Best Mobile App Security Testing Tools (Tested 2026)

By Vijay

By Vijay

I'm Vijay, and I've been working on this blog for the past 20+ years! I’ve been in the IT industry for more than 20 years now. I completed my graduation in B.E. Computer Science from a reputed Pune university and then started my career in…

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Updated September 14, 2026

Here is the list of the best mobile app security testing tools that are used for Android and iOS applications. These are tested and are free, open-source, static, dynamic, runtime, and MAST security testing tools available.

Mobile applications manage sensitive information including personal information, credentials, and payments, and it is important to conduct security testing of applications on Android and iOS platforms.

Mobile application security testing will help you find possible vulnerabilities in your application, APIs, data storage, authentication process, and communication with the server.

In this article, you can learn about the best mobile app security testing tools, their advantages, capabilities, and how to use them..

Mobile APP Security Testing Tool

Recommended reading =>> Top Tools For Application Security Testing

What Are the Best Mobile App Security Testing Tools in 2026?

In 2026, some of the most useful mobile application security testing solutions are MobSF, NowSecure, AppKnox, ImmuniWeb MobileSuite, Data Theorem, and others. It is up to you what tool you select based on the requirements that may vary from free static testing to CI/CD integration, etc.

Recommended reading =>> Best Cell Phone Tracker Apps

What Is Mobile App Security Testing?

Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) is the practice of checking an application for security risks, coding errors, and potential security threats before any malicious actors exploit these weaknesses. MAST requires testing of the client side code, runtime operation on physical or virtualized device platforms, local storage of data, and secure network communication with the back end API services.

There are various reasons to say why mobile app security testing is important. A few of them are – To prevent fraud attacks on the mobile app, virus or malware infection of the mobile app, to prevent security breaches, etc.

Mobile Application Security Testing includes authentication, authorization, data security, vulnerabilities for hacking, session management, etc.

=>> Contact us to suggest a listing here.

Best Mobile App Security Testing Tools (Tested in 2026)

Enlisted below are the most popular Mobile App Security Testing tools that are used worldwide.

  1. Quokka
  2. Zed Attack Proxy
  3. Zimperium zScan 
  4. NowSecure
  5. AppKnox
  6. Data Theorem
  7. Drozer
  8. Oversecured
  9. Synopsys
  10. Veracode
  11. Mobile Security Framework (MobSF)
  12. ImmuniWeb® MobileSuite
  13. Astra

Let’s learn more about the top Mobile Application Security Testing Tools.

#1) Quokka

Quokka Mobile APP Security Testing Tools

Q-mast is Quokka’s automated mobile app security testing solution built for teams that need deep visibility, operational speed, and strong compliance across both in-house and/or third-party mobile apps. Q-mast is purpose-built to integrate seamlessly into app development workflows—identifying security, privacy, and compliance risks before mobile apps are released. 

Q-mast performs full-spectrum testing across the mobile software development lifecycle, covering static, dynamic, and interactive analysis, even in obfuscated or binary-only builds. The solution generates a complete, version-specific software bill of materials (SBOM), including embedded libraries, to surface vulnerable components and dependencies with pinpoint accuracy. 

Key Features: 

  • Automated scanning in minutes, no source code needed
  • Analysis of compiled app binary, regardless of in-app or run-time obfuscations
  • Precise SBOM generation and analysis for vulnerability reporting to specific library version, including embedded libraries
  • Comprehensive static (SAST), dynamic (DAST), interactive (IAST) and forced-path execution app analysis
  • Malicious behavior profiling, including app collusion
  • Checks against privacy & security standards: NIAP, NIST, MASVS

#2) Zed Attack Proxy

Zed Attack Proxy

Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) is designed in a simple and easy-to-use manner. Earlier it was used only for web applications to find the vulnerabilities but currently, it is widely used by all the testers for mobile application security testing.

ZAP supports sending malicious messages, hence it is easier for the testers to test the security of the mobile apps. This type of testing is possible by sending any request or file through a malicious message and testing that if a mobile app is vulnerable to the malicious message or not.

Suggested reading =>> OWASP ZAP Competitors Review

Key Features:

  • World’s most popular open-source security testing tool.
  • ZAP is actively maintained by hundreds of international volunteers.
  • It is very easy to install.
  • ZAP is available in 20 different languages.
  • It is an international community-based tool that provides support and includes active development by international volunteers.
  • It is also a great tool for manual security testing.

