#cyber security testing

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As organizations are digitally transforming their processes/workflows by shifting to the cloud or outsourcing their services to enjoy benefits like cost optimization, securing universal access, robust security and enhanced mobility, data migration has become an essential activity. In fact, it has become the need of the hour to facilitate outcomes like quick delivery of services, query resolution, value addition, customer satisfaction and to strengthen the core activities of business enterprises. However, the process of data migration is not as simple as it sounds and poses severe challenges in terms of enhanced security threats.

Why is data migration a risky affair?

The answer lies in a concept called “data gravity”. It is a phenomenon wherein the quantum and speed of a data-based software present in the system increase with an increase in the mass of data. The concept of data gravity is new, but the problems associated with it are gaining prominence due to the migration of data to a cloud-based infrastructure. Data gravity consists of three parameters:

·         How data appeals to other data as it grows rapidly

·         How data is being incorporated into a business

·         How data becomes personalized over time

To move data and applications to another beneficial environment, Gartner has suggested "disentangling" information and applications as a method of overcoming data gravity. So, it is crucial to sort out applications and data complexities to fortify data mobility, data management, and data governance to prevent security leakage during the migration of data.

Challenges during Migration: Can we all be at risk?

Loss of valuable information during migration

The primary issue that may crop up when migrating data from one system to another is the loss of information. The loss of valuable data can be dreadful to businesses as well as individuals. However, this type of risks can be avoided through migration testing during the process.

Post-migration semantic risks

There are risks galore when data gets migrated from one place to another - semantic risk being one of them. Also, there are chances of errors creeping in when data may get saved in the wrong location or folder accidentally. Such a semantic risk involving security leakage can be detrimental, should you be dealing with currencies or numbers. To evade such problems, it is better to undertake migration testing.

Risks of extended downtime

When the source system is not active, the process of moving data from one application to another takes longer than the anticipated timeframe. It poses a threat to the organization and its stakeholders. However, application security testing can help you to solve such challenges during migration.

Best applications for migration of data

It is always advisable to follow some of the best practices during migration of data, regardless of the methods. Here are some of them:

Backup before execution

Since loss of information can be one of the major issues at the time of migration, it is crucial to maintain a backup of resources before the execution of process. You need to make sure you test all the resources before initiation of the migration process.

Follow a robust strategy

The migration process is difficult and even disappointing at times, so you need to follow a robust strategy to manage a challenging situation. Interference or implementation of too many plans can jeopardize the whole process of data transfer.

Rigorous migration testing

Not only during the design and planning phases but during implementation and maintenance as well, it is crucial to test the migration of data to ensure you achieve the desired result.

Five key strategies to prevent security leakage before initiating data migration

The strategy guiding the migration of data may differ based on the goals and requirements of an organization. Here is a list of strategies to ensure an error-free migration of data:

1. Assessment of sources

Before the process begins, you must assess whether the transferred data would fit into the target system or not. You need to scrutinize how much information is pulled over and how the overall database might appear post completion of the process. For example, there may be the presence of many fields that need not require to be mapped to the target system. On the contrary, there may be missing data fields necessitating the extraction of data from another location to plug a gap.

2. To design and plan the migrations

The design phase implies the type of migration strategy an organization wants to employ- Big Bang migration strategy or Trickle migration strategy. It also depends on the technical architecture and detailed technique of the migration process. During this phase, it is important to ponder over security plans for the pool of data.

3. Develop a migration solution

“Just enough” approach is not really enough when it comes to data migration. It is important to break the data into smaller subsets and create one type at a time before testing. If you are working on a large migration process, it is vital to test in parallel.

4. Perform a live migration testing

Performing a test during the build phase is not enough to ensure the accuracy of  migrated data. You should always test the migration with real-time information to ensure the completeness of the application.

5. Final audit

Once the process gets over, you must set up an internal application to audit information, in order to validate the correctness of migration process.

Conclusion

Data migration is a complicated process that involves a possibility of security leakage during the time of transfer. Choosing a proper implementation strategy and application security testing that align with the requirements of the businesses is vital to ensure the success of data migration with zero errors. Consequently, the process can ultimately deliver value to the organization in terms of ROI, performance, and security.

