By now, all of you must have heard about the Spiral Model used in the Software Development Life Cycle, i.e. SDLC. Though we have heard it, many of us don’t exactly know the theory and implementation of it. Let’s discuss it in a bit detailed way in this blog.

The spiral model is a combination of the Prototype model and the Sequential Model. It is a specific design executed and planned for bigger projects. Also, these kinds of projects generally require constant improvements.

One can say that it is quite similar to the incremental model but it is still different because it emphasizes risk engineering, analysis, and evaluation.

 

A basic structure of the Spiral model is as follows.

 

 

Let’s dig deeper into it. In this article, we will have a look at various phases in the spiral model, its advantages as well as its disadvantages. First, let’s see what are the 4 stages involved in the Spiral Model.

Spiral Model – Stages

1. Planning phase: In this initial phase, all the required data and information regarding the project is collected. This includes requirements such as SRS (System Requirement Specifications), Cost estimation, BRS (Business Requirement Specification),Design Alteration, Resource Scheduling for iteration, etc.

2. Risk Analysis: Here, Project requirements collected in the earlier phase are analyzed and brainstorming sessions are held to predict future risks and errors.Once this is done, the planning and drafting of a report of strategies to eliminate and correct the errors are made.

3. Testing phase: In the third phase, the actual execution of tests takes place. This happens with the simultaneous execution of developmental variations.This includes actions like Test Case development, Test Summary report, Coding, Drafting of Bug report, and actual Test Execution.

4. Evaluation phase: Beta testers and focused groups of customers verify these changes before the project goes to the next phase. Can evaluate the tests and can give feedback before the project goes to the next level.

   1st iteration – Preliminary risk analysis, Collection of required information and data, Panning, Engineering evaluation.
   2nd iteration – Thorough risk analysis and evaluation, Advanced level planning.
   3rd iteration – Selection of tools, Tests selection, Coding, Resource allotment.
   4th iteration – Customer evaluation.

Spiral model – When to execute?

• At the time of high risk and budget.
• For a Project with risk ranging from medium to high.
• At the time of the regular requirement of release.
• For any complicated project.
• For Projects requiring regular variations.
• For non-reasonable long-term projects that owe to the change in financial preferences.

 

 

Spiral model – Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy management of risk makes this model a more efficient option to handle complicated and budget heavy projects. Also, it makes all the software testing projects transparent.

• In this model, the consumer or end-user can and does review the test results and its various levels.
• Segregation of the project into different stages makes the managerial aspects smooth.
• Control on the documentation is strong in this model.
• A realistic estimation of all the aspects of the project is an advantage of this model.

Cons

• An unhealthy model for small-scale projects due to the budget.
• Several intermediate stages owe to a large amount of documentation.
• The estimation of the closing date of the project cannot be done in the initial stages of the project.
• It is a complicated process.
• The primary requirement for the model is high expertise. If not, it won’t work.

Conclusion

As seen in the above image, each loop is a separate process in software testing. Remember, the main four stages discussed above, determining objectives, identifying risks, Development and Testing, and planning the next iteration are to be repeated several times until a satisfactory output is not achieved.

How VTEST can help

To execute and implement this model properly, a set of intellectual and technically sound software testers is required and VTEST is all about it. VTEST employs a good number of software testers who are techno-geeks as well as great planners.

The interpretation of the model done by VTEST is fine and more modified and we take pride in our hardworking testers for having a good success rate in the field of software testing. VTEST it!

Though Mobile apps have taken charge of the digital world lately, many small, as well as big organizations, have a strong customer base and communication through their website. A website plays an important role in developing a solid base for any given company. All the information related to the company, their earlier work, ongoing projects, and all other information can be known from a company’s website.

To make it a proper way to do these things, it has to be smooth, and here comes the role of software testing. In Website testing, there is a special category of testing called Bucket testing also known as Split testing or A/B testing. In this blog, we will focus in more detail on Bucket testing and why is it a good way to go about.

In Bucket testing, at least 2 different versions of the website are tested to verify which one of them is doing better. It involves different metrics like Downloads, Clicks, or Purchases that are measured from variations of each page.

Many organizations in the arena of the website invest more into bucket testing for a finer website and ultimately for optimizing the conversion rates to maximize their profits.

How does it work?

The first step of any bucket test is drafting a hypothesis. It can be in any form like Design, Text, or usability change. The testing team decides this. It involves a statement which states that a certain change in the system will have the stated consequences. To verify this is to test.

