In today’s mobile-first economy, mobile applications are trusted with sensitive personal, financial, and business data. A single vulnerability can result in data leaks, financial loss, legal consequences, or reputational damage.
With millions of apps available across Android and iOS platforms, ensuring robust mobile app security through systematic testing is no longer optional — it’s a necessity.
In this guide, we’ll explore mobile app security testing techniques, key tools, common threats, and best practices to protect your app and users in 2025 and beyond.
What is Mobile App Security Testing?
Mobile app security testing is the process of identifying, analyzing, and fixing vulnerabilities in a mobile application. It ensures secure data storage, authentication, API communication, and runtime behaviour.
Security testing includes:
- SAST (Static Application Security Testing) – checks source/binary code
- DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) – tests running apps
- Manual techniques like threat modelling, reverse engineering, and penetration testing
Top Security Risks in Mobile Applications (2025)
Based on the OWASP Mobile Top 10 and global trends, common mobile threats include: ** and global trends, common mobile threats include:
- Insecure Data Storage
- Hardcoded Keys or Weak Encryption
- Insecure API Calls (HTTP instead of HTTPS)
- Poor Authentication and Session Management
- Deep Linking Vulnerabilities
- Debuggable Code in Production
- Excessive Permissions
- Reverse Engineering & Code Tampering
How to Test Mobile App Security: Step-by-Step Process
1. Threat Modeling
- Identify assets, data flows, and attack vectors
- Assess potential risks for each component (e.g., login, API, token)
2. Static Code Analysis (SAST)
- Analyze source or compiled code for vulnerabilities
- Detect insecure patterns, hardcoded credentials, exposed APIs
Tools: MobSF, SonarQube, QARK
3. Dynamic Analysis (DAST)
- Test app behaviour during runtime
- Monitor API traffic, insecure redirects, token/session handling
Tools: OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, Frida
4. Authentication & Session Testing
- Verify:
- MFA implementation
- Token expiration and renewal
- Secure login/logout flows
- Session timeout handling
5. Secure Data Storage Validation
- Ensure:
- No sensitive data stored in plaintext
- Use of encrypted storage (Keychain, Keystore, Encrypted SQLite)
- Tokens not stored in SharedPrefs or NSUserDefaults
6. API Security Testing
Confirm:
- HTTPS-only communication
- No overexposed API responses
- Strong token handling and JWT validation
Tools: Postman, OWASP API Security Suite
7. Reverse Engineering & Tamper Resistance
- Try decompiling APK/IPA files
- Check if business logic, tokens, or keys can be accessed
- Use code obfuscation and anti-debugging techniques
Tools: APKTool, JADX, Hopper, ProGuard (defense)
Top Tools for Mobile App Security Testing in 2025
| Tool | Purpose | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| MobSF | All-in-one static/dynamic scanner | Android & iOS |
| QARK | Static analysis (open source) | Android |
| OWASP ZAP | Web/API vulnerability scanning | Android/iOS backend |
| Frida | Runtime instrumentation | Android & iOS |
| Burp Suite | Proxy-based network/API testing | Android/iOS backend |
| Postman | API testing | All platforms |
| SonarQube | Code quality and security scanning | Android/iOS backend |
| APKTool | APK decompilation and analysis | Android |
Best Practices for Secure Mobile QA
- Implement MFA & secure login flows Encrypt all sensitive data at rest and in transit Request only necessary permissions Run SAST
- DAST scans on every CI build Test on rooted/jailbroken devices for real-world risk coverage Stay updated with OWASP Mobile Top 10
Use Case: Fintech App Security Testing (UK Market)
- Tools used: MobSF, Burp Suite, Postman, OWASP ZAP
- Fixed 22 vulnerabilities before release
- Passed GDPR compliance and external audit
- Implemented 100% token encryption and session timeout rules in CI pipelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is mobile app security testing only for fintech or healthcare?
A: No. Any app handling personal data, payments, or business logic should be security-tested.
Q2: How often should mobile security tests be run?
A: Ideally, with every release cycle — integrated into your CI/CD workflows.
Q3: Can I test app security without source code access?
A: Yes. Tools like OWASP ZAP and Frida enable dynamic testing without source access.
Q4: Do Google Play and Apple App Store perform security checks?
A: They perform basic reviews, but the developer or QA team is responsible for deeper vulnerability analysis.
Conclusion: Make Mobile Security a QA Priority
In a connected and mobile-first world, security testing must be a core QA responsibility. From secure APIs to encrypted data and resilient authentication flows, a proactive approach to mobile security protects users, businesses, and reputations.
At Testriq QA Lab LLP, we integrate security testing into every mobile QA workflow — from manual testing and automation to compliance audits.