Mobile App Security Testing: Tools and Best Practices

 



To minimize risks to users and businesses, mobile developers need their applications to withstand stringent and consistent security testing. Fortunately, there are tools that can simplify and automate these security tests. Additionally, best practices guide and inform the testing process.

In this article, you will learn about the most common security issues for mobile apps and explore several types of security tests that help ensure the integrity and resilience of mobile applications. You will also discover some best practices and popular tools for automating security testing in mobile app development.

This post covers:

  • Common mobile application vulnerabilities
  • Benefits of mobile app security testing
  • Types of mobile app security tests
  • Techniques for security testing in mobile apps
  • Automating mobile security tests with continuous integration
  • Tools for securing mobile applications in a CI pipeline
  • Conclusion

Common Mobile Application Vulnerabilities

To understand why security testing is essential, let’s consider three common vulnerabilities in mobile applications:

  • Insecure data storage
  • Memory leaks and corruption
  • Supply chain vulnerabilities

Insecure Data Storage Insecure data storage refers to the improper handling of sensitive data, such as user credentials, financial information, or personal details within the app. Without proper database credentials or encryption, attackers can easily read these data stores.

In cases where a device is rooted or an app reverse-engineered, weak security measures can allow attackers easy access to sensitive data. Encrypting data and employing secure authentication mechanisms are key steps in protecting it. Regular security audits and best data handling practices further safeguard against unauthorized access.

Memory Leaks and Corruption Apps developed using native languages like C, C++, or Objective-C may perform faster but are prone to memory management issues like leaks and buffer overflows. These issues can destabilize system functions or expose the app to attacks, such as denial-of-service (DoS).

Following best practices in memory management and using static application security testing (SAST) can help identify these threats early, pinpointing where memory leaks and buffer overflows may occur.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Supply chain vulnerabilities arise from using insecure third-party components, like libraries and frameworks, which may contain hidden bugs or malicious code. Attackers can exploit these tools to launch attacks on your systems.

To protect against these vulnerabilities, test third-party components thoroughly and stay up-to-date on security patches and advisories. Adopting a shift-left approach, where security is considered early in development, helps detect and address these risks efficiently.

Benefits of Mobile App Security Testing

An attack on your app can have serious repercussions, including compromised user data and damage to your brand’s reputation. Security testing is essential to safeguard your applications from potential threats. Here are some primary benefits:

  • Ensures compliance with industry standards: Security testing helps ensure that your app meets important industry standards and regulations, such as ISO 27001 or PCI DSS.
  • Builds trust with users: Regular security testing demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding user data, enhancing user confidence.
  • Identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities: Security testing enables you to address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
  • Minimizes costs related to security incidents: Early identification of risks reduces the financial and reputational costs associated with breaches.
  • Optimizes security strategies: Testing helps evaluate different aspects of your app’s ecosystem, including third-party and in-house code, improving overall security.

Types of Mobile App Security Tests

To protect applications comprehensively, a variety of security tests should be employed. These include:

Vulnerability Scanning Vulnerability scanning uses automated tools to check an app’s ecosystem for potential compromise areas. Scanners look for known vulnerabilities, particularly in software dependencies, and report them to developers or the QA team.

Penetration Testing Penetration testing simulates attacks to identify weaknesses. Unlike vulnerability scanning, it involves human input, typically by ethical hackers. This process provides more actionable and realistic insights into vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.

Risk Assessment Risk assessment evaluates the risks within an app’s ecosystem, helping teams gain a holistic view of potential threats to improve security.

Posture Assessment Posture assessments prioritize risks and recommend mitigation strategies, enhancing the overall security stance. This can include compliance audits to ensure alignment with industry standards.

Techniques for Security Testing in Mobile Apps

Key techniques for securing mobile apps include:

  • Supply chain tests
  • SAST, DAST, and IAST
  • Authentication and authorization testing
  • Encryption testing

Supply Chain Tests Supply chain tests help identify risks associated with third-party components. Regular scanning, auditing, and using software composition analysis (SCA) tools minimize these risks.

