Web application penetration testing 

Identify security flaws in your applications safely and effectively with our expert guidance.

Applications can inadvertently expose data through technical flaws or business logic vulnerabilities. Protect your sensitive data by having us identify and validate these weaknesses before they can be exploited.

Fix application vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.

Data should be treated as the valuable asset it is. Web application penetration testing minimizes the risk of a data breach by identifying vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. We assist you by offering recommendations to:

  • Safeguard your end users, employees, and reputation from unnecessary risks. Penetration testing offers peace of mind, ensuring your web application is secure and protected.
  • Adhere to compliance best practices. Many security frameworks, such as HIPAA and PCI, mandate regular penetration testing of web applications. We specialize in compliance assessments and can meet your testing needs at any frequency.
  • Classify and prioritize risks effectively. Our engineers are developers at heart, understanding the effort you invest in your applications. We prioritize next steps based on urgency and workload, helping you easily determine where fixes should fit into your development lifecycle.
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Cybersecurity services trusted by 500+ organizations and growing!

GuardsArm Inc doesn’t just point out the problems; they help you resolve them. Their reports are the most comprehensive and insightful we’ve ever received—far more detailed than those we got from a Fortune 50 Pen Test company. They didn’t offer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ service; instead, they customized their approach to focus on what mattered most to us, providing valuable, in-depth insights.
David Hostetter, Principal Information Security Engineer Strategic Link Consulting
GuardsArm Inc performed a web application penetration test on several of our edge applications and uncovered multiple configuration weaknesses, including insecure direct object reference (IDOR). They alerted us right away and provided guidance on how to address the issue. Their expert engineers offered step-by-step assistance and retested to confirm that the critical vulnerability was resolved.
Director State Government
GuardsArm Inc worked with us to align the timeline and budget to our needs. They adjusted the scope of the penetration test to ensure it met our specific requirements and financial constraints.
Brad Davis, CISO Strategic Link Consulting
Dealing with Wi-Fi security was uncharted territory for us. We hired GuardsArm Inc to test the wireless networks we provide for our employees and customers to access store services. They came onsite with their toolkit, complete with antennas, and set up a rogue access point that mimicked our legitimate ones. Users unknowingly logged on, and GuardsArm Inc initiated an evil twin attack to capture and inject data into the network stream between user computers and other systems. They then delivered their findings, helping us educate our users and adjust their behavior to improve security.
Director Retail Business
GuardsArm Inc conducted an external penetration test on our networks and notified us of critical vulnerabilities. They informed us of the potential impact on the host before attempting any exploits. We received updates twice a day, which were incredibly helpful for me and my team. Additionally, they provided excellent remedial guidance, enabling us to quickly address and resolve the vulnerabilities.
IT Director Hospitality Company
GuardsArm Inc conducted an internal penetration test using one of our legacy network protocols. They successfully gained administrative access and deployed malicious code onto our network. If this had been a real attack, the consequences could have been devastating for our organization.
IT Manager Financial Service Company

Penetration testing checklist

To ensure your application is thoroughly tested for vulnerabilities, we utilize a detailed penetration testing checklist. This checklist covers key areas to effectively identify and mitigate potential security risks. Here’s what we typically focus on:

Authentication and authorization

Is authentication implemented properly? Do authorization controls apply to users’ actions? 

Session management

Are user sessions managed securely and do they follow security best practices?

Sensitive data exposure

Does the application expose confidential information? Is the environment revealing data that could assist an attacker in exploiting vulnerabilities?

Input validation

Are user inputs properly validated and sanitized? Does the application function securely regardless of the input it receives?

Output encoding

Does the application enforce output encoding? Is the output consistently interpreted across all areas of the application?

Filtering layers

Are there effective filtering mechanisms in place? Do they actively protect against common web application attacks?

Parameter passing

Is parameter handling secure? Could the application mishandle authorization information? Could server-side information mistakenly be sent to the user?

Application logic flow

Does the application enforce logic flow? Could an attacker control the application flow at will and bypass server-side logic steps?

Cross-Site scripting

Are there cross-site scripting vulnerabilities? Is there proper encoding of user-supplied input?

Injections

Does user input construct database queries, server-side requests, or template rendering in an insecure way? Can an attacker craft an input to exploit vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI), Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF), or XML External Entity (XXE) attacks?