When the test is executed, if any certain variation seems to be working better than the other then the control page for key metrics, the given variable is combined in the final version of the website.

On any given page, n number of Bucket tests can be performed. A satisfying outcome is the only limit to the number of bucket tests carried out on the page.

Let’s say. There is an already existing page for a magazine which is free. The term used for this version of the page is ‘Variation A’. It includes all the data and information related to the magazine and a sign-up window with a ‘Submit’ button.

Now, if a minor textual change is done on the website by replacing the word ‘Submit’ by ‘Get the free copy’, that version is known a ‘Variation B’. Now a Bucket test is the comparison and analysis of the number of visitors who properly fill the form from both the versions.

Now, because it is an ad campaign landing page, the potential number of people visiting the page is going to be very high. But, very few of them will be able to fill the form successfully. In this case, as the key metric used is the ‘Number of People’, the results are unsatisfactory. So, the team is supposed to conduct the bucket test once again with some other change.

Common elements to test

Several common elements are tested in this type of testing. Below is a list.

• Changing Titles and Sub-titles. Size, Length, Font alteration.
• Changing the placements, numbers, type, or subject matter of images on the page.
• Changing text like a variation in Text style, Number of words, Font, etc.
• Variation in Call-to-action i.e. CTA buttons like ‘Sign Up’, ‘Get Started’, ‘Buy Now’, ‘Submit’.
• Variation in logos of third-party sites or customers.

Conclusion

A basic purpose of any website is to generate more leads by increasing the number of visitors. This only happens smoothly if and when a regular execution of Bucket tests is in place.

Sometimes, making variations in simpler things like image, text or layout can make wonders for your website. Bucket testing eliminates the need for subjective opinions about the website’s layout or design. The decision becomes clear and the output is visible.

How VTEST can help

Most of all, Bucket testing is all about creativity. The software testing team must find out about the box variation to try out on the website. A creative and innovative testing team along with a strong technical sense and knowledge is a utopic situation. At VTEST it’s a reality.

Our software testing team comprises of smart and intelligent technicians who find creative solutions to any problem.

VTEST it!

To make sure that a certain task is completed in the right manner, an approximation or estimation of the potential outcomes should be done. It also helps the software testers in estimating the time required to execute the test.

In all the software testing scenarios, time management plays an important role. It is necessary to plan the testing process with respect to time and plan things accordingly. One of the primary things which a client looks for in a testing agency is time efficiency. So, to not lose your clients, make a timely plan.

So, when one talks about estimation, what exactly is it? What is there to estimate in a test and what are the ways to go about it? Well, let’s discuss these questions in detail along with different tips from our experts.

Test estimation – What to estimate?

First, we will have a look at all things that are to be estimated before starting the actual process of software testing.

• Time – Not just software testing but all projects work under a timeline. It is necessary for any project to have a deadline to complete it within and thus estimation of what is it going to be is necessary.

• Cost –Budget is another important thing which is to be estimated. If you want things to be in control financially, you will have a plan out the costs of the project properly and have an estimation of the budget with you before starting the project.

• Resources –Resources like Funding, Equipment, People i.e. Human resources, facilities, etc. is another aspect of a software testing project which needs to be approximated. All the project requirements should be listed down first and then after having a proper estimation report, planning should be done.

• Human Skills –TA talented team with all the essential knowledge and experience can pull off wonders. Estimation of who all are going to be working on the project in the given time and with full efficiency is important.

Test estimation –Various ways to estimate
Below is a list of various techniques used to estimate the software testing process. Check it out.

• Breakdown structure on the working basis
• 3-point estimation technique for software testing
• Ad-hoc method
• Delphi technique for the wide-band
• Use-case point approach
• Testing point and function point analysis
• Percentage distribution

Test estimation – A Four-Step Procedure

There are four main stages in the test estimation process. They are as follows:

• Divide the project into smaller modules.
• Allocate the divided tasks among the team members.
• Estimate the total efforts invested in completing the tasks.
• Estimate validation.

Now let’s have a deeper look at these stages.

1. Dividing the project into smaller modules.

When one divides a bigger task into various small tasks, the whole work ethic becomes much more detailed and accurate. The chances of any mistake become less and the whole process gets more efficient as the responsibilities are now divided and each small unit of work is being looked at with utmost attention.

