Thick Client Security Assessment

What is a Thick Client application and Thick Client Penetration Testing?

Thick client applications are desktop applications that are installed and run on the user's computer, rather than in a web browser. These types of applications are often used to handle sensitive data and transactions, making them a prime target for cybercriminals.

Thick client penetration testing is essential for desktop application security and aids businesses in securing their software products. It is the process of discovering vulnerabilities in desktop applications to protect their products from cyber-attacks. It involves a thorough analysis of every component of the software solution, including but not limited to its source code, binaries, configurations, libraries, and server communication.

Why is Thick Client Penetration Testing Important?

Businesses typically develop thick client applications that are to be used by their customers, making these software's an interesting target for cyber attackers. A single vulnerability in such software results in financial loss, reputational damage, the loss of customer trust, data theft, and other security breaches. In addition, attackers gain unauthorised access to sensitive information or are able to compromise the organization's customers' devices by exploiting the unchecked security flaws due to a lack of effective thick client security testing.

How Thick Client Penetration Testing Benefits Organizations?

Thick client penetration testing ensures the security of your application against both known and unknown threats by identifying potential and exploitable vulnerabilities and offering pragmatic solutions to eliminate them. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in these applications, organizations can strengthen their overall security posture and prevent potential breaches. It ensures the security and protection of both the organization's and its clients' sensitive information. In addition, periodic penetration testing of thick client applications can assist organizations in meeting compliance requirements and industry standards.

How Thick Client Penetration Testing Could Have Prevented Damages

In 2018, Marriott International's financial division became aware of a cyber-attack that exploited a flaw in their thick client application and impacted more than 500 million customers. A cyberattack on the Starwood guest reservation database, which Marriott acquired in 2016, caused the breach. Before the breach was discovered in November 2018, the attackers were able to access and exfiltrate sensitive customer data, including account numbers, social security numbers, and personal information, for four years, from 2014 to 2018. Significant financial losses and reputational harm befell the company.

If the company had performed routine thick client penetration testing, this vulnerability could have been identified and addressed prior to its exploitation by the attackers. This would have prevented the data breach and the damages that followed.

Our Expertise and Standards for Thick Client Penetration Testing

Our experienced cybersecurity professionals at Norse Shield specialize in thick client penetration testing. Our team of specialists possesses the skills and experience necessary to conduct exhaustive testing and provide effective solutions to prevent potential threats. We employ the most up-to-date tools and methods to detect vulnerabilities in thick client applications. Our detailed reports provide comprehensive insights into the overall security posture of your thick client applications, as well as practical recommendations for their remediation. We are dedicated to provide our customers with the highest quality service, we ensure assessments are aligned with international security standards and frameworks such as PTES, ISO/IEC 27001, and NIST.

To protect the cybersecurity of our clients, we work to build individualized cybersecurity solutions that match their specific requirements. Our team collaborates closely with clients to comprehend their business operations, evaluate their risk profile, and deliver specialized testing services to handle their particular security concerns.