Visit the official site: Zed Attack Proxy


#3) Zimperium zScan 

image 106 Mobile APP Security Testing Tools

The zScan mobile app security testing tool from Zimperium is an efficient solution for binary analysis of pre-release mobile applications and runtime protection. The software scans mobile applications at build time to detect security risks, vulnerabilities, and privacy violations.

As part of the Mobile Application Protection Suite (MAPS) by Zimperium, zScan provides security teams with information about threat vectors that may target unreleased applications.

Thus, zScan helps ensure that the application is resilient against reverse engineering, modification, and data theft.

Key Features:

  • Full-fledged Binary SAST/DAST: Reveals hardcoded credentials, weak encryption, and improper use of APIs.
  • MASVS and Privacy Framework Analysis: Ensures compliance with standards of OWASP, GDPR, and CCPA.
  • Code Obfuscation and Anti-Tampering Assessment: Detects if the application code is resilient to reverse engineering.
  • Integration with Threat Modeling: Inclusion of build-time vulnerabilities to Zimperium’s runtime protection system.
  • Remediation Insights: Offers detailed developer guidance for addressing the issues.

Visit the official site: Zimperium


#4) NowSecure

image 107 Mobile APP Security Testing Tools

NowSecure offers automated security testing (DAST/SAST/IAST) tailored explicitly for iOS and Android apps. NowSecure is directly integrated into the DevOps pipeline and CI/CD toolchain to uncover vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and privacy issues in mobile binaries before the final release.

Through the analysis of compiled mobile applications without the need for source code, NowSecure assists engineering and security teams with maintaining compliance with various industry standards including OWASP MASVS.

The automated engine identifies critical vulnerabilities, hardcoded credentials, and other security flaws within minutes..

Key Features:

  • Automated binary analysis: Dynamic and static security testing on compiled iOS and Android binaries.
  • OWASP MASVS Compliance: Automatic comparison to the mobile application security standards and guidelines.
  • Integration into CI/CD pipelines: Directly plugs into popular CI/CD tools including Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab, and Bitbucket.
  • APISec Interactive Testing: Comprehensive testing of backend API endpoints used by mobile applications.

Visit the official site: NowSecure


#5) AppKnox

image 109 Mobile APP Security Testing Tools

AppKnox provides the mobile application security testing solution for enterprises which can automatically conduct security scans like SAST, DAST and API scanning.

AppKnox is built keeping in mind the rapid development cycle and the detection of any vulnerabilities present in the system.

It offers a combination of automated scanners and human ethical hackers for penetration testing. Thus, it gives companies the ability to maintain regulatory compliance and reduce the number of false positives in highly complex mobile systems..

Key Features:

  • Hybrid Testing Solution: Consists of automated SAST/DAST scans with the option of manual penetration testing.
  • Real-Device DAST: Carries out the dynamic security tests on real devices and not emulators.
  • API Security Testing: Finds potential flaws, broken authentication, and data leakage in mobile APIs.
  • Continuous Regulatory Monitoring: Enables the organization to comply with ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA standards.

Visit the official site: Appknox


#6) Data Theorem

image 110 Mobile APP Security Testing Tools

The focus of Data Theorem is on Continuous Application Security and Analysis of APIs in relation to mobile, web and cloud applications. The company’s Mobile Secure tool performs continuous scanning of mobile binary files to detect security vulnerabilities, data privacy leaks and unwanted third-party SDKs behavior.

Working with continuous discovery methodology, Data Theorem detects changes in apps in an automated way, thus not requiring any triggers for tests initiation. It offers root cause analysis and automated code fixes to the developers of mobile applications.

Key Features:

  • Continuous Automated Scanning: Performs continuous analysis of mobile applications in public app stores and pre-release builds.
  • Third-Party SDK Assessment: Reviews included open source and commercial SDKs for potential data privacy and security risks.
  • Auto-Remediation Recommendations: Provides suggestions for automatic code patches for development teams.
  • Full-Stack Analysis: Analyzes mobile front ends, cloud assets and connected APIs simultaneously..

Visit the official site: datatheorem


#7) Drozer

MWR

MWR InfoSecurity is a Cyber Security consultancy and was launched in 2003. Now it has offices across the globe at the US, UK, Singapore, and South Africa. It is the fastest-growing company that provides cybersecurity services. It provides a solution in different areas like mobile security, security research, etc., to all its clients spread across the world.

