Security Testing
Security testing verifies that software and systems protect information and resources against threats, vulnerabilities, and unauthorized access.
“A test type to determine the security of a component or system.”
(Definition reproduced from the ISTQB Glossary. Copyright belongs to ISTQB.)
View the complete ISTQB GlossaryWhat is Security Testing?
The objective is to identify security weaknesses and confirm that implemented controls effectively protect the application and its data.
Vulnerability assessment: Identifies security weaknesses.
Control verification: Confirms security mechanisms function correctly.
Risk reduction: Helps prevent security incidents before release.
Real World Example
An online banking login flow is being reviewed after fraud analysts report repeated attempts to discover valid customer accounts.
The concern is not whether ordinary login works; it is how the system behaves when someone intentionally misuses it. Security testing points testing toward that hostile or risky behavior.
The tester probes rate limits, error messages, audit events, lockout behavior, and monitoring signals to see whether the system gives attackers useful feedback.
The team strengthens the controls because Security testing helps them test the product from the perspective of misuse, not only normal customer journeys.
Practice Questions
Question 1
Which statement BEST describes Security testing in the context of ISTQB terminology?
Question 2
A tester needs to explain Security testing to a non‑technical stakeholder. Which approach is MOST appropriate?
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