2. Allocating the tasks among team members.

After the division of tasks, make sure that you assign them properly to the respective team member. Like Development for developers, Software testing module for the testing team, Environment built for the test administrator, etc.

3. Estimating the total efforts invested in completing the tasks.

Functional Point Method and Three-point estimation are the two essential parts on which the estimation technique will work. The functional point method is divided as per the cost, size, duration of the testing project. On the other hand, in the three-point estimation, the three points i.e. Worst-case estimation, Best case estimation, and Likely estimation are measured.

4. Estimating validation

After following the above three stages, finally one needs to aggregate the project as per the estimation in the system. In this stage, thereview and approval of the aggregated estimation are done. It’s the most reasonable and logical.

Test Estimation – Best practices

This is the part where we discuss some tips and tricks to go about test estimation. To get the estimation more accurate, follow these and you are done.

• Buffer time – Always remember to have some extra time in your hand when you plan a project. Anything can happen at any part of the process. Anyone can quit, any technical inconvenience, ANYTHING can happen. It is always easy if you have some buffer time to spare on these sudden problems.

• Reference experience of past –The estimation with reference to the past experiences of the team and the team members is an easy way to get things more accurate. The past project experience tells many things about how future projects are going to be, helping in time estimation, team efficiency, etc.

• Estimation on planning account resource – If you are real enough in thinking about the estimation, you have to take into consideration that many smaller things might o=come up at the execution period and thus you must have some spare days in hand. Timely delivery should be preferred.

• Re-estimation–The word estimation itself is suggestive of approximation. While estimating, you should understand that it is just an approximation of the said thing and not a fixed declaration. A liberal workspace with modifications and changes as per the changing scenarios should be promoted. Convincing the modification to the customer and similar third parties is also an important task here.

• Bug cycle – One can never be sure about the bugs in software even after a software test. A software is to be tested constantly, like in a cycle to make it completely bug-free but it’s still not. Well, one should consider that this bug testing cycle will take time and should estimate that beforehand.

• The scope of the project – The scope of the project, meaning what your project is projecting and how far does the execution and implementation are going to go, should be estimated as early as possible in the process. This mainly includes test data, test scripts, and test beds to start the work.

Conclusion

All in all, one must understand the importance of test estimation in the process of software testing. It is one of the most dynamicstyles that is used in the process of software testing. Going by this method, many professionals would work on their experience to get more involved with the approach the industry has taken.

The process of software test estimation works well on the use case and test case point. If in the process of software test estimation, one realizes that something is not going to turn out as it is supposed to, he/she can make modifications in the testing plan and reduce the probability of that error to occur.

How can VTEST help

In software testing, accuracy accounts for an important element of the whole process and VTEST knows it. We have our preferences clear and right and estimating a software testing project’s various aspects and work towards making that estimation a reality is pretty much what we opt for.

VTEST comprises a talented team of testers with an accurate and efficient work ethic. If you seek a work culture with the utmost precision and time-saving quality, VTEST is there for you. VTEST it!

When software is developed, the testing of its various elements is a necessity that no sane engineer would ignore. In the wide arena of different types of testing, Information and Data Security testing is a prominent category. One cannot overlook the security aspect of their software.

In Security testing, a specific type called Penetration testing confirms that there are no data threats or security breaches in the software’s security code. It is an eminent part of the testing process as it replicates certain threatening scenarios and tests the software for its strong information security program.

If you have thorough knowledge about penetration testing than you have nothing to worry about the security of your software as the wildest threat to the security will be checked earlier in Penetration testing.

So, let’s dig deeper into Penetration testing and have a look at its Definition, Need, Types, and all other aspects.

Penetration testing – Definition

Penetration testing, also known as Pen testing offers a proper analysis of the security of the software including different vulnerabilities and threats that affect it.

Now, we will see the reasons why your company needs to execute penetration testing on the respective software.

Penetration testing – Need

Apart from the increasing number of cyber criminals and Cyber-attacks, there are several reasons why a company should perform Pen testing. From financial security to following security regulations, the list is as important as the cyber attacks which we hear about.

We made a list. Have a look,

• A larger frequency of transfer of critical financial data.
• Security of the user information.
• Deployment of a system and not being aware of the vulnerabilities in it.
• Assessment of the business impact and maneuver risk mitigation.
• Verification of the company’s information security regulations obedience.
• Implementation of an impactful security strategy.