MWR InfoSecurity works with clients to deliver security programs. Drozer is a mobile app security testing framework developed by MWR InfoSecurity. It identifies the security vulnerabilities in the mobile apps and devices and ensures that the Android devices, mobile apps, etc., are secure to use.

Drozer takes less time to assess the android security-related issues by automating the complex and time taking activities.

Key Features:

  • Drozer is an open-source tool.
  • Drozer supports both actual Android devices and emulators for security testing.
  • It only supports the Android platform.
  • Executes Java-enabled code on the device itself.
  • It provides solutions in all areas of cybersecurity.
  • Drozer support can be extended to find and exploit hidden weaknesses.
  • It discovers and interacts with the threat area in an Android app.

Visit the official site: https://labs.mwrinfosecurity.com/tools/drozer


#8) Oversecured

image 111 Mobile APP Security Testing Tools

“Oversecured” is an automated security scanner used exclusively for iOS and Android applications. This security tool makes extensive use of deep binary analysis in order to detect zero-day vulnerabilities and complex logic errors that escape detection of general-purpose SAST solutions.

With its easy integration with CI systems, Oversecured allows developers to perform automatic scanning with each code commit. Special engine of Oversecured analyzes complex data flows within app components to detect memory leaks, insecure inter-process communication, and credentials exposure.

Key Features:

  • Deep Android & iOS SAST/DAST: Finds platform-specific vulnerabilities in Kotlin, Java, Swift, Objective-C binaries.
  • IPC & Components Security: Finds misconfigured intent filters, exported services, and URL schemes in Android apps and iOS apps respectively.
  • Zero-Day Vulnerability Engine: Frequently updated rule set that targets the newest mobile exploits.
  • No Source Code Needed: Analyzes compiled .apk, .aab, and .ipa files directly.
  • DevSecOps Integration: Native integrations with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, custom webhooks..

Visit the official site: oversecured


#9) Synopsys

Synopsys

Synopsys Technology is a US-based Software Company that was launched in 1986 and is based out of California, United States. It has a current employee headcount of around 11,000 and a revenue of around $2.6 billion as of the financial year 2016. It has offices worldwide, spread across different countries in the US, Europe, Middle-East, etc.

Synopsys provides a comprehensive solution for mobile app security testing. This solution identifies the potential risk in the mobile app and ensures that the mobile app is secure to use. There are various issues related to mobile app security, so using static and dynamic tools, Synopsys has developed a customized mobile app security testing suite.

Key Features:

  • Combine multiple tools to get the most comprehensive solution for mobile app security testing.
  • Focuses on delivering security defect-free software into the production environment.
  • Synopsys helps to improve quality and reduces costs.
  • Eliminates security vulnerabilities from the server-side applications and from APIs.
  • It tests vulnerabilities using embedded software.
  • Static and Dynamic analysis tools are used during mobile app security testing.

Visit the official site: https://www.synopsys.com/software-integrity/security-testing/mobile-application-security-testing.html


#10) Veracode

Veracode

Veracode is a Software Company based out of Massachusetts, United States, and was established in 2006. It has a total employee headcount of around 1,000 and revenue of $30 million. In the year 2017, CA Technologies acquired Veracode.

Veracode is providing services for application security to its worldwide customers. Using automated cloud-based service, Veracode provides services for web and mobile application security. Veracode’s Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) solution identifies the security loopholes in the mobile app and suggests immediate action to perform the resolution.

Key Features:

  • It is easy to use and provides accurate security testing results.
  • Security tests are performed based on the application. Finance and healthcare applications are tested in-depth while the simple web application is tested with a simple scan.
  • In-depth testing is performed using complete coverage of mobile app use cases.
  • Veracode Static Analysis provides a fast and accurate code review result.
  • Under a single platform, it provides multiple security analysis which includes static, dynamic, and mobile app behavioral analysis.

Visit the official site: https://www.veracode.com/solutions/by-need/mobile-application-security-testing


#11) Mobile Security Framework (MobSF)

MobSF

Mobile Security Framework (MobSF) is an automated security testing framework for Android, iOS, and Windows platforms. It performs static and dynamic analysis for mobile app security testing.

Most of the mobile apps use web services, which may have security loophole. MobSF addresses the security-related issues with web services.

