Probely

Web vulnerability scanner designed for continuous security testing.
Probely

Introduction

Probely is a security testing platform designed to automate the discovery and remediation of vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs. By offering a comprehensive suite of tools for vulnerability assessment, Probely empowers developers and security teams to proactively address security issues throughout the software development lifecycle. This review will explore the features of Probely, its advantages and drawbacks, practical usage scenarios, pricing, and recommendations for its application in API security testing.

Features

Probely offers a wide range of features tailored for effective API security testing. Here are some of its notable capabilities:

Automated Vulnerability Scanning

Probely automates the process of scanning APIs for common vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other OWASP Top Ten risks. This automation saves time and ensures thorough testing without manual intervention.

Continuous Security Monitoring

With Probely, users can set up continuous monitoring for their APIs and web applications. This feature allows teams to receive alerts when new vulnerabilities are detected, enabling them to respond quickly to emerging threats.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Probely can be seamlessly integrated into Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, allowing for automated security testing as part of the development workflow. This integration ensures that security is maintained throughout the software development lifecycle.

Detailed Reporting and Remediation Guidance

Probely provides comprehensive reports that detail identified vulnerabilities, their severity levels, and recommendations for remediation. These reports help teams prioritize security efforts and address issues effectively.

User-Friendly Interface

The platform features an intuitive user interface that simplifies the process of setting up scans, managing results, and interpreting findings. This user-friendly design ensures that both technical and non-technical team members can use the tool effectively.

API Testing with Custom Scenarios

Probely allows users to create custom testing scenarios tailored to their specific API endpoints and business logic. This feature is valuable for organizations with unique API implementations that require specialized testing approaches.

Collaboration Tools

Probely promotes collaboration among team members by allowing users to share scan results, reports, and findings. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone involved in the development and security process is aligned on priorities and action items.

Pros

Probely offers several advantages that make it an appealing choice for organizations looking to enhance their API security testing efforts:

Comprehensive Vulnerability Coverage

With its automated scanning capabilities, Probely provides comprehensive coverage of common vulnerabilities, helping teams identify and address security issues effectively.

Time-Saving Automation

The automation of vulnerability scanning reduces the time and effort required for manual testing. This efficiency allows developers to focus on building features while maintaining a strong security posture.

Continuous Monitoring

The ability to set up continuous monitoring ensures that teams are alerted to new vulnerabilities as they arise, facilitating timely remediation and minimizing risk.

Seamless Integration

Probely’s integration with CI/CD pipelines promotes a security-first approach to development, ensuring that security assessments are part of the build process.

Detailed Reporting

The comprehensive reporting features provide valuable insights into identified vulnerabilities, allowing teams to prioritize their remediation efforts based on risk levels.

Cons

While Probely has many strengths, it also has some limitations that potential users should consider:

Pricing Model

Probely operates on a subscription-based pricing model, which may be a concern for smaller organizations or startups with limited budgets. The costs associated with licensing can accumulate, particularly for teams with multiple users.

Learning Curve

While the interface is user-friendly, some users may encounter a learning curve when setting up and configuring scans, particularly those unfamiliar with vulnerability assessment tools.

False Positives

Like many vulnerability scanning tools, Probely may produce false positives, identifying vulnerabilities that do not actually exist. This can lead to unnecessary remediation efforts and resource allocation.

Limited Support for Legacy Systems

Probely is primarily designed for modern web applications and APIs. Organizations with legacy systems may find that the tool does not fully support their specific testing needs.

Using Probely for API security testing involves several steps, including account setup, configuration, and execution of scans. Here’s a brief overview of how to set up and run a basic API security test using Probely:

Setting Up Probely

  1. Create an Account: Begin by visiting the Probely website and signing up for a free trial or a paid plan based on your requirements.
  2. Define Your API: After logging in, navigate to the dashboard and click on “Add New Target.” Enter the URL of the API you want to test, ensuring that it is accessible for scanning.
  3. Configure Scan Settings: Choose the type of scan you want to perform. Probely offers options for full scans, custom scans, and more. You can also specify any authentication credentials required to access the API.
  4. Run the Scan: Start the scan by clicking the “Run Scan” button. Probely will initiate the scanning process, analyzing the specified API for vulnerabilities.
  5. Review Results: Once the scan is complete, navigate to the “Reports” section to view the results. Probely will provide detailed information on identified vulnerabilities, including severity ratings and remediation recommendations.
  6. Implement Remediation: Based on the findings, implement the necessary changes to your API to address the identified vulnerabilities. This may involve updating security configurations, fixing code issues, or enhancing input validation mechanisms.
  7. Re-Test: After making changes, run the scan again to verify that the vulnerabilities have been addressed and that the API is secure.

For detailed usage instructions and additional examples, refer to the Probely documentation.

Pricing

Probely operates on a subscription-based pricing model, offering different tiers to accommodate various user needs. As of 2024, here’s an overview of the pricing structure:

  • Free Trial: Probely typically offers a free trial that allows users to explore the platform's features with limited functionality. This trial provides an excellent opportunity for teams to assess whether Probely meets their needs.
  • Startup Plan: This entry-level plan is suitable for small teams or projects, usually starting around $49 per month. It typically includes limited scans and access to basic features.
  • Professional Plan: The professional tier offers advanced features and increased limits for larger teams or organizations with more complex security needs. Pricing may start around $199 per month, providing access to more extensive functionality.
  • Enterprise Plan: For organizations with extensive API security requirements, the enterprise plan offers custom pricing based on specific needs, including dedicated support, enhanced security features, and advanced integrations. Interested users are encouraged to contact Probely directly for a quote.

For the latest pricing information, it is advisable to visit the Probely pricing page.

Probely is recommended for a diverse range of users and organizations, including:

  • Security Teams: Security teams looking to enhance their vulnerability assessment capabilities will find Probely to be a powerful tool for identifying API security issues.
  • Developers: Developers can use Probely to ensure that their APIs are secure before deployment, helping to mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities in secure communications.
  • Quality Assurance Engineers: QA engineers can leverage Probely to validate API security as part of their testing processes, ensuring that applications meet security standards.
  • Startups and Small Businesses: As a scalable and affordable solution, Probely is suitable for startups and small businesses looking to implement security measures without significant financial investment.
  • Compliance and Regulatory Auditors: Organizations subject to compliance requirements can use Probely to conduct regular security assessments and demonstrate adherence to security standards.

In conclusion, Probely is a comprehensive tool for API security testing, offering a range of features that cater to various security needs. Its focus on automated vulnerability scanning, detailed reporting, and integration with CI/CD workflows makes it a valuable asset for organizations looking to improve their security posture. While it may have some limitations, such as pricing and a learning curve, its benefits position it as a reliable option for ensuring API security in today’s complex digital landscape.

About the author
Irfan Ahmad

Irfan Ahmad

Software Quality Leader | Helping software teams to deliver with speed, security and scale.

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