I was recently given the chance to test a login page for a web application, and I have to say, it was a rather fascinating experience. As a Quality Assurance engineer, I am well aware of the significance of meticulously testing all aspects of an application, including the login page. In this write-up, I will disclose some manual test scenarios that I implemented to ensure the functionality and security of the login page.
Test Case 1: Valid Credentials
The first and most basic test case is to verify that the login page accepts valid credentials and allows users to successfully log in. In this test, I entered a valid username and password combination and checked if the system logged me in without any errors. I also made sure that the correct user information was displayed after logging in.
Test Case 2: Invalid Credentials
In this test case, I deliberately entered incorrect credentials to see how the system handles invalid login attempts. I checked if the login page displayed appropriate error messages when incorrect usernames or passwords were entered. It is important to verify that the system does not reveal any sensitive information in the error messages that could potentially be exploited by attackers.
Test Case 3: Password Encryption
Security is a top priority when it comes to login pages. To ensure the safety of user data, I tested if the login page encrypted the passwords properly before storing them in the database. I used browser developer tools to inspect the network traffic and confirm that the password was not sent in plain text. This is crucial to protect user credentials from being intercepted by malicious individuals.
Test Case 4: Account Lockout
To prevent brute-force attacks, it is important to have a mechanism in place that locks an account after a certain number of failed login attempts. I tested if the login page correctly locked the user’s account after a specified number of unsuccessful login attempts. I also verified that the account was automatically unlocked after a certain duration.
Test Case 5: Remember Me
Many login pages have a “Remember Me” option that allows users to stay logged in even after closing and reopening the browser. I tested if this feature worked as expected by enabling the “Remember Me” checkbox and closing the browser. Upon reopening the browser, I verified that the system automatically logged me in without requiring me to enter my credentials again.
Test Case 6: Session Management
Session management is an essential aspect of a secure login page. I tested if the login page created a new session for each user upon successful login and destroyed the session upon logout. I also checked if the application properly handled session timeouts and redirected users to the login page when their session expired.
Conclusion
The login page of a web application plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and usability of the system. By conducting thorough manual testing, we can identify and address any potential issues that might compromise the integrity of user data. From testing valid and invalid credentials to verifying password encryption and session management, each test case contributes to building a robust login page. Remember, the login page is the gateway to the application, so it is important to invest the necessary time and effort in testing it thoroughly.