies, you begin by evaluating security requirements derived from risk assessments. The policies are then translated into specific controls, such as turnstiles. Self-inspections and internal oversight assure conformity with standards and resiliency against emerging threats. This continuous improvement cycle, driven by risk assessments, policies, and controls, continues to be the cornerstone of determining what the security testing standard should be or look like. Your own Security Testing Standards should not be based solely on the Industry Standard, you need to think 'Risk-based / hybrid'

It is essential to note that Security Testing Standards can vary according to industry, regulatory bodies, and jurisdictions. Any institution should have at least 1 security testing standard implemented according to compliance needs or customer requirements. It can also be put in combinations to get best of complementing or domain exclusive standards,

Security testing standards are a set of guidelines, practices, and protocols designed to assess the security of software applications, systems, and products. These standards ensure that products are resistant to cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and unauthorized access. They play a critical role in safeguarding sensitive data, maintaining user privacy, and mitigating risks associated with cyberattacks. Security testing standards encompass a range of methodologies and techniques to identify weaknesses in software systems, both at the code level and in the broader architecture. These standards often include the following key components:

As every industry & institution goes through digital journey the exposure to technology & related threat vectors are exponentially increasing with related business impact. To safeguard these technology & digital assets as well as to prepare the institutions business continuity at least 1 Security Testing standard should be implemented. This will help not just identify but also provide mitigation guidance to accountable members.

The Security Testing Standards are a very useful guideline for when planning and executing a Penetration Testing activity. They certainly act as a link and liaison between the security world and systems development and management. And also allow us no to have a line on what to do. Quoting Benjamin Franklin, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail". But you also have to consider that testing is often an Agile activity and can change abruptly according to what you find as you go along, so trust your intuition as well.

The tests are essential to maintain maturity and measure the security posture and raise awareness of other areas involved, such as infrastructure, compliance, risk, internal audits, etc. So that you know, this is a joint effort and not just security team responsibilities. Everyone must be engaged and committed! Security is everyone's business. The security team is responsible for defining standards, controlling and ensuring minimum acceptable standards.

Since many organizations are accountable to multiple different frameworks, it is helpful to create and maintain a unified control framework that centralizes the governance and management of controls and simplifies the testing process.

Security testing standards are of paramount importance for startups when it comes to product testing. Here's why: Customer Trust and Reputation: Security breaches can damage a startup's reputation irreparably. Following security testing standards helps build trust with customers, assuring them that their data and privacy are safeguarded. A solid reputation is critical for customer acquisition and retention. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, security is not an option; it's a necessity. Startups that invest in security testing standards early on save themselves from potential disasters down the line, while also positioning themselves as responsible and reliable partners in the market.

It's hard to choosing a standard if you don't have enough people to ensure control of this standard. You can select anyone if it is well-followed, controlled, audited and updated! I could recommend NIST, but not for a small company with few resources and professionals can become a headache to implement, control, and revise. Think outside the box, consider any regulations you follow, think of a disaster scenario, how do you protect yourself, or how do you report?

Normally the standard to be used is decided at the pre-engagement stage, the first step is to understand the client's requirement and then the reason for testing. For example: - Compliance, for example for PCI-DSS: then you will attend their methodology, which includes segmentation testing - Verify that the SOC identitfies the attack: then you will use MITRE ATT&CK as the framework. - Web Application Security: then OWASP Web Security Testing Guide or the ASVS. - Industrial Systems: NESCOR And so on. Obviously each methodolgy needs testers and tools competent in that area.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing IT security standards: The size and complexity of your organization. Larger organizations with more complex IT systems may need to implement more comprehensive standards. The industry you are in. Some industries, such as healthcare and financial services, have specific regulations that you need to comply with. Your budget. IT security standards can be expensive to implement and maintain. Your level of risk tolerance. How much risk are you willing to accept? Some standards are more rigorous than others.

Organizational Context: Align standards with industry, compliance, and risk needs. Testing Scope: Choose standards covering specific areas like app, network, or system security. Compliance: Follow industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA, PCI DSS) if required. Industry Recognition: Opt for respected standards like OWASP, NIST, or ISO. Adaptability: Prioritize standards that evolve to tackle emerging threats.

Choosing security testing standards for a startup's product lifecycle involves careful consideration of various factors. Research Relevant Standards: Identify security testing standards that align with your product's industry, technology stack, and regulatory requirements. Common standards include OWASP Top Ten, ISO/IEC 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and PCI DSS. Ultimately, the choice of security testing standards should align with your startup's specific context, goals, and constraints. Prioritize a pragmatic approach that ensures comprehensive testing while balancing resources and time-to-market pressures. Regularly reassess your chosen standards to ensure they remain relevant and effective as your startup grows.

