Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What is a recommended approach to improve web application security against potential vulnerabilities?

1. Ignore security updates

2. Employ robust test-driven development

3. Use generic coding practices

4. Limit code review processes

The correct answer is: Employ robust test-driven development

Employing robust test-driven development (TDD) is a highly recommended approach to enhance web application security because it emphasizes writing tests before the code itself, which leads to a more thoughtful and secure coding process. TDD allows developers to catch vulnerabilities early in the lifecycle of development, as writing tests requires a clear understanding of what the application is expected to do, thus facilitating better design choices and adherence to security best practices. Additionally, TDD encourages iterative development, meaning the application is built step by step, with security tests placed at every stage. This results in higher-quality code, as each feature is thoroughly tested before progressing, which is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities that could be introduced during development. Furthermore, the act of continuously testing allows for the timely discovery of any security flaws, making it easier to address them before the application is deployed. In contrast, ignoring security updates would leave the application open to known vulnerabilities, and using generic coding practices would not account for specific security risks pertinent to the application. Limiting code review processes would further compromise the quality and security of the code, as fewer eyes would be able to catch potential security issues before deployment. Therefore, TDD stands out as a proactive strategy in a secure development framework.