What is AppSec and InfoSec?
Application Security (AppSec)
- AppSec refers to the security measures implemented at the application level to prevent vulnerabilities and protect software from cyber threats.
- It includes secure coding practices, application testing (SAST, DAST), threat modeling, access controls, encryption, and vulnerability assessments.
- The primary goal of AppSec is to ensure applications are secure from development to deployment.
Information Security (InfoSec)
- InfoSec is a broader field that encompasses all aspects of protecting digital and non-digital information from unauthorized access, modification, destruction, or theft.
- It includes network security, cryptography, risk management, security policies, and compliance.
- InfoSec covers everything from securing databases, cloud environments, and endpoints to managing insider threats.
Difference Between AppSec and InfoSec
| Aspect | Application Security (AppSec) | Information Security (InfoSec) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Focuses on securing applications (web, mobile, APIs) | Covers overall security of data, systems, and networks |
| Methods | Secure coding, app security testing, patching | Firewalls, encryption, risk assessment, policies |
| Focus Area | Preventing vulnerabilities in software | Protecting all information assets |
| Who Handles It? | Developers, AppSec engineers, security architects | Security analysts, CISOs, network security teams |
What is a Penetration Tester?
A Penetration Tester (PenTester) is a cybersecurity professional who simulates real-world cyberattacks to find vulnerabilities in applications, networks, and systems before malicious hackers can exploit them.
- They perform ethical hacking using various tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, Kali Linux, Nmap, etc.
- They identify security flaws, exploit them in a controlled environment, and report the findings to security teams for remediation.
- They test web apps, mobile apps, networks, cloud environments, and even human factors (social engineering).
Is a Penetration Tester Part of AppSec or InfoSec?
✅ A Penetration Tester falls under InfoSec, but they can specialize in AppSec penetration testing.
Here's how:
- If a PenTester focuses on testing web applications, APIs, and mobile apps → They work within AppSec.
- If a PenTester tests networks, servers, and overall IT infrastructure → They work within InfoSec.
So, AppSec PenTesters focus on finding application vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, XSS, authentication flaws), while InfoSec PenTesters test network security, firewalls, servers, and overall IT infrastructure.
Would you like recommendations on learning PenTesting or tools to start with? 🚀
How to Get Started in AppSec Penetration Testing?
Becoming an AppSec PenTester requires understanding web security, learning hacking techniques, and mastering penetration testing tools. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap:
1️⃣ Learn the Basics of Cybersecurity & Web Technologies
Before diving into AppSec PenTesting, you need strong fundamentals in:
🔹 Networking (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, VPNs, Firewalls)
🔹 Operating Systems (Linux & Windows security)
🔹 Programming (Python, JavaScript, Bash)
🔹 Databases & SQL
Recommended Resources:
- Book: The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook – Dafydd Stuttard
- Course: CompTIA Security+ (Good foundation for cybersecurity)
- Labs: Cisco Packet Tracer (for networking basics)
2️⃣ Master Web Application Security
Since AppSec focuses on web security, you must understand how web applications work and how they can be exploited.
🔹 Web Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, APIs
🔹 Web Security Concepts: OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities (SQLi, XSS, CSRF, etc.)
🔹 Authentication & Authorization Issues
🔹 Secure Coding Practices
Recommended Resources:
- OWASP Top 10 → OWASP.org
- Course: Web Security Academy by PortSwigger (FREE) → https://portswigger.net/web-security
- Book: Real-World Bug Hunting – Peter Yaworski
3️⃣ Learn Web Application Penetration Testing
Now, you start hacking web applications using penetration testing techniques.
🔹 Manual Testing: Find vulnerabilities by manually testing applications.
🔹 Automated Testing: Use tools like Burp Suite & OWASP ZAP.
🔹 Exploiting Web Apps: Perform SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, SSRF, IDOR, etc.
🔹 Bypassing Authentication & Authorization
Recommended Resources:
- Course: Practical Web Application Security and Testing (TryHackMe, PentesterLab)
- Labs: Hack The Box (HTB), TryHackMe, WebGoat, DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web App)
- Tools:
- Burp Suite (for testing web vulnerabilities)
- OWASP ZAP (automated security scanner)
- SQLmap (for SQL Injection)
4️⃣ Learn API & Mobile App Security
Since modern applications use APIs & mobile apps, you should understand:
🔹 API Security (REST & GraphQL vulnerabilities)
🔹 JWT (JSON Web Tokens) Exploitation
🔹 Testing Mobile Apps (Android & iOS)
Resources:
- Book: Hacking APIs – Corey J. Ball
- Labs: API Security Testing Labs (APIsec University)
- Tool: Postman (to analyze APIs), Mobile Security Framework (MobSF)
5️⃣ Master Tools Used by AppSec PenTesters
| Category | Tool Name |
|---|---|
| Web PenTesting | Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP |
| API Testing | Postman, GraphQLmap |
| SQL Injection | SQLmap |
| XSS Testing | XSStrike |
| Source Code Analysis | Semgrep, SonarQube |
| Mobile Testing | MobSF, Frida |
| Password Cracking | John the Ripper, Hashcat |
6️⃣ Get Hands-on Practice
✅ Bug Bounty Hunting – Find real-world vulnerabilities in live applications.
✅ CTFs (Capture The Flag Challenges) – TryHackMe, Hack The Box, PentesterLab.
✅ Vulnerable Web Apps – WebGoat, DVWA, Juice Shop.
Platforms to Practice:
- TryHackMe (Web & API hacking labs)
- Hack The Box (Real-world PenTesting)
- PentesterLab
7️⃣ Get Certified (Optional but Helpful)
Recommended Certifications for AppSec PenTesters:
🎯 eWPT (eLearnSecurity Web Application Penetration Tester)
🎯 OSWE (Offensive Security Web Expert)
🎯 Burp Suite Certified Practitioner
🎯 GWAPT (GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester)
8️⃣ Apply for AppSec Jobs or Bug Bounties
- Start as a Web Security Analyst / PenTester
- Contribute to Open Source Security Projects
- Join Bug Bounty Platforms (HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Intigriti)
📌 Summary – Your Learning Path
✅ Step 1: Learn Networking, Linux, and Basic Coding
✅ Step 2: Master Web Security (OWASP Top 10)
✅ Step 3: Learn Penetration Testing Techniques
✅ Step 4: Specialize in API & Mobile Security
✅ Step 5: Use PenTesting Tools
✅ Step 6: Practice on CTFs, Bug Bounties
✅ Step 7: Get Certified (Optional)
✅ Step 8: Apply for AppSec Jobs / Freelance / Bug Bounties
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