White Box Testing

It is a testing method of software which in turn tests the internal structures, functions of an application and especially dealing with those system failures. It is done on the knowledge of how the system is applied. White box testing consists of analyzing data flow, control flow, information flow, coding practices and exception and error handling within the system, to test the intended and unintended software behavior. This can be used to confirm whether code applying follows intended design, to validate applied security functionality, and to uncover exploitable vulnerabilities.

The Testing Phase

This needs access to the main source code and it can be performed any time during its life cycle yet white box testing is best suited during the unit testing phase. One should know what causes software secure or insecure, to attack, and to utilize effectively the different testing tools and techniques. The basic step here involves comprehension and analyzing available design documentation, source code, and other relevant development artifacts.

Therefore having complete knowledge in the causes of software making it secure is a priority. Then producing tests which will make use of software in which a tester has to be imagined as an attacker. Finally the tests are to be performed effectively, utilizing the various tools and techniques and the most important aspect is these factors work only in unison and not alone.

The Necessary Procedures

There are certain procedures which are important in the white box testing procedures starting from performing risk analysis to preparing a report. First we need to perform risk analysis which is otherwise known as threat modeling. Then develop certain strategy which would define the activities of testing and about accomplishing the testing aim or the purpose. While such process is carried out, a detailed test plan should be developed to organize and to control the testing process. Then choose a specific environment for its execution and communicate the outcome. Finally prepare a report containing all the details from the fundamental steps.

Achieving the Target

Whenever the security testing happens, the focus is to make sure the software under test encounters the security goals of the system, strong and defiant to nasty attacks. This consists of couple of approaches such as testing security mechanisms about the functionality being implemented properly and performing risk based testing with an attackers’ approach. White box testing observes the steps and reveals the threat and implementation blunder. There can be many types of errors found out when tested and all repairing have to be done accordingly. 

Questions:

• What is white box testing?
• State the importance of white box testing.