Penetration testing– Types
1. External Pen Test

As the name suggests, External Pen Test mainly comprises a testing technique where the tester or the testing team puts themselves in the shoes of a devil-minded hacker and verify the security of publicly exposed systems. Unleashing all the potential external hacking scenarios that are a threat to the system and are breaching the security firewall is the main task here.

2. Internal Pen Test

This one is about all the systems that are connected internally. The primary task of the testing team here is to assess the security code of all the systems that are internal and are operated remotely by an external attacker. When hackers can get through your internal hurdles, the Internal Pen test is executed to make sure that the security of the internal system remains uncompromised.

3. Hybrid Pen Test

The word is in the name. This one is a hybrid of the Internal and External Pen tests. To tackle more complicated and smarter hacking attacks, A hybrid Pen test is used. This one guards the systems against distant and local penetrations.

4. Social Engineering Test

This kind involves a trick where a certain individual will be trapped in a scenario without his/her knowledge and a situation will be created where he/she will be tempted to reveal sensitive information. It could something like a phishing link sent in a mail to an employee.

5. Physical penetration testing

The effect of the injection of external physical devices like USB sticks or external Hard-drives is verified in this test. Normally, this type of testing is performed in high-secret facilities like military services.

6. Network Services Test

This type of testing is used to find entry and exit points in a certain network system.

Penetration Testing – The Span of Control

Penetration testing is considered a form of testing which is rigorous. It analyses and verifies the stability of the entire system.Here, every application, network, access layers, and the whole system.These testers are professionals who are experts in reviewing the code of front-end web software. This is done to reveal different potential possibilities of cyber attacks on the said network.

All in all, below is a list of vulnerabilities that a penetration test helps reveal.

• Verification of Data Infrastructure and Network Protection.
• Identification of Potential risks attached to the business.
• Analysis of the intensity of how dependable the ongoing security solutions are and the respective provisions to tackle and avoid any external invasions.
• Defining various measures to make your web protection and security systems strong and improve their quality. This minimizes risks.

Penetration testing – About the technicians who execute it, The Pen testers

The mindset required to be a Pen tester who simulates the scenarios of real-world hacking is a similar one that of a Policeman who thinks like a thief to catch one. The pen tester has to think like a hacker and acquire some skill set that a hacker would possess. Only that helps him to identify and resolve issues that go into hacking the security of certain software.

And as you guys know by now, there can be some dangerous situations which go into hacking. A good pen tester is always able to tackle those situations efficiently.

It’s like an oath for him/her to guard the security of the software by doing anything and everything possible. He/she is supposed to help the company know their system better and should be suggestive of newer ways to protect it.

Penetration Testing – Process

In Pen testing, there are 2 main ways to go about it. Black box testing and White box testing. These 2 have their independent aspects in their working culture. Let’s see what each of these offers.

1. Black Box Testing

In this type, Pen testers outside of your company who are unaware about the target network will get access to your system for testing purposes.It’s like its name, the tester walks into it blindly, without knowing anything about its internal arrangement. It’s as we discussed it before, the pen tester should put in the shoes of a hacker to execute this type of testing. He/she is treated as outsiders who are not allowed access to any of the internal workings of the current system.

Evaluation of the response of the IT team and actions taken to tackle the breach is the main part of this process.

2. White Box Testing

On the contrary to what happens in the process of Black Box testing, Here, The Pen testers know all the ins and outs of the system and the target network. Even the security auditors working on this know all the information about the target network. The data generally consists of IP addresses of the systems, Versions of the installed operating systems, Network topology, and Source codes of applications.

Auditors here, enjoy full visibility of the internal infrastructure given by the internal technological innovations. Also, they are supposed to be co-operating with the internal security team.

3.Gray Box Testing

This is the third type of Penetration testing. This one is a hybrid of Black and White Box testing. This gives the security auditors some access to knowledge and data about the internal infrastructure and allows them to work around some of the information.

This approach reveals vulnerabilities as well as detects weaker threads.

Penetration testing – Getting the timing right

After discussing the definition of Pen testing, its types, and the process, now we will see what might be the right time to execute penetration testing on the software.

One of the primary variables here is the scheduling of the Pen test. It helps later in the management of the security plan which is tightened with strict counter offensive manifestos.

Many organizations and companies make the mistake of conducting a pen test too early in the whole process.

Now, we will go into the step by step process of execution of penetration testing or software security assessment.

