Testing Framework and Basic Security Controls Throughout SDLC

The software development life cycle (SDLC) is a structured approach that outlines the entire process of developing software applications from inception to deployment and maintenance. It serves as a roadmap that guides the development team through various stages, ensuring a systematic and organized approach to software development. The SDLC typically comprises several phases, including requirements gathering, system design, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

Throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC), it is crucial to establish techniques and processes that facilitate continuous testing. By implementing a testing framework, strategic testing tasks can be systematically applied at various stages during the application's design and development process. This approach ensures a comprehensive and effective testing strategy throughout the entire SDLC.

1. During System Requirements Gathering

Before commencing the design phase for the application, it is imperative to adopt a well-structured Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) that incorporates rigorous security testing at every stage. This approach ensures that security considerations are integral from the very beginning, setting a solid foundation for the application, and guiding decisions throughout the design and development process.

During the selection of the most secure infrastructure and platform, several essential factors must be taken into account. Foremost among these considerations are the security features supported by the programming language. Additionally, it is crucial to explore how hardware components, such as biometric authentication scanners, can be leveraged to enhance overall security and which programming languages offer the best support for such capabilities. Equally vital is the careful evaluation and selection of an appropriate and secure database system, as this significantly impacts the overall security posture and performance of the application throughout its entire development lifecycle. The combination of these considerations ensures that the chosen SDLC is well-aligned with the goal of developing a robust, secure, and reliable application.

2. During System Definition and Design

Prior to certifying an application as secure, a comprehensive set of tests must be conducted during the design phase. It is crucial to begin by meticulously mapping out the security requirements, as this lays the groundwork for devising effective testing plans to monitor the fulfilment and success of these specified requirements. Every defined security requirement should be subjected to rigorous testing to identify and rectify any potential flaws or gaps in the design before it is handed over to developers and programmers for implementation. Thorough documentation of the design architecture is paramount to ensure that the level of security aligns with the predefined security requirements. By addressing any identified flaws and gaps at this stage, the overall cost-effectiveness of the application development process is enhanced, and potential disruptions are limited to the design architecture rather than impacting the entire application.

In the pursuit of a robust security posture, the creation and review of threat models become essential components of the design phase. Each identified threat and risk should be addressed through the formulation of appropriate mitigation strategies, ensuring the continued functionality and safety of the application. These mitigation strategies should be carefully evaluated and accepted by all stakeholders, as they serve as a guide when encountering similar threats and risks in the future. By documenting these strategies, the application gains valuable insights and preparedness to effectively respond to potential security challenges and maintain its security posture throughout its lifecycle.

3. During System Development (Implementation/Coding)

During the development phase of the SDLC, minor decisions are typically made, as major decisions are handled by system analysts and application architects. However, with sufficient design and architecture guidelines in place, these minor decisions may not be necessary. As coding commences, it is crucial to conduct static application testing to identify and address any bugs or flaws before the final product is delivered. Testing should be initiated as early as possible within the SDLC to ensure a proactive approach to quality assurance.

Developers engage in code walk-throughs, wherein they explain the purpose and logic behind the code, enabling system analysts and architects to gain a comprehensive understanding of the application's flow and layout. Subsequently, code reviews are conducted to identify and rectify security flaws and weaknesses present in the application. In this context, weaknesses encompass not only potential vulnerabilities that could compromise the application's security but also any deviations from specific business requirements and performance standards. Each critical piece of code undergoes scrutiny and testing against expected results to verify that it functions as intended and fulfils its designated tasks accurately.

By integrating robust testing practices and security reviews during the Development phase, the development team can proactively address potential issues, enhance the application's security, and ensure that it meets the desired business objectives and performance benchmarks. This rigorous approach during development contributes to the creation of a reliable and secure software product.

4. During Deployment

During the Deployment phase of the SDLC, application testing plays a crucial role in ensuring that all aspects of security requirements and system architecture have been thoroughly addressed. Configuration management testing is also conducted to prevent any possible exploits through configuration files. Beyond security testing, application testing encompasses performance testing, validating the application's efficiency, and acceptance testing to ensure that all client-requested features and functions are implemented correctly.

Automated testing is highly recommended during this phase. Specialized software tools like OWASP ZAP are utilized to identify security flaws in applications. These tools leverage existing threat definitions and vulnerability lists to assess the application against them, flagging potential matches for further investigation. Additionally, the application should be subjected to real-life attack simulations, mimicking the strategies of actual malicious users. Mitigation strategies for any identified threats, risks, and vulnerabilities are formulated, integrated into the application, and documented for future reference.

By implementing comprehensive application testing, including security, performance, and acceptance testing, during the Deployment phase, organizations can verify that the application functions optimally, meets client expectations, and is fortified against potential security risks. The incorporation of automated testing tools further enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of security assessments, ensuring the application's resilience and safeguarding sensitive data from potential threats.

5. During Maintenance and Operations

During the Maintenance and Operations phase of the SDLC, the focus shifts towards conducting security checks to safeguard against any newly introduced threats and risks that may arise after the application's deployment and during its usage. These security checks encompass both the application itself and the underlying infrastructure on which it operates. The primary objective is to ensure that any inevitable or client-requested changes undergo thorough testing and verification to prevent potential flaws that could compromise the application's security.