testing tools availability/comparison

[BigDick]

You can use Achilles to check for get/post data that should/should not be there, or be editable, use something like nessus to check for vulnerabilities in your server technolog(y/ies).
You asked what are the 'n' things that should be done to ensure security, well, you could do many things, it depends upon how far you want/need to take it. First things first, always ensure that the code written for the application is secure (that being that it doesn't keep track of any information such as usernames, passwords, and other such things for anything more than page scope, because unless it's on HTTPS it won't be encrypted), make sure that any underlying connections are secured (i.e. dissallow root login to MySQL from anywhere except the machine), and keep any passwords for the web application encrypted in the database, I personally like to md5 them before putting them into the DB, and then md5 them before I check them against the DB., You could also make a habit of changing passwords one every 2 weeks or so, always making them completely different. Use role-based access control on the application, etc.

Always remember to ensure that your system is patched and updated...

Tools that check security are always good, but security should never be an after thought that is overlooked until project completion, instead it should be part of the system implementation from its inception.

For secure programming techniques, I'm sure google has a wealth of information regarding this, just search for secure programming.

Good Luck,

[R0n1n]

You could use parts of OSSTMM

http://www.isecom.org/osstmm/

and OWASP have a pen test for apps guide

http://www.owasp.org/documentation/t...plication.html

[kautilya]

If I were to start a small company and offer services in the GLBA compliance area

what is the approach that I should take ?

What tools do I need ? (Do I need tools ?)

What legal formalities should I meet ?

[zencoder]

K, please don't take this the wrong way, but if you have to ask these questions, it suggests that you don't have enough knowledge or experience in this area, and probably don't have any business starting a company offering this service. I'd love to be a cardio thorasic surgeon (becuase of the money they make, and the limited hours they work), but going to alt.surgeons.heart and asking questions about "How do I invent a new and innovative surgical method so I can get a patent and get rich?" isn't likely to get a favorable response.

Originally posted here by kautilya
If I were to start a small company and offer services in the GLBA compliance area
what is the approach that I should take ?

Get a job with another company providing these services, and learn OJT.

What tools do I need ? (Do I need tools ?)

Your second question, asking for ratification of the first, is a good indicator of my initial point.

What legal formalities should I meet?

Any and all of the legal formalities for your locale, including compliance with GLBA, business standards, business licensing, and others.

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Like I mentioned, I'm not trying to harp on you, but this forum is not really a 'come ask a question and expect to be given all encompassing answers' type of place. That may not be your intent, but that is how some of your posts come across.

Participate, search for info on a subject (AO search AND via google) before you post a question, and you're likely to get a much different response.