I strongly support layering security testing standards. Specifically, a three-tier security assurance system: self-inspection, assurance or governance, and third-party verification. This method is the most complete for addressing security threats and promoting continuous improvement. Tiers provide?significant assurance and compliance benefits because controls are generally 'tested' several times, reducing single points of failure in the testing framework. The Virtuous Cycle of constant improvement and self-inspection underpins this method. Risk assessments, rules, controls, and external feedback inform our security evaluations and adaptations. This keeps security testing standards relevant to new threats and organizational needs.

Implementing a security framework requires many steps and activities. I would suggest that you manage this implementation within an established project so that you can control delivery phases and record the lessons learned. The steps are to Choose the Standard to be used > Establish the policies > Identify the risks > Plan the activities > Create the controls > and Document and Record the lessons learned. after the project has been delivered, we have to think about how to maintain, control and update it at least annualy.

Implement Security Testing standards are as follows bellow, Planning: Define scope and objectives. Threat Modeling: Identify potential risks. Tool Selection: Choose appropriate testing tools. Testing Execution: Perform thorough testing. Vulnerability Identification: Spot weaknesses. Risk Assessment: Evaluate impact and prioritize. Remediation Planning: Create a detailed fix plan. Communication: Share findings and plans. Testing Validation: Verify fixes. Documentation: Maintain detailed records. Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously watch for new issues. Training: Educate teams on security practices. Review and Improvement: Periodically assess and refine the process.

Implementing security testing standards for tech products involves a systematic approach: Assessment: Identify applicable standards based on your product's nature, industry, and regulatory requirements. Integration: Integrate security testing into your development process. Automated tools can streamline testing and ensure consistency. Threat Modeling: Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. Prioritize based on impact and likelihood. Code Review: Regularly review code for security flaws. Static analysis tools help catch vulnerabilities early. Data Protection: Implement encryption, access controls, and secure authentication mechanisms. Regular Updates: Keep software, libraries, and frameworks up to date to fix known vulnerabilities.

Security testing standard implementation is an ongoing, integrated process rather than a one-time thing. Create a security policy first that complies with your company's goals as well as the selected standard. Put together a multidisciplinary team because security isn't only an IT issue. To provide complete coverage, combine automated and manual testing techniques. To better comprehend your security landscape, keep track of both vulnerabilities and "near misses." Prioritise repairs based on risk impact and business requirements after testing. Maintain the cycle through frequent audits, upgrades, and team development. A dynamic, flexible security posture that adapts to emerging threats and shifting business needs is the aim.

We have to think of this process as a pyramid. We must collect the standards and understand if any law or regulation directly interferes with one of the standards. We must analyze the risk of changes and the impact on the institution. The next step is to change and document the version. After it has been released, we must consider measuring the actions with controls, always recording the performance to have historical information. The last step is communication.

To update security testing standards for tech products: Regular Review: Stay informed about evolving threats and best practices. Monitor Industry Changes: Keep track of updates in relevant industry regulations. Assess New Risks: Evaluate emerging risks based on new technologies or features. Benchmark Against Peers: Compare your practices with industry leaders. Engage Experts: Consult security professionals for insights and recommendations. Adapt and Implement: Revise your testing approach based on insights gained. Training: Ensure your team is trained in the latest security practices. Document Updates: Update your documentation and guidelines. Continuous Iteration: Embed a culture of ongoing improvement in security practices.

The process of updating security testing standards is ongoing and not a one-time project. To align with new risks and laws, start with a "Security Health Check." To keep current, use industry benchmarks and threat intelligence. Instead of merely fixing vulnerabilities, prioritize overall security. For traceability, use version control for your security documents. For smooth adoption, include these changes into your CI/CD process. Engage all parties to ensure a dynamic, changing security framework, from business units to security personnel. Your security posture becomes as dynamic as the environment it works in thanks to this agile strategy, which keeps you ahead of threats and in compliance with ever-changing rules.

The most important thing for me is to start because this decision of which standard to use can generate discussions and end up taking a long time to determine or choose the most famous bar that may not be the best for your organization. After all, we can start with something simpler and then change. For example, if you choose NIST, which is an excellent framework, it may not be the best for the moment for your company because it can be challenging to run, collect and control. I advise you to start with something more. It's easier and faster to try to change or improve later. It doesn't matter which standard, but its effectiveness for your organization. Keep this in mind. Watch out for those GPT chat answers they put around here.

In addition to answering questions like when and why, it would be appropriate to mention the procedural steps. To ensure strong security testing standards, follow these steps: 1. Asset Identification: List all assets for protection. 2. Threat Modeling: Identify vulnerabilities and risks. 3. Scope Definition: Clearly outline areas to test. 4. Tool Selection: Choose suitable testing tools. 5. Testing Phase: Conduct comprehensive tests. 6. Vulnerability Analysis: Evaluate findings' impact. 7. Risk Prioritization: Rank potential risks. 8. Mitigation Planning: Devise solutions. 9. Retesting: Confirm fixes. 10. Documentation: Record actions. 11. Compliance Check: Align with standards. 12. Continuous Review: Periodically improve.