Application security is the most looked after skill within the pentesting world. To get a leg up though it is probably a good idea to get an application security certification. These are the top certifications are what we think you should consider and here are the differences.
Almost every organization relies on some sort of application or software. There are a number of software used to meet the business requirements of organizations, such as billing, data collection, data sharing, processing, and security. Similarly, a large number of applications are designed to achieve certain business goals, such as branding, marketing, interaction, supervision, and providing access to resources. Whether organizations develop their own software and applications or outsource them, they are susceptible to cyber-attacks. In fact, cyber threats have grown manifold with the progression and usage of applications in businesses. The Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report (DBIR) 2019 (https://enterprise.verizon.com/resources/reports/dbir/) reveals the growing number of cyber-attacks targeting different software and applications.
The growing cyber-attacks on applications and software have increased the demand of security experts who can enhance the security, identify vulnerabilities, and take necessary actions to avoid, mitigate, or transfer the risk associated with the applications. Those having proven applications security experience are preferred for such critically important positions. Earning application security credentials is one way of proving your skills as an application security expert. Following is a brief overview of industry-standard application security certifications that can help professionals pursuing application security-related jobs in the industry.
Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE)
Software development involves different steps like planning, defining, designing, building, testing, and deployment. The steps are collectively called Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). EC-Council has introduced CASE credential to test the skills and knowledge required to follow SDLC protocols. People having CASE credentials are considered capable of meeting the security requirements of designing, developing, testing, and deploying software applications.
Who Should Get CASE Credential?
- Software application security engineers
- Application security analysts
- Application security testers
- Developers
- Coders
How to Become Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE)
EC-Council assesses the application security knowledge and skills of developers and testers through the EC-Council exam. People interested in EC-Council’s CASE exam must meet one of the following requirements.
- EC-Council offers a 3-days CASE training to candidates interested in taking CASE exam. The training is provided through EC-Council’s iLearn, iWeek, and Master Class programs. EC-Council also offers in-person training through its accredited training centers/partners.
- Candidates having 2 years of experience working in Information security software domain.
- Candidates who are ECSP (Java/.NET) member in good standing. ECSP is an EC-Council Secure Programmer credential. Candidates having any other equivalent certification like GSSP (GIAC Secure Software Programmer) are also eligible for CASE exam.
Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE) Exam
CASE Exam has the following format.
Exam Availability: EC-Council Exam Portal
Test Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Number of Questions: 50
Test Duration: 2 Hours
Passing Marks: 70%
Course Outline
The training offered by EC-Council covers the following topics/areas.
Application Security, Threats, and Attacks
Security Requirements Gathering
Secure Application Design and Architecture
Secure Coding Practices for Input Validation
Secure Coding Practices for Cryptography
Secure Coding Practices for Authentication
Secure Coding Practices for Authorization
Secure Coding Practices for Error Handling
Secure Coding Practices for Session Management
Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
Secure Deployment and Maintenance
CASE Reference Page: https://www.eccouncil.org/programs/certified-application-security-engineer-case/
Certified Application Security Specialist (CASS)
Information Assurance Certification Review Board (IACRB) offers CASS certification to professionals with proven application security knowledge and skills. IACRB evaluates candidates’ abilities to find security flaws in applications/software.
Who Should Get CASE Credential?
- Software application security engineers
- Software developers
- Software architects
- Application security testers
How to Become Certified Application Security Specialist (CASS)?
IACRB evaluates candidates’ application security expertise through CASS exam. CASS exam is based on multiple-choice questions and true-false statements. Candidates interested in CASS exam must be proficient in the following domains/areas/topics in order to take CASS exam.
- Secure programming through SDLC
- Source code analysis
- Network transmission security
- Code origin access control methodologies
- WS Security, XKMS, and WS-I Basic security profiles
- Knowledge of different web attacks (SQL injection, Cross Site Scripting, Fault injection, Fuzzing, Privilege escalation)
- Java Security manager, JAAS, and Policy files
- AJAX-enabled applications vulnerabilities
- Net security
- Session State security and Session fixation
- WS-Secure Conversation
- Windows Forms security
- Error Control verbosity abuse
CASS reference page: http://www.iacertification.org/cass_certified_application_security_specialist.html
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC) 2’s CSSLP certification validates users’ knowledge and skills required to incorporate security practices into SDLC. (ISC)2 evaluates individuals’ authentication, authorization, and auditing expertise required during the software development process.
Who Should Earn CSSLP Credential?
- Software engineers
- Software developers
- Software architects
- Software procurement analysts
- Quality assurance testers
- Application security specialists
- Software program managers
How to Become Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
CSSLP exam requires a minimum of 4 years of SDLC work experience in one or more of the 8 CSSLP domains. Candidates with no prior experience can also take CSSLP exam to earn the (ISC)2 associate title. The associates have to complete the experience requirement after passing CSSLP exam to claim the CSSLP credential.
CSSLP Exam Format
CSSLP Exam is based on the following formats from eight security domains.
Exam Availability: English
Exam Questions (Items): 175
Exam Duration: 4 Hours
Passing Score: 700 Out of 1000
Test Centers: Pearson VUE
CSSLP Domains
CSSLP evaluates candidates’ security expertise in the following eight domains.
1) Secure Software Concepts
2) Secure Software Requirements
3) Secure Software Design
4) Secure Software Implementation
5) Secure Software Testing
6) Software Deployment and Maintenance
7) Secure Software Testing
8) Supply Chain and Software Acquisition
CSSLP Reference Page: https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CSSLP
GIAC Certified Web Application Defender (GWEB)
GWEB certification is designed to test the individuals’ knowledge and expertise required to manage web application errors that can lead to security vulnerabilities. GWEB certified professionals are considered capable of designing web applications’ security strategies, identifying and preventing various web application attacks, and handling access control and session management issues.
Who Should Earn GWEB?
- Application security analysts
- Application developers
- Application architects
- Penetration testers
- Security Auditors
How to Become GIAC Certified Web Application Defender (GWEB)?
The individuals interested in GWEB certification must pass the following GWEB exam. There is no prerequisite to take GWEB exam. GWEB exam must be scheduled in advance through GIAC web portal.
GWEB Exam Format
Test Format: 1 Proctored Exam
Total Exam Questions: 75
Exam Duration: 3 Hours
Passing Marks: 68%
GWEB Course Outline
GIAC offers GWEB exam training to the interested candidates. GWEB exam/training offered by GIAC is comprised of the following topics.
Web Architecture and Configuration
Web Services Security
Session Security and Business logic
Modern Applications Framework issues
Input-related Flaws and Validations
Web Application Design (Code) Attacks
Authentication and Access Control
GWEB reference page: https://www.giac.org/certification/certified-web-application-defender-gweb
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