SAST, DAST, and IAST SAST, DAST, and IAST techniques check for vulnerabilities in both static code and running applications. They help identify issues like memory leaks, buffer overflows, and improper input validation.

Authentication and Authorization Testing Authentication testing verifies policies and session management to prevent unauthorized access, while authorization testing ensures appropriate user access based on roles and permissions.

Encryption Testing Strong encryption prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information. Encryption must be implemented across all layers, especially the transport layer, to protect data against eavesdropping and leaks.

Automating Mobile Security Tests with Continuous Integration

Security testing is often deprioritized in development, as functionality and features take precedence. To address this, security scans can be automated throughout the development cycle using continuous integration (CI). A robust Securis360 pipeline provides real-time data on vulnerabilities, allowing developers to fix issues before code release, making security testing part of the delivery process.

Tools for Securing Mobile Applications in a Securis360 Pipeline

Integrating security tests into your mobile application’s Securis360 pipeline can be streamlined with tools like Securis360. These tools embed security scans within workflows, making it easy to detect and resolve vulnerabilities.

Some useful tools for mobile security testing include NowSecure and Genymotion.

Learn more about implementing security testing in your mobile development pipeline with Securis360.

Conclusion

Mobile applications are attractive targets for attackers, with security issues like insecure data storage, memory leaks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and weak authentication posing significant risks.

A robust approach to mobile app security testing, including automation with continuous integration tools, helps developers quickly identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, leading to more secure applications and efficient development.

If you are committed to improving your mobile application's security, consider integrating Securis360 into your development process. Securis360 offers automation capabilities that streamline security testing, ensuring resilience against threats without slowing down development.

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Forensic Data Collection and Recovery: A 2025 Guide

Image
  In today’s digital era, where sensitive data spans countless devices and platforms, forensic data collection and recovery has emerged as a vital discipline in legal investigations, corporate inquiries, and cybersecurity.  This precise and methodical process involves the identification, preservation, and analysis of digital evidence to establish facts and uncover the truth. As we move through 2025, mastering these techniques is increasingly critical for legal professionals, cybersecurity experts, and organizations protecting their digital assets. What is Forensic Data Collection and Recovery? Forensic data collection and recovery  refers to the systematic process of identifying, securing, and analyzing digital evidence while maintaining its integrity for use in investigations or legal proceedings. Unlike standard data recovery, which focuses on retrieving lost information, forensic recovery prioritizes the preservation of the chain of custody and the admissibility of evi...
Read more

Do I Need a Compliance Automation Tool to Be HIPAA Compliant?

Image
  If your organization deals with protected health information (PHI), you're likely aware of HIPAA—the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It's the U.S. law that safeguards patient data and requires healthcare providers, insurers, and their partners to meet strict privacy and security standards. As technology advances and digital systems grow more complex, one common question arises: “Do I need a compliance automation tool to be HIPAA compliant ?” Short answer: No, it’s not mandatory. But depending on your organization's size, complexity, and resources, a compliance automation tool can offer significant advantages. What Is HIPAA Compliance? HIPAA, enacted in 1996, is designed to protect the privacy, integrity, and availability of PHI. It applies to: Covered entities : Healthcare providers, health plans, clearinghouses Business associates : Vendors or partners who handle PHI on behalf of covered entities HIPAA is structured around four key ru...
Read more

Comprehensive Network Architecture Review Services by Securis360 Inc.

Image
In today’s interconnected world, a robust and secure network is the backbone of any enterprise. As businesses evolve, so do the complexities and risks associated with their networks. Securis360 Inc. offers comprehensive Network Architecture Review Services to ensure your organization’s network infrastructure is secure, efficient, and future-ready. Our services go beyond mere analysis—we deliver actionable insights and strategic recommendations that enhance your network’s resilience against potential threats, optimize its performance, and align it with business goals. What is a Network Architecture Review? Key Benefits of Network Architecture Review 1. Identifying Security Vulnerabilities 2. Assessing Performance 3. Planning for Scalability 4. Providing a Baseline for Change Key Activities in a Network Architecture Review Analyze how enterprise goals integrate with public, private, or hybrid cloud infrastructure. Evaluate compliance with regulations like GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and C...
Read more