What is "security testing"?

Security testing involves systematically evaluating an application to uncover vulnerabilities, threats, and risks that could compromise data protection and application integrity. This type of testing is critical for ensuring that applications are resistant to unauthorized access, breaches, and various forms of cyber attacks. It focuses on verifying that the application's security measures are effective and that sensitive data is protected against potential threats.

In the context of security testing, the emphasis is on identifying weaknesses in the software, which can include various forms of attacks such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and others. By systematically assessing these potential vulnerabilities, organizations can proactively strengthen their applications against cyber threats, ensuring they maintain the integrity and confidentiality of their data and adhere to compliance regulations.

The other options described are unrelated to the primary focus of security testing. User interface validation for accessibility pertains to usability testing, optimizing database performance involves performance testing principles, and automating testing procedures refers to test automation strategies, none of which directly address the fundamental aim of identifying and mitigating security risks within an application.