What mobile application security testing is
Mobile application security testing is a structured process for identifying, analysing and fixing vulnerabilities in your Android and iOS applications. It combines code review, configuration analysis and real-world attack simulation through mobile application penetration testing.
This protects sensitive user data, strengthens authentication and keeps your apps resilient against new threats and compliance risk — with clear evidence of what an attacker could reach and how to close it.
Why it matters
Mobile application security testing protects sensitive user data, prevents unauthorised access and defends against evolving threats. Penetration testing finds vulnerabilities in your code, APIs and backend systems before attackers exploit them.
This reduces breach risk, supports regulatory compliance and strengthens customer trust in your apps. It matters most where mobile apps carry payment, health or personal data across banking, fintech, healthcare and consumer platforms.
What we cover
We test the app, the platform it runs on and the systems behind it:
- Static analysis (SAST) of source code for insecure patterns, hardcoded secrets and logic flaws.
- Dynamic testing (DAST) of the running app for authentication, session and data-handling issues.
- API security testing of the endpoints your app depends on for injection, authorisation gaps and data exposure.
- Configuration and platform testing of libraries, SDK integrations and Android and iOS platform-specific risk.
How we deliver
Our methodology combines structured assessment, penetration testing and detailed reporting to find vulnerabilities and strengthen mobile application security across development and production.
Scoping and planning
We define the Android and iOS applications in scope, their platforms, APIs and backend dependencies, agree the testing approach, and confirm authorisation before any testing begins.
Static analysis (SAST)
We analyse the source code and binaries to find security flaws, insecure coding patterns, hardcoded secrets and logic vulnerabilities early.
Dynamic and configuration testing
We test the application while it runs to find authentication issues, session flaws and insecure data handling, and review platform configuration, third-party libraries and SDK integrations.
Penetration testing and exploitation
We simulate real attacks to find and safely exploit weaknesses across the app, its APIs, backend systems, authentication and network communication.
Reporting and remediation guidance
We document validated findings with severity ratings, proof-of-concept evidence and clear, developer-focused remediation and secure-coding recommendations.
Retesting and verification
After your fixes, we retest to confirm the vulnerabilities are resolved and the protection holds.
What you receive
- Executive summary of findings, business impact and prioritised risk
- Detailed technical report with severity ratings, proof-of-concept and exploitation detail
- Risk classification matrix aligned with industry standards
- Compliance mapping to the regulations and frameworks that apply to you
- Remediation guidance to fix vulnerabilities and harden the app
- Retesting and validation report confirming resolved vulnerabilities
- A debrief session walking your team through findings and priorities
Indicative timeline
A typical mobile app test runs from about one to two weeks per platform, depending on the app’s complexity, the number of APIs and the testing depth agreed.
Timelines vary with scope and readiness; we confirm a schedule after scoping.
Critical vulnerabilities we identify
Our testing uncovers exploitable weaknesses across your apps, APIs and backend systems, preventing breaches, data leakage and business disruption:
Insecure data storage
Sensitive data stored without encryption in local storage, logs, caches or shared preferences.
Weak authentication and authorisation
Broken authentication, weak session management, privilege escalation and authorisation bypass in the app and its APIs.
Insecure API communication
Unprotected endpoints, missing token validation, injection flaws and insecure data transmission to backend systems.
Insufficient encryption controls
Weak cryptography, outdated algorithms and improper certificate validation that expose the app to interception.
Code tampering and reverse engineering
Poor resistance to reverse engineering, code modification and repackaging that can inject malicious behaviour.
Improper platform usage
Misuse of Android and iOS security features, insecure permissions and exposed components that widen the attack surface.
Representative engagement
A consumer platform needed independent assurance across its Android and iOS apps and their backend APIs before a major release. We ran static and dynamic analysis, tested the APIs, exploited the confirmed findings to prove impact on user data, and retested after remediation to confirm closure. Named client references are available under NDA on request.
Who leads your engagement
Your engagement is led by senior mobile security testers — who do the manual, platform-specific testing that automated scans miss. Every finding passes independent quality review before the report reaches you. We introduce your named lead on the first call.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Mobile Application Security Testing?
Mobile application security testing is a structured process to find vulnerabilities in Android and iOS applications before attackers exploit them.
Why is Mobile Application Security Testing important?
It protects sensitive user data, prevents breaches, supports compliance and strengthens your overall mobile security posture.
Do you test both Android and iOS applications?
Yes. CyberSigma tests both Android and iOS applications.
How often should we conduct Mobile Application Security Testing?
We recommend testing before launch, after major updates and at least once a year.
What vulnerabilities do you typically identify?
We detect insecure data storage, weak authentication, API flaws, encryption issues and session management weaknesses.
How long does Mobile Application Security Testing take?
The timeline depends on application complexity, features and integrations, and typically runs from one to three weeks.
Do you follow any security standards?
Yes. CyberSigma aligns testing with the OWASP Mobile Top 10 and recognised practice.
What deliverables will we receive?
You receive a detailed technical report, an executive summary, risk ratings and remediation guidance.
Do you provide retesting after fixes?
Yes. We validate remediation through structured retesting.
Can you test mobile payment applications?
Yes. We test high-risk financial and payment applications.
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