Key Features:

  • It is an open-source tool for mobile app security testing.
  • Mobile app testing environment can be easily set up using MobSF.
  • MobSF is hosted in a local environment, so sensitive data never interacts with the cloud.
  • Faster security analysis for mobile apps on all three platforms (Android, iOS, Windows).
  • MobSF supports both binary and Zipped source code.
  • It supports Web API security testing using API Fuzzer.
  • Developers can identify security vulnerabilities during the development phase.

Visit the official site: https://github.com/MobSF/Mobile-Security-Framework-MobSF


#12) ImmuniWeb® MobileSuite

logo-immuniweb

ImmuniWeb® MobileSuite offers a unique combination of mobile app and its backend testing in a consolidated offer. It comprehensibly covers Mobile OWASP Top 10 for the mobile app SANS Top 25 and PCI DSS 6.5.1-10 for the backend. It comes with flexible, pay-as-you-go packages equipped with a zero false-positives SLA and a money-back guarantee for one single false-positive!

Key Features:

  • Mobile app and backend testing.
  • Zero false-positive SLA.
  • PCI DSS and GDPR compliances.
  • CVE, CWE, and CVSSv3 scores.
  • Actionable remediation guidelines.
  • SDLC and CI/CD tools integration.
  • One-click virtual patching via WAF.
  • 24/7 Access to security analysts.

ImmuniWeb® MobileSuite offers a free online mobile scanner for developers and SMEs, to detect privacy issues, verify application permissions, and run holistic DAST/SAST testing for OWASP Mobile Top 10.


#13) Astra

Astra Logo

Astra pentest is a hacker-style mobile app security testing tool that emulates hacker behavior to find critical vulnerabilities in the mobile app proactively. The platform provides round-the-clock security testing services to assess internet-facing assets to detect vulnerabilities. Our cybersecurity solutions blend automation and manual pentest to run 8000+ tests and compliance checks, scanning for CVEs, based on OWASP top 10, SANS 25 & other standards.

Key Features:

  • Better security coverage for web and mobile applications, cloud infrastructure, networks, and APIs.
  • Detection and remediation of vulnerabilities and security gaps of varying criticality.
  • Maintenance of compliance with regulatory requirements like HIPAA, SOC2, PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, and GDPR.
  • Generate comprehensive test cases powered by AI for business logic to enhance security testing coverage.
  • Shift from DevOps to DevSecOps to prioritize security testing applications in SDLC.
  • AI-powered conversational chatbot provides engineers with contextual remediation insights
  • Automate scans to check for vulnerabilities whenever you release new code

Mobile App Security Tools Comparison Matrix

The following table gives a comparison matrix of six mobile security testing tools based on their technology architecture, testing capabilities, and primary use cases.

ToolPlatform SupportSASTDAST / RuntimeAPI TestingOWASP MASVS CoverageOpen Source EcosystemBest For
NowSecureCloud / On-Premise / HardwareYesYes (Real Devices)YesFull (Active contributor to standards)High (Maintains Frida, Radare2)Deep mobile-native analysis & DevSecOps integration
AppKnoxCloud / On-PremiseYesYes (Real Devices)YesFullLow (Proprietary engine)Enterprise hybrid testing (Automated + Pen Testing)
Data TheoremCloudYesYes (Continuous Store/Build)YesFullModerate (Maintains TrustKit SDK)Continuous SDK auditing & full-stack API security
ImmuniWebCloudYesYesYes (Server-side)FullLow (Proprietary AI Engine)Zero false-positive SLAs & dark web risk tracking
OversecuredCloud / On-PremiseYesYesLimitedFullLow (Proprietary static/dynamic rules)Finding deep OS-specific flaws (Android/iOS binaries)
Zimperium zScanCloud / On-PremiseYesYesYesFullModerate (Open-source CI/CD plugins)Pre-release binary security & anti-tampering verification

Best Free and Open-Source Mobile Security Testing Tools

Open source MAST (mobile application security testing) tools are what underpin today’s mobile penetration testing operations and DevSecOps pipelines.

Nonetheless, unlike commercial tools, open source tools necessitate manual configuration, filtering of false positives, and well-defined operational limits.

