Revolutionizing Web Application Security: Automating Fortify WebInspect Scans with RPA

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the security of our online assets is more important than ever. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent, it's essential that we take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our businesses from potential breaches.

One of the ways to ensure the security of your web applications is through automated vulnerability scans. Fortify Webinspect is a powerful tool that allows you to scan your web applications for potential vulnerabilities and threats. However, the process of running these scans can be time-consuming, and it may not always be feasible for a single person to handle this task. In this article, we will explore how you can automate Fortify Webinspect scans using user requests sent through email and monitored by RPA.

What is Fortify Webinspect?

Fortify Webinspect is a dynamic application security testing (DAST) tool that helps to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs. It scans web applications/APIs for potential security issues by simulating attacks on them, providing developers with actionable information about potential vulnerabilities, and allowing them to take steps to fix them. It offers a range of features, including support for modern web technologies, agent technology for enhanced scanning, automation capabilities, and integration with other security tools.

What is RPA?

RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation. It is a technology that allows software robots to mimic human actions, such as clicking, typing, and copying data from one place to another. RPA can be used to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as data entry, customer service, and now, vulnerability scans.

How does it work?

To automate Fortify Webinspect scans using user requests sent through email and monitored by RPA, we need to create a system that can handle the following tasks:

1. Receive user requests via email
2. Process the requests and schedule the scans
3. Run the scans using Fortify Webinspect
4. Generate reports and send them back to the user via email

Let's explore each of these tasks in more detail.

Receiving User Requests via Email

The first step in automating Fortify Webinspect scans using user requests is to set up an email account that will receive these requests. The email account can be a generic one, such as [email protected], or it can be specific to each user. When a user wants to request a vulnerability scan for a particular web application, they will send an email to this account.

Processing Requests and Scheduling Scans

Once the email is received, an RPA bot can be programmed to scan the email for specific keywords, such as "scan," "web application," "URL," and the name of the application. The bot can then extract the necessary information and use it to schedule the scan. The bot can also validate the request by checking the sender's email address and verifying their access rights to the application.

Running Scans using Fortify Webinspect

With the scan scheduled, the RPA bot can now trigger Fortify Webinspect to run the scan. Fortify Webinspect can be configured to run either a full scan or a partial scan, depending on the user's request. The bot can also configure Fortify Webinspect to use specific scanning policies and parameters, depending on the type of application being scanned.

Generating Reports and Sending Them Back to the User

Once the scan is complete, the RPA bot can generate a report detailing the vulnerabilities found in the Fortify Fortify Webinspect scan and their severity levels. These reports are generated using the Fortify Webinspect reporting module. Fortify Webinspect can also provide recommendations on how to remediate these vulnerabilities. The report can then be sent back to the user via email, along with instructions on how to fix the issues found.

Benefits of Automating Fortify Webinspect Scans with RPA

• Time Savings: Automating the process of scheduling and running scans can save a significant amount of time for security teams, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks.
• Consistency: Automated scans ensure that every web application is scanned at regular intervals, regardless of whether or not a security team member is available to do the job.
• Accuracy: RPA bots are highly accurate and reliable, reducing the risk of human error during the scanning process.
• Scalability: Automating vulnerability scans with RPA allows for easy scaling, as additional bots can be added to handle an increasing workload.
• Reduced Costs: Automating scans can help reduce costs associated

In conclusion, automating Fortify Webinspect scans through user requests sent via email can significantly improve the efficiency of vulnerability management processes. By leveraging RPA to monitor incoming emails and trigger scans based on user requests, organizations can save time and resources, while also ensuring that critical vulnerabilities are identified and addressed in a timely manner.

Furthermore, integrating Fortify Webinspect with other security tools, such as Fortify SSC can provide additional benefits such as better vulnerability prioritization and improved visibility into application security risks across the enterprise.

In today's rapidly evolving threat landscape, automating application vulnerability scans using Fortify Webinspect can provide a critical layer of defense against cyber attacks, and help organizations stay ahead of emerging threats. By leveraging the power of automation and RPA, organizations can ensure that their web applications are secure, and their sensitive data remains protected from potential cyber threats.