Why Is Web Service Penetration Testing Beneficial For Your Business?

The amount of digital data produced each day is nothing short of spectacular. Over 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created each day—and with the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), this number will only go up.

However, as most data goes online, the risk of breaches also increases. One of the top security concerns businesses have these days is how they can secure themselves from malicious actors. Penetration testing is a vital tool that allows companies to test for weaknesses in their systems and put adequate security measures in place.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how web service penetration testing can be beneficial to your business.

Enhanced security

Penetration testing employs a combination of automatic and manuals techniques to mimic the actions of a hacker. Doing so uncovers vulnerabilities in your system and lets you understand how a real cyberattack might play out.

Once you know the security situation of your systems, you can take adequate measures to address those vulnerabilities in a timely manner. This will protect your web service from potential attacks in the future.

Increased compliance

As technology evolves, updated compliance requirements are put forward. These ensure that companies are taking adequate measures to protect customers’ data. For example, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is important if you want to set up a payment mechanism on your website.

Reduced risks and costs associated with data breaches

In the event of a data breach, companies have to bear short and long-term costs. In the short run, companies may have to deal with costs such as legal expenses; in the long run, they risk losing their customers’ trust and, consequently, their business.

Penetration testing reduces the risk of a data breach and protects your company from the legal and economic ramifications of a data breach.

Gain a competitive advantage

The innovative use of web services, such as APIs, can increase the growth options for your web or native app. And integrating them with mainstream products can give you an even stronger competitive advantage.

Additionally, most experienced penetration testing service providers are able to provide actionable recommendations to their clients once the test is over. You not only understand what vulnerabilities your system is dealing with—but also how to manage them.

Are you worried about the security of your web service?

Lean Security offers dedicated security and IT solutions to businesses all over the world. Our expert software technicians are skilled at API penetration testing.

For more information, call +61 (2) 8078 6952 or message us here.

Your Ultimate Cybersecurity Checklist for Working from Home

The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. In Australia, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in late January 2020. According to the Department of Health, as of May 15th, 2020, there have been 7,019 total cases and at least 98 deaths.

One of the major precautionary measures taken by governments and employers all over the globe was to have non-essential workers work remotely from home. However, without the robust cybersecurity systems of organizations, employees working from home face the risk of cyber threats.

We’ve compiled this useful cybersecurity checklist so that people working from home can take proper measures to keep them safe from cyberattacks.

Computer Setup

Since you’re likely using your own devices and equipment while working from home, you need to make sure that’s equipped to keep you safe. If you’re an employer who’s expecting their employees to run specific software, you need to check the recommended hardware and operating system specifications. It’s likely that employees will be using underpowered devices, so see what you can do to optimize the software.

Avoid Shadow IT

Many employees upload sensitive company data to high or medium risk applications that aren’t approved by employers. This is known as shadow IT—staff uses software that hasn’t been authorised or checked by the company’s IT department for business purposes. Make sure to provide your staff with all the software they will require to work so that they aren’t compelled to use risky software that leaves your system vulnerable.

Network Connection

You need to make sure that means of access to your company network is secure. In order to do this, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that provides remote users encrypted access to the company network.

Mobile Device Management

Consider using Mobile Device Management (MDM) software to make it much easier to deploy, monitor, and secure mobile devices as well as desktop and laptop computers. You’ll be able to carry out system and software updates in bulk, remotely back up data, remove or quarantine unauthorized users or applications, monitor malware, and much more.

We are one of Australia’s leading cybersecurity services providers. Our vast array of services include penetration testing, advanced web security testing, and mobile app security testing to help companies eliminate vulnerabilities that open them up to cyber threats.

Get in touch with us for more information on our services.

Top 4 Threats Online Gamers Need to Be Wary of

Video games now dominate the entertainment industry. Ever since the advent of the game-changing Sony PlayStation 2 twenty years ago and its unparalleled processing power, the entertainment industry has never been the same. Unlike movies, TV, music, and books, video games are inherently a digital medium. However, that brings its own unique set of problems.

When it comes to online gaming, players are often required to entrust their personal information with game developers and publishers. This opens them up to several cybersecurity risks.

Here are some of the top cybersecurity threats online gamers need to be wary of.

Theft of Virtual Valuables

The veritable precursor to cryptocurrency was in-game economies. In-game economies utilize virtual money that’s earned in the game itself. That, of course, means it can’t be used in the real world. However, it’s a commodity that holds real value to players. One can, in fact, fetch very high real-world prices for video game accounts with large amounts of in-game currency or access to rare in-game items and valuables. On one of the longest-running online games, RuneScape, a moderator named Mod Jed, stole 45 billion in-game coins with a real-world value of $100,000 from players.

Many video games are published, authenticated, and sold online on platforms like Origin, Steam, and GOG Galaxy. Players use a single account to manage these games. There have been cases of hackers stealing supplementary and add-on items as well as entire accounts from these online platforms.

Phishing

Players of popular video games are often made targets of phishing campaigns. Phishing tactics aren’t limited to sending fraudulent emails anymore. One commonly used tactic is to set up a fraudulent login page or to pose as a friend and attempt to send malicious links via online chat forums and platforms.