Core Open-Source Mobile Security Toolkit

ToolCore CategoryPlatform SupportPrimary Use CaseCritical Caveat / Operational Limit
MobSF (Mobile Security Framework)Automated All-in-One (SAST / DAST / Malware Analysis)Android, iOS, WindowsAll-in-one automated binary scanning (.apk, .ipa) and manifest auditingFalse Positive Rate: This method is pattern-based and requires manual classification of false positives and managing infrastructure on your own.
FridaDynamic Instrumentation ToolkitAndroid, iOS, macOS, WindowsRuntime hooking, bypassing SSL pinning, tracing API calls, and memory inspectionLearning Curve: Needs programming of hooks using JavaScript and knowledge about how the mobile operating system works.
Objection (Powered by Frida)Runtime Security ExplorationAndroid, iOSMobile threat exploration without full source code or complex hook scriptingSetup Inconvenience: Needs root access to Android devices/emulators or to iOS jailbreak.
OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy)DAST / API Security TestingPlatform Agnostic (Network/API Layer)Intercepting, modifying, and scanning mobile HTTP/HTTPS traffic and backend APIsNot Made for Mobiles: Analyzes API payloads and network requests, but not the actual client side code, binary protection mechanisms, or the storage.
JADX / APKToolReverse Engineering & DecompilationAndroidReconstructing Android source code (.dex to Java/Kotlin) and decoding .xml assetsOnly for Android: Doesn’t decompile iOS executables (.ipa files), because of advanced application obfuscation techniques used by commercial solutions (like DexGuard).

How We Evaluated These Mobile Security Testing Tools

To make a proper evaluation of different Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) tools, the tool must be evaluated based on the five criteria that are important for the enterprise mobile engineering environment and DevSecOps.

Key Operational Criteria

Compliance to OWASP MASVS

  • The ability of the tool to check the requirements of OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) (data storage, cryptography, authentication, communication, and code protection).
  • Depth of analysis (SAST vs. DAST testing execution)
  • SAST: The ability to do static analysis of source code and binaries (apk, aab, ipa) and detect vulnerabilities for each platform (interprocess communications, hardcoded secrets).
  • DAST & Runtime: The ability to test application on actual mobile devices and not on emulators (memory allocation, SSL pinning, anti-tampering).

DevSecOps and Pipeline Integration: The readiness of native integration and web hooks within current CI/CD platforms (including GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins, and Bitbucket) to support automated gating and security testing during an early stage.

API and Third Party SDK Analysis: The capability of the platform to determine whether there is a data leak of sensitive data from network payloads, backend services, and third party SDKs (open source or proprietary).

False Positives and Developer Experience: The amount of information that is actionable by the developer through the platform (code samples, stack traces, and the creation of Jira or Azure DevOps tickets).

Hands-On Assessment Framework

Assessment PhasePrimary Testing ObjectiveKey Deliverables Evaluated
1. Static Binary AuditTesting of binary code of the application without source codeSpeed of discovery of hard-coded credentials, weak cryptography, and exposure of intent filter
2. Dynamic Device ExecutionExecuting automated test flows in actual test environmentData-at-rest, data-in-transit security (TLS/MitM attack), and memory leak test cases
3. API & Backend AnalysisCapturing client-server communication payload during run timeDetection of Broken Object-Level Authorization (BOLA) and parameter insecurity on the endpoint
4. Remediation UsabilityAnalyzing bug reports generatedCreated process to assist developers to fix vulnerabilities and mapping of issues in Jira

How to Choose a Mobile App Security Testing Tool

In choosing the appropriate MAST tool that fits you, it is crucial that you go beyond the generic lists of features given by vendor and think about how the platform will suit you based on your technical environment, regulatory considerations, and development style.

The following criteria should be applied when choosing the appropriate MAST tool for you.

Step 1: Establish Key Criteria

Prior to assessing the vendor, it would be wise to establish the key criteria that are important for the operational profile of your team:

  • Fintech / Healthcare / Enterprise: Security compliance reporting (OWASP MASVS, PCI-DSS, HIPAA); On-premises / very strict data residency isolation.
  • Sprints & Fast Delivery Teams: Consider CI/CD integration, low false positives, and developer fixes.
  • Cross-Platform Application (React Native / Flutter): Consider native binary analysis and cross-platform bridge (JavaScript / Dart execution).

Step 2: Evaluation based on Key Criteria for AppSec Platform Selection

Evaluate potential platforms on the basis of the following criteria:

1. Scope of Testing (SAST, DAST, API)

  • Binary/Source Code SAST: Is the scanning done in compiled binaries (apk, aab, ipa) or the whole source code must be available? It’s usual practice, as compiled binary is a true representation of an application which will be deployed.
  • Real Device DAST: Is the dynamic testing run on physical devices or in a simple emulator? It is expected that the tool will have capability to bypass typical roadblocks like automated login page, 2FA and biometric security features.
  • API/Third Party SDK Analysis: Is it possible to intercept background traffic, do a test of back-end connections (BOLA/vulnerability testing) and detect data leakage due to commercial SDKs?

