Testing Web Security: Assessing the Security of Web Sites and Applications

Author: Steven Splaine List Price: $40.00 Our Price: Click to see the latest and low price ISBN: 0471232815 Publisher: John Wiley & Sons (11 October, 2002) Edition: Paperback Sales Rank: 236,267 Average Customer Rating: 4.25 out of 5

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In addition, one of the problems in testing security is trying to ensure that the site does not open itself up to any unauthorised activity - accidental or not. How do you ensure 'complete coverage' of the virtually infinite number of event combinations and therefore test cases? This problem is addressed in the Test Planning and Risk Analysis sections and placed properly and pragmatically into context.

Then we get into the meat of test design. I like the way we start with scoping. What are we trying to secure and from what or whom? To answer the latter part of the question, the book delves into types of attacks - which then helps us to think about what and how to test. I particularly like the checklists (OK, I'm a checklist fan) and the lists of software tools which are available to carry out things like IP address sweeps, port scans, etc.

This part of the book has separate chapters for networks, system software, client and server-side application software. Each chapter is virtually stand-alone which makes it a good reference as well as a good read. I also like the fact that Steve has not left out the social engineering aspect of security. Finally, Test Implementation addresses the usual practical problems associated with test execution but with all the emphasis on security.

Steve Splaine has distilled into one book enough information to give testers and test managers confidence in the planning, design and execution of Web security testing. An excellent read and reference.

The book also supports security testers with flexible descriptions and checklists for creating test cases and conducting tests. Each chapter ends with a checklist covering the various aspects of the test process from planning to intrusion detection. Organizations with a process model in place such as CMM (Capability Maturity Model), RUP (Rational Unified Process), and Six Sigma will find the material supportive of such efforts and maybe even making it easier because of the lists of example tools and software products for managing reporting and schedules.

The book isn't a read front-to-back book as each chapter is understandable with or without previous chapters. The first two chapters address vocabulary, test plans and planning, and general project management activities. The meat of the book is in Part 3, Test Design, beginning with chapter 3, which addresses scoping and conducting a network assessment. Chapter 4 focuses on system software and related tools.

The next two chapters look at client-side and server-side applications to ensure the system is designed to function correctly for its users while guarding its castle to prevent the evil ones from breaking in. Mother Nature might pay a visit or another big blackout could happen and those guards need to be prepared to react, hence Chapter 7 prepares a team for such events as well as various ways the bad guys might do a sneak attack.

Mysterious intruders and audit trails sounds like a case for Sherlock Holmes as Chapter 8 directions on detecting unauthorized intruders, responding to an attack, and assessing the damage.

Those who haven't formed a team might want to leap into Chapter 9, which provides staffing options for in-house and outsourcing. It also discusses the process of selecting tools. In the last chapter, get the lowdown on doing a risk analysis to be prepared in for the likelihood of changed plans (which we know happens often). Doing such an analysis is a step toward to having a well-planned test schedule ensure the areas that pose the greatest risks are done early in the process while the lesser important items are done near the end of the test period.

The appendices provide an overview of network protocols, addresses, and devices; a list of the most critical Internet security vulnerabilities; and example templates for testing documentation. Those who need more in-depth information can reference the resources for further reading via books and Web sites.

If the thought of security is daunting, this book is a good introduction to the topic. It's appropriate for organizations creating a new testing team; teams responsible for conducting testing assessments; and testing managers, project managers, and test teams that are new to testing security. Directors, executives, and other top level managers who are responsible for Web site security will also benefit.

Any technical terms that pop up are clearly defined without the dull writing that makes eyes glaze over when reading a technical book. The use of sidebars, checklists, headers, examples, and figures provide a nice balance in presenting the material without losing the reader. The book is practical for anyone who needs a general reference on Web security and wants to know how it works.

As for the programming issue another reviewer mention, it's true there isn't reference to programming languages. However, that's not the point of this particular book.

Testing w/ client-side proxies, as far as I can tell, is not covered; nor is any mention made of SQL insertion techniques, basic authentication mechanism testing, Nikto usage, etc.

I purchased this book based upon the initial reviews on this site. Obviously, the earlier reviewers were not reading the same book as the one I received.

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