Penetration testing – Step-wise process of security assessment

1) Audit:

The first step a security auditor should take part in is Audit. The security auditor initiates the pen testing by collecting all the basic details of all the activities practiced by the organization on a routine.

When they perform a system audit, the security auditors get a better understanding of the quality and standards of different technical elements that have taken on and also it helps to uncover various situations that can be enhanced.

A good pen tester will focus on different elements of the process concerning the hardening of the system, Automated security patching, and Verification of the capabilities of the system to find intrusions. Verifying whether or not the right procedures are being implemented is the primary part of the system audit.

2) Vulnerability Management:

This step is about effective management of the weaknesses detected after making sure that all the security measures are correctly placed and planned. Numerous vulnerabilities scans are executed on the system software in this stage. This reveals many coding issues intercepted indirectly into the system in the primary stages. It checks into the type of software that is being used as well as uncovers the potential exploitation zones of the software.

3) Pen Testing:

After a thorough analysis of the technical base of the system and verifying that the execution is taking place with the right set of procedures, the actual execution of Penetration testing must be done.

With taking on the blanket of external auditors, Pen testers now perform actual and simulated attacks and breaches on the system. After these attacks, they can reveal the potential threats and security leaks to the system. This way they get into the minds of hackers to know their game and secure the system fully.

4) Report of your Security Plan:

The last step is to draft a report. A summary of all the stages and observations and conclusions should be made into a document. The document is called a Penetration Test Report. The Penetration Test Report is like a handbook to assess the status of the given software’s security system.

Penetration testing – Top 15 tools

1. Spyse
2. Intruder
3. Kali Linux
4. Cain and Abel
5. Core Impact
6. Canvas
7. John the Ripper
8. IndusFace
9. Metasploit
10. W3af
11. Nessus
12. Burpsuite
13. Netsparker
14. SqlMap

Conclusion

A big concern of every software testing related organizational meeting is the amount of importance given to security testing and its ever-important subset, Penetration testing. If one ignores this, hackers will easily break into the system and consequently, the company will lose everything.

Penetration testing makes sure that the Basic security manifesto of any given software is in place and goes ahead a step to simulate certain hypothetical scenarios where the attacks are properly planned and all the major and minor potential security breaches are found.

We hope this blog has been a help to you guys. Feel free to write to us.

How VTEST can help

A team of young, dynamic, and creative software testers is available at VTEST who know how a hacker or a cyber criminal thinks. This mindset helps VTEST perform the best quality Penetration testing and guard any given software or application against all the potential threats.

VTEST will provide your organization with the utmost secure code and will never lose your trust.

VTEST it!

We all know the importance of software testing by now. The deal is, if you don’t do it, you will face its grave consequences. There will be many bugs in the software. The user count will go down and ultimately, the company will collapse.

To avoid this, a regular check and clean-up of the system are necessary. Maintaining things is a way of a steady and secure life and it’s the same with software. Testing is the Maintenance.

So, the process of software testing involves numerous tests and it is important for a tester to know and understand all of them. Drafting a Test Scenario and know the ins and outs of it is one of them. In this blog, we will dig deeper into the what’s and how’s of a Test Scenario.

Test Scenario – Definition

This is a document prepared by the testing team which comprises all the functionalities involved in software. It assures the delivery as it is expected. It defines exactly what all things need to be tested. A tester needs to identify himself / herself as the final user for executing a test scenario.

This helps him/her to relate to the actual user’s needs and helps him get things done right.The customer relatability increases and the tester gets to understand the real errors which the users face while using the software.

The test scenario is also called as Test possibility or Test condition.

Scenario Testing

In scenario testing, different scenarios are listed down which are to be tested to give the end-user a smooth user experience. It has got its name from testing various functionalities. It is a plan or overall structure of what all things needs to be executed while running any test.

The image above pretty much defines what the test scenario is all about.

Test Scenarios – Intention

Now, let’s have a look at the benefits of a test scenario. Below is a rundown of the primary intention and purpose of a test scenario and the documentation of the same.

• The main goal here is to make sure the whole functionality is tested completely based on its performance.
• It is an all-inclusive software testing process.
• It is a quick way to detect important end-to-end transactions. Also, it is supported by the actual usage of different applications or software.
• It is assessed by the business analysts, developers, and end-users as well as the stakeholders.
• It helps in measuring the efforts done while testing software and assists the clients to draft a proposal to evaluate their manpower needs.