Path traversals

Do user inputs construct file paths? Can an attacker craft an input to escape the directory structure of the application?

Known vulnerable components

Are server-side and client-side 3rd-party components up-to-date and secure?

Our Approach

We simplify the process of enhancing and managing your security.

We believe great cybersecurity exists at the intersection of exceptional service delivery and purposeful deployment of security solutions.

Learn more about making cybersecurity easier

  • Easy to understand

    Our security experts are trained to support and communicate in ways you can understand. Cybersecurity solutions are created to answer your questions on your terms.

  • Easy to choose

    We have an established reputation as security and technology leaders. With a clear definition of cybersecurity outcomes for your business, you can make the best decisions to secure your organization.

  • Easy to trust

    We deliver clear and consistent communication. Paired with our trusted operations and reporting, your stakeholders can have peace of mind in their cybersecurity decisions.

Trusted Expertise in Verified Penetration Testing Experience

Discover why over 500 organizations trust GuardsArm Inc Security with their cybersecurity needs. With GuardsArm Inc, you're not just hiring a penetration testing service provider—you're gaining a trusted and strategic partner in security.

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Frequently asked questions

Web application penetration testing is a simulated attack on a web application conducted by security experts to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. The goal is to assess the security of the application, uncover weaknesses, and provide recommendations for remediation.

Web application penetration testing is crucial because web applications are often exposed to the internet and can be targeted by attackers. Identifying and fixing vulnerabilities helps protect sensitive data, maintain the integrity of the application, and prevent security breaches.

Testing identifies a range of vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), insecure direct object references, security misconfigurations, and authentication and authorization weaknesses.

Yes, web application penetration testing can be conducted on both internal applications (accessible within your network) and external applications (accessible over the internet). Testing both types of applications helps ensure comprehensive security coverage.

Testing should be performed at least annually or after significant changes to the application, such as new feature releases, major updates, or changes in the underlying infrastructure. Regular testing helps increase your application’s security posture by identifying any newly introduced vulnerabilities. We also recommend more frequent testing for applications leveraged in highly regulated industries such as financial services and healthcare.

Yes, many compliance standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR mandate regular web application penetration testing to safeguard sensitive data and meet regulatory requirements. Performing these tests helps ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Automated testing utilizes tools to quickly scan and identify common vulnerabilities, providing a fast and efficient solution. However, it has its limitations. Manual testing, carried out by experienced security experts, goes well beyond the capabilities of automated tools. Through thorough analysis and real-world exploitation methods, manual testing uncovers vulnerabilities that scanners may miss. This detailed approach offers a deeper and more accurate assessment of your application's true security posture.

A qualified penetration tester should have a solid foundation in cybersecurity, a deep understanding of web application security principles, and hands-on experience with various testing methodologies and tools. Certifications like Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are also valuable, demonstrating a tester’s expertise in the field.

The key phases of a penetration test include planning and scoping, reconnaissance and information gathering, vulnerability identification, exploitation, and reporting. Each phase plays a crucial role in providing a thorough assessment of the application's security posture.

Our testing is designed to have minimal impact on business operations. Our experienced team carefully plans and coordinates with you to avoid disruptions, often conducting tests in non-production environments to ensure smooth continuity and avoid any interruptions to your business.

The duration of a web application penetration test depends on the complexity, size of the application, and the scope of the test. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to complete, based on these factors.

Your organization plays a crucial role throughout the web application penetration testing process. In the initial planning and scoping phase, you'll provide necessary access and relevant information to ensure the test covers all critical areas. During the test, your team may need to address any questions or issues that arise. After the test is completed, your involvement is essential in reviewing the findings and implementing the necessary remediation measures to address any vulnerabilities discovered.

Our solutions simplify your cybersecurity journey, making progress easier.

No matter where you are in your cybersecurity journey, we’re here to support you. Whether you're just starting, aiming to enhance your current security, or uncertain about the next steps, our trusted experts are dedicated to your success and will guide you every step of the way.

Discover comprehensive cybersecurity protection today and safeguard your organization from evolving threats.

  1. Consult with an expert

    Speak with one of our cybersecurity experts to help us understand your needs and explore how we can support your security goals.

  2. Agree on a plan

    Based on your objectives, we'll develop a customized plan to address your specific cybersecurity needs and ensure your protection.

  3. Start maximizing your protection

    Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that what matters most is securely protected.

Consult with an expert