Imagine waking up to a data breach that compromises your customers’ sensitive information—an all-too-real scenario in today’s mobile-first world. With over 110 billion mobile app downloads in 2024 alone, the attack surface is bigger than ever. For businesses with mobile applications, robust security testing is not just essential—it’s critical.
In this blog, we dive into mobile application security testing, its types, importance, and how Securis360 helps organizations strengthen app security for both Android and iOS platforms.
What is Mobile Application Security Testing?
Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) is the process of evaluating a mobile app’s resilience to threats by simulating real-world attack scenarios. It helps identify and fix vulnerabilities across the codebase, APIs, third-party libraries, storage, and network layers.
MAST aims to ensure that security controls are properly implemented and that sensitive data remains protected against unauthorized access, leakage, and tampering.
Why Mobile App Security Matters
Mobile applications collect, process, and transmit personal and business data daily. Without proper security, they become easy targets for:
- Data breaches
- Unauthorized access
- Malware injection
- API exploitation
- Code tampering
Mobile app security testing ensures secure coding practices, data protection, and compliance with industry standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
Core Types of Mobile Application Security Testing
To comprehensively assess a mobile app’s security posture, multiple testing approaches are employed:
1. Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
Examines the source code or binaries without executing the app. Useful in early development stages to identify hardcoded secrets, logic flaws, and insecure coding patterns.
2. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
Simulates runtime attacks by executing the app and analyzing its behavior. It uncovers real-time vulnerabilities like broken authentication and server misconfigurations.
3. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)
Combines the benefits of SAST and DAST. Embedded agents provide insights into how code behaves under actual operating conditions.
4. Penetration Testing (Pen-Testing)
Performed by ethical hackers, it replicates real-world attack scenarios to expose high-risk vulnerabilities that automated tools might miss.
5. API Security Testing
Analyzes the app’s backend communication for authentication flaws, injection risks, and insecure endpoints.
6. Software Composition Analysis (SCA)
Scans third-party libraries for known vulnerabilities, outdated packages, and licensing risks.
7. Vulnerability Scanning
Uses automated tools to check against databases like CVE and OWASP to highlight potential flaws.
8. Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)
Monitors and protects the app in real-time by identifying and blocking threats while the app is running.
9. Cloud-Native Application Security Testing (CNAST)
Designed for cloud-hosted apps, it addresses security concerns in containerized and microservice environments.
10. Database Security Scanning
Inspects database configurations, user permissions, and encryption practices to prevent data leakage.
Android vs iOS Security Testing
Android Security Testing
Due to the openness of the Android ecosystem, testing includes:
- Reconnaissance (permissions, APIs, configurations)
- Static & dynamic analysis
- Reverse engineering resistance
- Network communication checks (TLS/SSL)
- Secure data storage validation
- Compliance with Android Security Best Practices
iOS Security Testing
iOS is more controlled, but testing focuses on:
- Jailbreak detection and prevention
- App transport security enforcement
- Keychain security and data encryption
- Secure inter-app communication
- Validation against Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines
The Mobile App Security Testing Process
A structured and repeatable process enhances both efficiency and effectiveness. Here’s how a typical engagement unfolds at Securis360:
1. Planning & Scoping
Identify critical assets, data flows, threat models, and regulatory requirements.
2. Threat Modeling
Assess the architecture to determine attack vectors and prioritize security testing.
3. SAST & DAST Execution
Conduct both static and dynamic testing to identify vulnerabilities from all angles.
4. Penetration Testing
Human testers simulate real-world attacks to find logic flaws, authentication gaps, and access control issues.
5. API & Network Security Testing
Ensure APIs are secure, authenticated, and follow rate-limiting and input validation principles.
6. Remediation Recommendations
Provide detailed, prioritized, and developer-friendly remediation guidance.
7. Retesting & Reporting
Once fixes are implemented, Securis360 verifies the vulnerabilities are resolved and delivers an actionable report.
Best Practices for Mobile Application Security Testing
- Shift Left Security: Integrate security testing early in the development lifecycle.
- Test Regularly: Conduct testing after each major release or update.
- Use a Hybrid Approach: Combine automated tools and manual expertise.
- Secure the Supply Chain: Monitor third-party libraries and SDKs.
- Encrypt Sensitive Data: Use secure protocols like AES-256 and TLS 1.3.
- Follow OWASP MASVS Guidelines: A benchmark for mobile app security.
- Conduct Code Reviews: Regular peer reviews improve security awareness.
Why Choose Securis360 for Mobile App Security Testing?
At Securis360, we specialize in delivering end-to-end mobile app security testing tailored to your business needs. Our experts:
- Simulate real-world attack scenarios
- Deliver actionable insights and detailed reports
- Help you stay compliant with regulations
- Strengthen both Android and iOS application security
We help you go beyond simple vulnerability scans to build robust, secure mobile experiences your users can trust.
Final Thoughts
Mobile application security testing is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re building a banking app, a healthcare portal, or a social media platform, securing your mobile application is essential to protecting users and business assets.
By embracing comprehensive security testing and working with experienced partners like Securis360, you can identify vulnerabilities before attackers do—and secure your apps from the inside out.