Test Scenario – Step-wise construction

Let’s look closely at how a test scenario is drafted. We have divided the process into 5 steps for you to understand. Each step is important and we insist you refer it as it will be really helpful for you. Let’s go then!

1. First, read the documents required to execute a test. These are generally the FRS (Functional Requirements Statement), SRS (Software Requirement Specifications), and BRS (Business Requirement Specification) regarding the system under test.

2. Specify all the user objectives and detect different potential actions taken by the user. Attach all the technical specifications to the respective needs and then, finally, look for more scenarios where the system can be breached or criminally hacked.

3. After the above 2 steps, gather the information together and draft it neatly. List down such different scenarios and make a proper document of all the things which you think might harm the system in any possible way.

4. After that, a Traceability Matrix must be planned and prepared. It is a document that is made to confirm the requirements with respective matching scenarios. Which are to be tested.

5. After the 4th step. The last one is regarding the review of the above-prepared test scenarios. Here, one should involve the supervisor in the process. The analysis of the test scenarios is done by the supervisor and then the stakeholders are supposed to review them. It is an important step that must not be ignored.

Test Scenarios – Tips and tricks for an effective draft

• It is important that as a tester, you should confirm that every requirement is matching with attest scenario. You must also confirm that the process is adhering to the Project Methodology specifications.

• Classify all the complex needs so that you can verify whether every requirement is matching with a certain test scenario. This helps you in covering all the requirements which are present.

• Stay away, from drafting very complicated scenarios that involve multiple functional requirements.

• Always stick to the priority list given to you by your client. Considering the budget and client’s needs, you mu revaluate the many testing scenarios which you have drafted and plan it accordingly.

Conclusion

While doing any kind of work, one should always aspire to do it most efficiently and productively possible. If not, time, money, and efforts of the working people are lost for nothing. Proper management and documentation are the right way to do everything. It’s the backbone of any kind of execution.

Similarly, Test scenarios are the backbone of the testing process. While executing software testing, the Creation of effective test scenarios is one such step that helps one to do the job in a more well-organized way.

Adhering to a well-drafted test scenario will not only help you in executing the test more smoothly but you will also notice the end product to be finer and more finished.

How VTEST can help

VTEST is a testing agency which comprises of all the services related to software testing. We specialize in software testing and we know the right way to go about it. Without proper management and test scenarios, the process will be chaos and VTEST know it. Consider us for all your testing needs and we will be there for you always.

VTEST it!

Network security of any software is one of the most precious elements and must be protected for having a well-built and secure software. If you are not giving security the topmost priority than you need to revise your preferences.

If for the security expert analysis, the new and emerging enterprises come up with a perfect solution considering the demands of the consumers and club them with the automated testing technique, then there is nothing like it. Penetration testing is the key to execute high-quality security expert analysis and it’s the method of the future.

It might seem like Penetration testing is where you land into the security of the network by running various random steps. But it is not like that. ‘Creation of an organized plan with every detail mentioned as to when what and how things are going to take place’ is the right way to define and execute Penetration testing.

Penetration Testing – Importance

There are various types of Penetration testing. Below is a list:

• Application Penetration Testing
• Infrastructure Penetration Testing
• Network Penetration Testing
• Wireless Penetration Testing

The main concern in the current scene of Penetration testing in the market is that many testers have this delusion that Penetration testing is a one-time process. Due to this, they are living under this disbelief that their systems are safe. This is harming the current systems and ultimately the security of any such software.

We need to understand that it is not a one-time process. It must be practiced regularly to have a tight and well-built security code, which will ensure the software a good amount of consumer rating and popularity. After all, security is what the clients are looking for.

As important it is, it also has some benefits which one cannot afford to ignore. Below is a list:

1. Managing the Risk Factors

Penetration testing which is also known as Pen testing (a slang!) provides you the manifesto to work through the risky elements in an efficient and optimum way. Here, the number of susceptibilities and risk factors associated with it is listed. This is found in the target environment.

Starting from the highest risk sequence, one could tackle down to the lower ones.

2. Increasing Business Continuity

A security breach or Data leakage is one of the most unpopular reasons for any company to declare a break for an indefinite amount of time. The recovery is hectic and time taking and full recovery is almost impossible. The company goes under huge loss, financially and emotionally.

