How to Document Security Testing Results
Effective documentation of security testing results is essential for ensuring your software is secure and compliant. Here’s a structured approach:
1. Executive Summary
Start with a high-level overview of the security testing, including key findings, risks, and overall security posture.
2. Scope of Testing
Define the boundaries of testing, including the systems, applications, and processes evaluated, and any limitations encountered.
3. Methodology
Document the testing approach, tools used, and techniques employed (e.g., manual testing, automated scanning, penetration testing).
4. Findings and Vulnerabilities
List identified vulnerabilities with detailed descriptions, including severity ratings (e.g., CVSS scores), exploitability, and impacted components.
5. Remediation Recommendations
Provide actionable recommendations for each identified issue, prioritizing based on risk and impact on the business.
6. Conclusion and Next Steps
Summarize the testing process and outline next steps, including retesting plans and ongoing security monitoring.
7. Appendices
Include supplementary information such as detailed logs, screenshots, and configurations to support findings.
8. Review and Approval
Finally, ensure the documentation is reviewed and approved by relevant stakeholders to maintain accountability.