5 Things You Should Know About Mobile App Security Testing (2022)

What Is Mobile App Security Testing In 2022?

Mobile app security testing protects user data from cyber criminals. Mobile application security testing assesses the source code within an application, the operating system it is deployed on, and analyzes if there are any vulnerabilities that could be exploited within this application. Mobile app developers choose from a variety of security options when building the code to support their apps. In addition to mobile app security testing, developers include security verification techniques that cannot be easily bypassed by hackers. 

What does mobile app security testing mean?

Application security testing means testing an application to proactively find and mitigate vulnerabilities that can exploited by hackers.

Effective security testing starts with understanding the application’s business purpose, data types, and application processes.A combination of static and dynamic analysis results in an efficient, holistic assessment that is used to find vulnerabilities.

What Security Techniques Exist In Mobile Applications?

Security has always been a top priority for businesses.

It is the main concern of the company. Any company that creates mobile applications guarantees adequate security protection.

According to a survey, more than 75% of mobile apps fail the security test.

Apps available on the Play Store offer less security.

Mobile app security testing requires strong authentication.

Primary authentication factors are something a user uses primarily for security purposes, namely a password or PIN.

In addition to passwords, there are fingerprints or facial recognition to ensure security.

In addition to encryption, IT must confirm that sensitive data is stored on the phone.

Such tests enable foolproof encryption of mobile communications.

Reasons Why Mobile Application Security Testing Crucial For Enterprises

Patch vulnerabilities in applications and operating systems.

Mobile app security techniques protect against device theft and ensure the safety of sensitive data.

Security techniques protect application data on your device.

If you want to save data, make sure the margins are encrypted. Only then does it keep the date of the file or database.

Greater security is guaranteed when you use the latest encryption technology.

The platform must be properly controlled and secured.

Security techniques in mobile applications prevent the risk of data leakage.

Install personal apps on your phone to reduce the risk of data leaks.

A secure mobile app prevents malware from blaming business apps.

It also prevents users from copying and distributing sensitive data.

Mobile Application Security Testing Guidelines

The mobile app security testing guidelines include the following notes.

1) Manual security tests with sample tests:

Testing the security aspect of an application can also be done manually and automatically.

I’ve done both, and I find security testing a bit complex, so it would be better to use automation tools. Manual security tests are not time-consuming.

Before testing your application manually, make sure all of your security-related test cases are ready, verified, and have 100% coverage.

I recommend at least having your project BA review your test cases.

2) Security tests for web services

In addition to functionality, data format, and different methods like GET, POST, PUT, etc., security testing is just as important.

Also, we can both manually and automatically.

When the application is not ready, it is difficult but equally important to test the web services.

And even in the initial phase, when not all web services are ready, I do not recommend to use an automation tool.

So I would suggest getting the help of the developers and letting them create a dummy web page to test the web services.

Once all your web services are up and running, avoid manual testing.

3) Security testing for applications (clients)

It is usually in the actual app to install on your phone. It is advisable to run security tests with more than one user session running parallel.

Application-side testing is not only for the application but also for the specific phone model and operating system features that affect information security.

Based on the above challenges, you can create arrays for your tests.

Also, do a basic round of testing of all use cases on a rooted or jail-broken phone.

Security enhancements vary by OS version, so please test on all supported OS versions.

4) Automation tools

Testers find it daunting to conduct security testing for a mobile app because it targets many devices and operating systems.

Therefore, using tools helps save their precious time, but they can devote their efforts to other users while the tests are running automatically in the background.

Also, make sure there is bandwidth available to learn and use the tool.

Security tools are not necessarily for other tests, so the use of the device is a must and we can approve it by the manager or product owner.

5) Testing for web, native and hybrid applications

Security testing varies for web, native, and hybrid apps because the app code and architecture are completely different for all three types.

Conclusion

Testing mobile app security is a real challenge that requires knowledge and learning.

Compared to desktop apps or web apps, it is huge and complicated.

Therefore, it is very important to think from a hacker’s point of view and then analyze your application.

60% of the effort goes into finding your app’s threat-prone features, and testing becomes a bit easy.