Boosting QA Security, AI in Testing, and Insights from STARWEST

As October comes to an end, so does Cybersecurity Awareness Month— and we’re wrapping it up with some actionable takeaways to keep you safer online. And since it’s now Halloween, remember: don’t play trick or treat with your security on the internet!

QA spotlight - Best practices on QA overviewing security

Ensuring that a product is secure is as important as its overall functionality. As test professionals, we must remember to incorporate validation of security and access controls at every stage of our testing process! Here are some best practices, aligned with industry standards like the OWASP Top Ten, to help you maintain high quality while safeguarding your products from known security vulnerabilities:

• Integrate security testing at early stages: Incorporate security checks from the initial phases of development. By addressing vulnerabilities early — such as injection flaws and misconfigurations — you can avoid expensive fixes later.
• Adopt a shift-left approach: Involve testers in the planning and design stages. This not only improves overall product quality but also enhances security awareness among the team of common vulnerabilities, like broken access controls and authentication flaws.
• Test automation with a focus on security and access controls validation: Automation can help identify vulnerabilities quicker and more efficiently. Pair automated tools with regular manual testing to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
• Use secure coding practices: Follow coding standards that address vulnerabilities listed in the OWASP Top Ten — such as ensuring data encryption — to prevent sensitive data exposure.
• Monitor and update continuously: Keep your team trained and aware of best practices, and understand how tools can help you to prevent and defend against emerging threats such as vulnerable and outdated components. Incorporate regular reviews and updates to your security testing procedures.

In case you missed it - STARWEST Conference recap

Last month we had an amazing time meeting a lot of our current (and future!) customers at the STARWEST Conference. We were especially excited for our very own Solution Architect Christopher Faraglia 's presentation on navigating QA challenges in regulated industries, which packed the house!?

Missed it? No worries, you can watch an on-demand version here!

Software testing bytes from around the web

• ?? Can AI really take over software testing? Not so fast. Learn why keeping humans in the loop is essential for reliable test results.
• ?? Collaboration is the future of QA. See how industry leaders are using continuous integration to keep their systems secure and agile.
• ?? Game on! See how PlayStation is using machine learning in QA to boost efficiency and detect bugs earlier in development.

Tester community insights

In a recent poll for International Testers Day, we asked our community about the most important personality trait in a tester. Between ‘curiosity’, ‘organization’, ‘empathy’, and ‘communication’, 63% chose curiosity.

Even though that’s not a common soft skill listed in most job ads, it’s also an answer our friends from Ministry of Testing heard frequently when asking their community about the most important qualities professionals look for when hiring new testers.

To stay competitive in today’s software QA job market, the QA community also believes it’s important to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Would you agree? What other soft skills do you think are essential for a great tester?

Before you go

Do you know how to stay relevant in the evolving world of QA??

To answer that question, we’re teaming up with the Ministry of Testing to host a special webinar “Tester Obsolescence: How to Compete in a Modern QA Job Market”. Join us to get some insight on staying competitive when technologies like automation and AI are on the rise.

Don’t miss this opportunity—register here and secure your spot!