Mastering VAPT: A Comprehensive Guide to Web, Mobile, OT, API, and Cloud Security

Penetration testing, or pen testing for short, is a multi-layered security assessment that uses a combination of machine and human-led techniques to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in infrastructure, systems, and applications. A pen test conducted by a professional ethical hacker will include a post-assessment report detailing any vulnerabilities discovered and remediation guidance to help address them.

Types of Penetration Testing:

• Internal/external infrastructure testing

• Web application testing

• Wireless network testing

• Mobile application testing

• Build and configuration review testing

• Social engineering testing

VAPT: A Comprehensive Overview of Subfields

Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) is a crucial process in the field of cybersecurity. It aims to identify vulnerabilities in a system, application, or network and assess the potential risks associated with those weaknesses. VAPT can be divided into various subfields, each focusing on different areas of security, such as web applications, mobile apps, infrastructure, operational technology (OT), and cloud environments. In this article, we’ll explore the various VAPT subfields, each with its unique approach and tools. Additionally, we’ll guide you on how to get started in the field, the certifications to pursue, and the tools to help you succeed.

Getting Started in VAPT: For newcomers to VAPT, the first step is gaining a strong foundation in core concepts like networking, operating systems, and basic security principles. Once you are familiar with these basics, you can explore the specific subfields like web, mobile, API, OT, and cloud security. It’s important to constantly update your knowledge, as VAPT is an evolving field that requires continuous learning.

VAPT in Web Applications (Application Security)

Web application security is one of the most common areas of VAPT. With the increasing reliance on online services, securing web applications is critical to preventing cyberattacks such as SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and many others. During a web application VAPT, the following areas are typically tested:

• Input Validation: Testing for vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS.

• Authentication and Authorization: Ensuring that user authentication mechanisms are robust and that user roles are correctly enforced.

• Session Management: Checking for flaws in session handling, which could lead to session hijacking or fixation.

• Error Handling: Verifying that sensitive information is not leaked through error messages.

• Security Headers: Checking for proper implementation of HTTP security headers such as Content Security Policy (CSP), HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS), etc.

Certifications

Beginners

• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

• eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester)

Intermediate

• eWPTX (eLearnSecurity Web Application Penetration Tester eXtreme)

• PNPT (Practical Network Penetration Tester)

• CRTP (Certified Red Team Professional)

• eCCPT (eLearnSecurity Certified Cybersecurity Professional)

Advanced

• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

• CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator)

Expert

• eCPTX (eLearnSecurity Certified Professional Penetration Tester)

• OSCE (Offensive Security Certified Expert)

Learning Paths

• INE

• TryHackMe

• PortSwigger

• HackTheBox

Tools:

• Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Nikto, Acunetix

VAPT in Mobile Applications

Mobile application security has become increasingly important as mobile devices are more integrated into our daily lives. Whether it's an iOS or Android application, mobile VAPT focuses on uncovering vulnerabilities in the code, API endpoints, and the way apps interact with devices. Common tests include:

• Code Analysis: Decompiling and reverse engineering mobile apps to find weaknesses.

• API Security: Ensuring that mobile applications securely interact with APIs and that sensitive data is properly encrypted during transit.

• Data Storage: Ensuring that sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data are securely stored on the device.

• Permissions: Verifying that apps do not request unnecessary permissions that could be exploited.

• Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks: Testing for vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to intercept data communication between the mobile app and the server.

Certifications for Mobile Application Security:

• Mobile App Security Testing (MASPT)

• CEH (Mobile Security Focus)

• OSCP (mobile-focused learning)

Tools:

• MobSF, Frida, Drozer, Burp Suite Mobile Edition

VAPT in APIs

APIs are integral to modern applications, enabling different systems to communicate with each other. API security is essential, as vulnerabilities in APIs can lead to major data breaches. VAPT for APIs typically involves testing the following:

• Authentication and Authorization: Ensuring that only authorized users can access the API and that proper token-based or OAuth authentication is used.

• Input Validation: Checking for vulnerabilities like injection attacks, which could be exploited via an API.

• Rate Limiting: Verifying that APIs are protected against denial-of-service attacks and abuse.

• Data Exposure: Ensuring that sensitive data is not exposed unintentionally through improper endpoint configurations or lack of encryption.

Certifications for API Security:

• API Security Professional (APIsec)

• OWASP API Security Top 10 Training

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) (relevant for API security in cloud environments)

Tools:

• Postman, Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, APIsec

VAPT in Operational Technology (OT) Security

Operational Technology (OT) security focuses on protecting industrial control systems (ICS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and other critical infrastructure from cyber threats. OT environments often involve specialized equipment and processes, making their security distinct from that of traditional IT systems. VAPT in OT security includes testing for:

• Network Segmentation: Ensuring that OT systems are properly isolated from corporate IT networks to prevent lateral movement by attackers.

• Protocol Analysis: Testing the security of industrial protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, and OPC.

• Access Control: Ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to OT systems.

• Physical Security: Verifying the security of devices and control systems from physical attacks or tampering.

• Patch Management: Ensuring that OT systems are properly updated to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Certifications for OT Security:

• Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP)

• Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA)

• Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Expert (ICS-CERT)

Tools:

• Nmap, Wireshark, Kali Linux (for ICS/SCADA protocols)

VAPT in Cloud Security

Cloud computing has revolutionized how organizations store and manage data. However, it also introduces new security challenges that need to be addressed through VAPT. Cloud VAPT focuses on securing cloud infrastructure, applications, and data in cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Key areas of testing include:

• Identity and Access Management (IAM): Ensuring that only authorized users have access to cloud resources and that policies are in place to minimize the risk of privilege escalation.

• Data Security: Ensuring that data stored in the cloud is encrypted at rest and in transit and that proper access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized access.

• Configuration Management: Ensuring that cloud services are correctly configured to prevent security misconfigurations, such as exposing S3 buckets to the public.

• API Security: As cloud services are highly reliant on APIs, ensuring their security is critical to prevent attacks such as data breaches or denial-of-service attacks.

• Third-Party Services: Ensuring that third-party services integrated with the cloud platform are secure and do not introduce vulnerabilities.

Certifications for Cloud Security:

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

• AWS Certified Security Specialty

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer

• Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer

Tools:

• CloudSploit, Scout Suite, Prowler, AWS Inspector

Choosing the Right Path in VAPT

VAPT covers a broad spectrum of security testing across different domains. Choosing the right path depends on your interests, skills, and the specific needs of your organization or clients. If you are more interested in software development and security, focusing on Web and Mobile Application Security might be the right choice. On the other hand, if you are interested in protecting critical infrastructure, OT Security could be your ideal path. For those with a keen interest in cloud technologies, Cloud Security would be a great area to specialize in.

Each path offers exciting challenges and opportunities for growth, so it’s important to choose a field that aligns with your career goals and expertise.

Career Pathways and Getting Certified

Each subfield in VAPT offers a unique pathway for specialization. To begin your career, it’s advisable to start with foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+ and build a solid understanding of cybersecurity basics. Afterward, you can branch out into specialized fields with certifications like OSCP for penetration testing, CCSP for cloud security, or GICSP for OT security. Hands-on experience, CTF challenges, and bug bounty programs are excellent ways to build practical skills.

As you progress, consider pursuing higher-level certifications such as CISSP or CISM to move into managerial or strategic cybersecurity roles.