Read this white paper that discusses in depth on security testing is one area which needs constant reinforcements, meticulous assessment and a one step ahead approach to minimize the scope of error.

Technology has changed the way businesses operate, institutions function, and individuals carry out their activities. It has made our lives simpler and convenient, be it while paying utility bills, buying train/bus/plane tickets, booking cabs, shopping from eCommerce stores, or doing office work from remote locations etc. If there has been a proliferation of devices, platforms, frameworks, and networks to choose, businesses have a flurry of technologies to implement in order to provide the best customer experience. These technologies include Blockchain, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Internet of Things, and Cloud Computing to name a few.

On the other hand, if Information Technology has made the world a global village and facilitated the interchange of information through a range of device platforms, it has also brought with it the spectre of cybersecurity issues as well. According to statistics, the worldwide spending on tackling cybersecurity issues is expected to reach $96 billion by the end of 2018 (Source: Gartner.)

Consequences of cybersecurity issues

Cyber criminals are on a prowl worldwide looking for vulnerable systems and entities to steal sensitive assets. The threat is even more ominous when two thirds of organizations believe that they are vulnerable to security threats from viruses, trojans, malware, ransomware etc. Should these vulnerabilities are not plugged in time and safety measures not implemented, the consequences can be dire, both for the companies and individuals.

Sensitive information, be it of businesses, clients or customers can be stolen either by cyber criminals working independently or business rivals. The theft can drive the customers, clients and other stakeholders to lose trust in the concerned business.

Businesses can face costly lawsuits from customers and clients seeking compensation.

Businesses can fall foul of the regulatory authorities for not plugging their vulnerabilities or not carrying out the security testing of their products or systems.

Businesses can face stiff penalties from regulatory authorities or courts. These can hit at their bottom lines leading to the loss of competitive edge.

Major cybersecurity issues plaguing businesses

Lack of awareness among stakeholders: Even though the budget for shoring up cybersecurity measures is increasing, a majority of businesses across the world have not yet woken up to the challenge. The prevailing line of thinking is ‘it will not affect us,’ until it is too late. The management, in a majority of companies, seems to be focused on increasing the number of products in the market to stay competitive instead of considering security testing to be an option. In most cases, security testing services are not given enough resources to identify security vulnerabilities let alone plugging them.

Lack of tools: The increasing threat to cybersecurity from newer strands of viruses, trojans, and malware needs better firewalls and the implementation of strict Risk and Compliance protocols. However, companies running on margins and aiming at maximizing the ROI, do not invest in cutting edge firewall solutions.

Lack of expertise: There is a shortage of security testing experts across industry verticals who are adept at devising a robust security testing strategy to make the products security compliant.

How to deal with cybersecurity issues?

Implementing DevSecOps: The challenge to stay competitive and improve the customer experience has led businesses to implement Agile-DevOps methodology to develop, test, integrate, and deploy applications. This has led to the setting up of a seamless CI/CD pipeline wherein customer feedbacks are acted upon instantly and the product quality is enhanced to address the shifting market dynamics. Although this has led to the success of digital transformation initiatives, the security aspect has remained unchallenged.

To tackle the growing threat from cyber criminals and elements like malware etc, software application security testing should be made an integral part of DevOps leading to DevSecOps. According to DevSecOps, in addition to creating a quality culture, each and every stakeholder should be taken on board when it comes to executing application security testing. In fact, ensuring security should become everyone’s responsibility.

Selecting a security standard and devising a suitable security testing strategy: A business should implement an industry recognised security standard such as IEC, CSC20, or NERC CIP NIST among others after analyzing its pros and cons. To meet the standard, a proper security testing strategy should be devised by using relevant tools, processes and techniques.

Set up a budget to upgrade cybersecurity measures: Since a lapse in security preparedness can derail an organization, CFOs in consultation with CIOs should set up a budget to hire the best security testing experts and execute cutting edge cybersecurity testing.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity poses an existential threat to businesses with scores of viruses, trojans, malware, and ransomware wreaking havoc and leading to dire consequences. The best possible way to deal with cybersecurity issues is to integrate the strategies, methods, protocols, tools, and techniques concerning cybersecurity testing across verticals and departments of businesses.