Penetration testing confirms the security of the system and if done regularly, it avoids many security breach scenarios like ‘Man In The Middle’ i.e. MITM attacks. And as they say, the world is a filthy place. Many a time, rival companies hire hackers to attack and breach the security of the company. To avoid this, Penetration testing regularly is a must.

3. Evaluation of Security Investment

To have a clear idea about the current security system of your company, Penetration testing helps. It allows you to analyze the existing potential breach points in your security code. It also ensures the proper following of the configuration system management within the company.

It helps in the evaluation of security investments in the company. It’s good to revise and restructure this regularly.

4. Protecting your Clients, Projects, or Third Parties

If any security breach takes place, its an ambush by default. Its because the attack hits from both ways. To the company itself and to the respective client, Project, or third party company that the company has been working with. This creates much trouble and the recovery is almost inconceivable. Penetration testing ensures tight security which avoids all of this chaos.

5. Maintaining Public Relationships and Guarding Company Reputation

Reputation o a well-off company can be at stake if it comes under any cyber attack. To regain respect and reputation from scratch is almost impossible in today’s competitive world. Even a minor breach can make the headline of any newspaper. To make sure nothing like this happens, Penetration testing is essential.

6. Avoiding fines and Helping any sort of Financial Damage

Very simple, ignored leaks and breaches cost an extraordinary amount of money to repair. Penetration testing done properly can avoid this as well as ensures a tight and unbreakable security code for future security. Keeping the major activities updated in the auditing system can also help. In avoiding fines.

7. Help in keeping a check on Cyber Defense Capability

When executing penetration testing, the company must be able to identify multiple hacks and breaches and should respond to them. Also, the checking of the effectiveness of protected devices like WAF, IDS, or IPS can be done during this.

8. Performing after Deployment of New Infrastructure & Application

After the disposition of the new application or infrastructure takes place in the company, Penetration testing must be executed as soon as possible. If any changes have been done in the software like changing the firewall rule, firmware updates, upgrades, and patches to software, Pen testing should be done. Changes create vulnerable situations for hostile hackers. To not let them be created, Penetration testing must be executed.

9. Gap Analysis Maintenance

Penetration testing is a process that should be executed regularly to have a consistently secure system. It not a one-off. It makes companies aware of gaps and holes in their codes at the respective time when the text is being executed.

Conclusion

If any company is opting in giving outstanding service to its clients in terms of safety and network security, they must execute Penetration testing regularly and ensure the protectivity of data and information.

The number of cyber-attacks and crimes related to it is increasing day by day and companies need to prepare for it before it becomes a disaster for them. Penetration testing is a good step towards ensuring a secure and safe environment for the client base.

How VTEST can help

Security of any kind is a prime preference at VTEST. We take the process of security testing very seriously. VTEST is equipped with advanced infrastructure to make sure that no element is being missed in the process of Penetration testing. Execute Penetration testing with VTEST and see the change for yourself.

VTEST it!

Hello there! It is evident from the fact that you are reading this article that you are new to the software development and testing field. Well, don’t get scared, because we are here to guide you guys through this process. It looks hard and rigorous at first, but under the right guidance, you will enjoy it!

Now when we talk about our field, Software Development has already gained enough attraction and attention. But what hasn’t been explored about our field is the testing side of it. Many new people coming into the field still don’t know what is mobile software testing and its importance.

We at VTEST know it by heart. Let’s discuss the basic process of mobile software testing. A structure of the process which varies as the variables change. This article will help you go through the process and will make it easy for you to understand.

First, we will see different types of Mobile software testing. It primarily consists of 2 types.

1.Hardware Testing

Hardware testing, also known as simple mobile testing, is the verification and testing of screen sizes, memory, camera, WIFI, internal processors, internal hardware, resolution radio, Bluetooth, and other hardware related variables.

2. Software Testing

Software testing, also known as, Application testing or Mobile app testing, is the verification and testing of software-related elements and variables. Here, there are different types of mobile applications that we will have to consider.

• Native apps: These are the ones that are developed to be utilized in various devices like mobile and tablets.
• Mobile web apps: These are similar to Native apps but are not utilized the same. Their utilization involves server-side app usage to access websites on mobile devices via various browsers.
• Hybrid apps: These are developed as the combination of native app and mobile apps. To write these applications, different web technologies like CSS and HTML are used.