Malware

Malware spreading in gaming often overlaps with phishing techniques. Just as one can use online chat features to spread fake login pages, they can be also be used to send links to drive-by malware downloads. In popular competitive games, players often find themselves downloading malicious applications that promise cheats and tips to gain an edge over other players.

In-Game Security Flaws

A flaw in the authentication process of the popular online game Fortnite was detected in 2018. The game’s official login URL wasn’t validated. This left it vulnerable to a redirect attack. Then it was found that an unused and vulnerable subdomain for the game’s developer and publisher Epic Games. An attacker could use this compromised subdomain to request users’ login credentials.

As one of Australia’s top cybersecurity services provider, we help game developers and publishers mitigate cybersecurity risks and protect online game integrity with minimal effect on game performance. Our services include advanced web security testing, penetration testing, and mobile app security testing.

Get in touch with us for more information on our services.

The Importance of Mobile Application Penetration Testing

Mobile applications hold limitless potential; they allow firms to streamline processes and enhance communication, both internally and externally, among a multitude of other benefits.

But despite their widespread use, mobile app security remains dismal. Over 65 percent of all large enterprises have been breached via mobile applications, and each breach costs up to $3 million!

Companies need to start employing mobile app security testing to uncover vulnerabilities in their systems before they are exploited. Here, we’ll discuss why mobile application penetration testing is crucial for enterprises that have apps.

1. They prevent future attacks

Mobile penetration testing is an authorised simulation of a real cyberattack. It helps businesses find where an application may be lacking with regard to security. This allows them to upgrade their system so they are better prepared in the event of a real cyberattack.

Penetration testing employs advanced knowledge of IT systems and sophisticated tools to mimic the behavior of a hacker. It allows firms to anticipate hackers’ moves and update their code to fix any flaws that could be exploited.

2. You can live with peace of mind

The launch of a new mobile application requires technical and user acceptance testing beforehand. You also need to make sure that it meets certain security standards and isn’t a risk to your company or your users.

Going live without penetration testing can expose private company information to malicious hackers who are always on the lookout for easy targets. It’s best to get penetration testing done before deploying an application to prevent any attacks—and the costs associated with them.

3. Gives you information about your app developers

Penetration testing also gives you some insight into the skill and expertise of your web developers. It helps you understand how well-structured your app is below the surface.

You can also find out how adept they are at making changes to the code once vulnerabilities have been brought to the surface, for one, and augment your workforce as needed.

4. Test the responsiveness of your IT team

Your in-house IT team should be capable enough to set preventative security measures in place. Moreover, in the event of an attack, they should know how to respond and deal with the situation efficiently.

Penetration testing can help you gauge how well-prepared your IT team is to cope with such an issue.

Are you worried about the security of your app?

Lean Security offers dedicated security and IT solutions to businesses all over the world. Our expert software technicians are skilled at mobile app penetration testing.  

For more information, call +61 (2) 8078 6952 or message us here.

4 Ways to Prevent URL Open Redirect Attacks

As cybercrime awareness becomes more widespread, hackers have become increasingly stealthy in their attempts to gain access to private information.

For instance, URL open redirect attacks now constitute 17 percent of all malware infections; these are immensely damaging to web visitors and website owners.

In this blog post, we’ll go over what open redirect attacks are, why they’re dangerous, and what you can do to prevent them.

What is a URL open redirect attack?

Web applications often redirect users to a login page asking for credentials, to access the desired site. The destination URL is stated in a query string parameter, which is often included in the redirection procedure. Once the user has authorised the app to do so, they are directed to the URL that was previously requested.

Since the destination URL is highlighted in the query string, it can easily be altered. This altered query string could redirect users to a malicious website—this is known as an open redirect attack.

How are URL Open Redirect Attacks Dangerous?

Open redirect attacks are dangerous because users can reveal sensitive information without even knowing they have. Say, for example, a site takes you to a login page where you are asked to enter your email address and password. Once you’re done, the tampered URL will redirect you to a login page that looks similar to the one you were just on.

Here, users are asked to re-enter their details—which they do, thinking they mistyped the password the first time around. Once that’s done, the malicious website records your information and takes you to the destination site you were previously trying to access.  

This information can then be used to access your account, steal private information, and even carry out cyber theft.

How Can URL Redirect Attacks Be Prevented?

To prevent open redirect attacks, the simplest thing you can do is not let users control which site they are redirected to. However, if you still have to redirect your users, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the safety of your website and your consumers:

1.      Use a web application firewall

A WAF is the first line of defense against a variety of cyberattacks, including open redirect attacks. It also allows you to monitor traffic closely, which can indicate if a site has been tampered with.

2.      Use an automated web scanner

An automated web application vulnerability scanner reviews your site’s files and reveals any malware. It’s quick and efficient as it scans your database routinely.

3.      Update software regularly

Keep your software updated to prevent hackers from making use of outdated code. Any new patches or updates recommended by the developer should be installed immediately.

4.      Consider penetration testing

Penetration testing allows you to find out how vulnerable your website is to malicious attacks. This can help you take necessary precautionary measures so you can protect yourself in the event of a real attack.

 Choose Expert Penetration Testing Services

Lean Security is a leading penetration testing service provider with vast experience in the industry. We’ve helped thousands of big and small businesses make their websites more secure through web application security testing.

To find out how we can help you, give us a call at +61 (2) 8078 6952 or message us here.