Security testing services look for weaknesses in your application before an attacker does. This guide explains the main types, what a good report contains, and how to choose a provider you can trust with access to your systems.
Types of security testing
- Vulnerability assessment: scanning for known weaknesses, usually with automated tools and expert review.
- Penetration testing: skilled testers actively try to break in, the way an attacker would.
- Web application testing: checks for common issues such as those in the OWASP Top 10, including injection and broken access control.
- API security testing: authentication, authorisation and data exposure in your APIs.
- Mobile app security testing: data storage, communication and permissions on the device.
- Compliance-focused testing: checks tied to a standard or regulation that applies to your business.
Automated scans vs manual testing
Automated scanners are fast and cheap and catch common problems. They miss logic flaws, such as a user being able to see another user’s data. Manual testing by an experienced tester finds those. Most serious assessments combine both.
What a good report contains
- A summary a non-technical manager can understand.
- Each finding with its severity, how it was found, and steps to reproduce.
- Clear recommendations for fixing each issue.
- Retesting to confirm the fixes worked.
When to do it
- Before launching a new product or a major feature.
- When you handle payments, personal data or health data.
- After significant changes to architecture or authentication.
- When a customer or regulator asks for evidence of testing.
How to choose a provider
- Written authorisation and scope: a legitimate provider never tests systems without your written permission.
- Confidentiality: a signed NDA and clear rules on how your data and findings are handled.
- Method: ask what is automated and what is manual, and what standard they follow.
- Sample report: ask for an example with client details removed.
- Retesting: confirm it is included after you fix the issues.
Security testing is one part of quality. For the wider picture, see our guide to managed software testing services.
Try it on your own product
Stelo Technology provides security testing services. Start a risk-free 2-week trial on your real product: we onboard, test your current sprint, automate a critical flow and send a quality report. You keep the bug reports and test cases either way.