Importance of Mobile Application Testing

Now we will discuss its importance and challenges. It is necessary to understand that Mobile app testing is harder to execute than Desktop software. Below are the reasons:

• Different kinds of Mobile gadgets with varying hardware configurations and various screen sizes.
• Variety in brands of these gadgets makes it more difficult to test. Like Nokia, HTC, Samsung, Apple, MI, etc.
• Variability in platforms like iOS, Symbian, Android, Windows, etc. could be challenging.
• Various technological choices by network operators could also be a challenge like GSM, CDMA, etc.
• Constantly updating Operating systems could also be a task.

Differences between Mobile and Desktop Application testing

Now, let’s look at some of the common differences in Desktop and Mobile Application Testing. Below is a list:

• Desktop software is tested on a CPU i.e. Central Processing Unit. On the other hand, Mobile apps are tested in handsets like MI, Nokia, etc.
• The desktop has a larger screen size, in comparison with a Mobile device, which is much smaller.
• A mobile handset has less memory than a desktop.
• Mobile gadgets use network services like 3G, 4G, etc. on the other hand, Desktops use Dial-up or broadband connections.
• On desktop applications, the automation tool can be used but it can never be used for mobile application testing.

Kinds of Mobile App Testing

Now we will see different kinds of Mobile application testing. Don’t get petrified by the names. We have explained each one for you to easily understand.

• Usability Testing: It is done to confirm the user-friendliness of your application.
• Compatibility testing: This is for the confirmation of your app’s performance on various OS versions, Screen sizes, Mobile gadgets, Browsers, etc.
• Services testing: This one is related to issues concerning the offline and online performance of your app.
• Performance testing: A must one. It makes sure the performance of your app while switching between different kinds of connections like 4G to Wi-Fi or vice versa. It also covers other issues like battery consumption, etc.
• Interface testing: This test ensures the proper working of modules of your app like settings, menu options, bookmarks, etc.
• Operational testing: This type of testing verifies the prevention of data loss while updating the app. It checks on the backup settings and recovery plans
• Security testing: This one authenticates the security of your app by detection of the vulnerabilities

Testing strategy for mobile apps

Now we will discuss various tips and tricks to enhance the stargazing of the testing of your app. The selection of a perfect and efficient testing manifesto will work in your favor in terms of money and other resources. Below are the few tips and tricks:

1. Selection of testing devices

Study the ongoing trends in the market and then cleverly choose the gadgets which are used popularly. As popularity drives customers’ choices, you can develop yours accordingly for a better reach.

2. Emulators

Emulators are tools used to make the process of mobile app testing more efficient and speedier. It is of a big help at the early stages of the process. Let’s dig deeper into different kinds of emulators.

• Device emulator – This one is offered by device manufacturers
• OS emulators – The leading mobile brands provide specific emulators for their systems. Like Apple for iPhones, Microsoft for Windows phones, Google for Android-based systems, etc.

Here, we have listed out some user-friendly emulators for you to use if needed. Check out the list below:

• Mobile Phone Emulator – This one can be used to test on devices like iPhone, Samsung, HTC, etc.
• MobiReady – This one helps verify and check different codes and web apps as well
• TestiPhone – This tool allows you to see the real preview of your app. It helps to have this benefit
• Screenfly – Websites under various categories can be tested efficiently using this tool

3. Google Cloud testing

Using Google Cloud testing for your app’s performance on various devices and gadgets is a real deal breaker and will help you for a better testing experience.

Mobile App Testing and Test Cases

For mobile application testing, the development of special test cases, as well as functionality-based test cases, is essential. These test cases should have the following criteria:

• Battery usage – While running apps on mobile devices, it is important to monitor battery usage of the device.
• Application speed – The response time on different devices will different as so many variables like memory, battery, RAM is in play.
• Data requisites – A limited data on any user’s device should not be the barrier to download your app without any technical issues.
• Memory/ Storage – Checking the requirements related to storage and memory to install the app and run it smoothly.

Conclusion

For a mobile app to succeed in the market, the right plan and testing strategy are of utmost importance. Many professionals in the industry still don’t understand the importance of testing. It is essential to comprehend it from the initial stages of your testing career.

We hope this article was helpful to you guys to start your journey as an efficient and good software tester.

How VTEST can help

Providing scope and perspective in the field of software testing, VTEST works rigorously towards success. With a team combining of newcomers and pros, VTEST understands the importance of knowing the importance of software testing from the beginning of a tester’s career. Test with us and brighten up your testing career.

VTEST it!