Why QA Engineers Need to Think About Security Testing

Introduction

When people hear “cybersecurity,” they often think it’s the job of some separate security team. But here’s the truth: a big chunk of app security issues are things QA teams could catch, if they’re looking. That’s where security testing comes in.

You don’t need to be a hacker to help secure your app. In this post, we’ll look at how security fits into software testing, what QA engineers can do, and some simple ways to get started.

Why Security Testing Matters in QA

Think of it like this: you wouldn’t launch an app without checking that the “Login” button works. So why would you launch without checking that a user can’t break in with someone else’s password?

Many security issues are just bugs, and they’re testable. But unlike layout bugs or crashes, they can lead to:

• Stolen data

• Hacked accounts

• Legal trouble

• Loss of user trust

And the earlier you catch them, the cheaper and easier they are to fix.

Common Security Issues QA Can Catch (With Simple Examples)

1. Weak Input Validation

Let’s say you’re testing a sign-up form. If a user can type in random symbols, SQL commands, or JavaScript code into the fields and the app doesn’t block it, that’s a red flag.

Attackers often use those fields to try SQL injection or XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks.

As a QA tester, you can check:

• Does the app reject special characters in usernames or email fields?

• Does it sanitize inputs before using them in the backend?

This isn’t deep cybersecurity - it’s just smart testing.

2. Broken Authentication Logic

Ever tried logging in as someone else just by tweaking the URL or session data? It sounds wild, but it happens.

Example: A QA engineer is testing user profiles. They notice the URL is something like:

app.com/user/123

So they try:

app.com/user/124

And suddenly they can see someone else’s data.

That’s a broken access control issue. QA can catch that with simple curiosity and good testing habits.

3. Unsecured APIs

Most modern apps talk to a backend through APIs. As a tester, you can check:

• Are the APIs protected?

• Can anyone hit them from outside the app?

• What happens if you remove or change an authentication token?

You don’t have to be an API expert - tools like Postman or browser DevTools can help you inspect these requests easily.

How QA Teams Can Start Doing Security Testing

You don’t need to learn ethical hacking overnight. Start with these basics:

✅ Add basic security checks to your normal test cases

For example:

• Try uploading an oversized file

• Test fields with long strings or scripts

• Check if passwords are shown in plain text anywhere (they shouldn’t be)

✅ Use simple security tools

• OWASP ZAP: Free tool to scan your app for common security risks

• Burp Suite (Community Edition): A bit more advanced, great for testing APIs and inputs

✅ Collaborate with your security team

If you do have a dedicated security team, talk to them. They might help you include automated security scans in your test pipelines or give you scenarios to test manually.

Final Thoughts

QA isn’t just about bugs and broken buttons anymore. It’s about trust.

Users trust that their data, passwords, and personal information are safe when they use your app. As a QA engineer, you’re in a perfect position to help keep that trust intact.

You don’t need to become a security expert. But you do need to start asking: “What happens if someone tries to break this?” And once you start asking that, you’re already doing security testing.