Step 3. Compliance Mapping (OWASP MASVS)

  • Check whether the tool can map its results to the OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) and Mobile Application Security Testing Guide (MASTG).
  • Try to find out if 1-click exportable compliance-based audit reports are available for regulatory agencies (like PCI-DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, or NIAP).

Step 4. Pipeline Integration and Developer-Friendly

  • Build-Gate Automation: Ensure there is inbuilt support for CI/CD automation plugins or CLI tools where the build-gate automation can be done by the severity level of vulnerabilities.
  • Ticketing System: Does the scanner create tickets automatically with stack traces, locations of root cause of vulnerabilities, and detailed remediation steps?
  • False-Positives: The high number of false-positives will lead to delays in releasing a product and may result in alert fatigue. Does the scanner provide proof-of-concept exploit of vulnerabilities?

Step 5: Conduct a Hands-on Evaluation (POC)

  • Do not choose your tool based on the decks. Get a trial and perform the following 4 steps of the proof-of-concept (POC):
  • Scan Your Worst Build: Direct the scanner towards your most complicated production or staging binary (or vulnerable application).
  • Determine Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Determine how many of the flagged items turned out to be security vulnerabilities and how many were just false positives.
  • Evaluate Developer’s Ability to Use Findings: Give the results of the scan to the lead developer and see if he can comprehend the problem and fix it using the information provided.
  • Evaluate CI/CD Break Build Rules: Connect the tool to the test repository and initiate an automatic scan for a pull request.

Red Flags in Vendor Selection

Pricing Models Based On Scanning: Scan pricing models do not benefit from continuous integration as it needs repeated scans. Use fixed rate subscription models.

Platform Specific Features: Beware of vendors having full testing capabilities for one platform while doing pattern matching on the other.

Flags in Black Box Rule Sets: Stay away from tools where there is no way for you to adjust or turn off rule sets.

FAQ about Mobile App Security Testing Tools

What are the best free mobile app security testing tools?

• MobSF (Mobile Security Framework): The framework performs automated testing of Android (.apk), iOS (.ipa), and Windows binaries with the help of static (SAST), dynamic (DAST), and malware analysis.
• Frida & Objection: Dynamic instrumentation tools used to hook at runtime, analyze memory space and bypass such security measures as SSL pinning and root/jailbreak detection.
• OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy): The application is a proxy tool which enables developers to intercept and manipulate HTTPS requests sent between the application and the backend server.
• JADX & APKTool: These are decompilers which reverse engineer an app to its original source code in case of Android platform

Is MobSF enough for mobile app security testing?

However, MobSF is a highly essential tool for doing automated static analysis such as searching for hardcoded secrets, configurations, permissions, and common code, but it will never be a replacement for manual testing of security aspects. MobSF generates some false positives that have to be manually analyzed. In addition, it is not possible to simulate some business logic attacks using this tool.

What is the difference between SAST and DAST for mobile apps?

SAST (Static Application Security Testing): Analysis of the code of mobile app or its compiled binary. The analysis aims to detect hardcoded API keys, insecure API usage, insecure dependencies, and manifest configurations.
 DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing): Inspection of the mobile app when it is actually launched on a device or an emulator. The technique detects live memory leaks, inspection of file system where insecure data can be stored, runtime resistance test (root detection, etc.), and inspection of network activity.

What is OWASP MASVS in mobile security testing?

What does the term ‘OWASP MASVS’ mean in mobile security testing?
The OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) is the de facto industry standard for mobile application security requirements. The MASVS defines 8 security control areas:
• MASVS-STORAGE: Protection of data at rest.
• MASVS-CRYPTO: Cryptographic keys and algorithms.
• MASVS-AUTH: Authentication & sessions.
• MASVS-NETWORK: Data encryption in transit.
• MASVS-PLATFORM: Safe interaction with the mobile operating system.
• MASVS-CODE: Code quality & validation.
• MASVS-RESILIENCE: Anti-tampering and anti-debugging.
• MASVS-PRIVACY: Privacy controls.

Should mobile apps be tested for API security?

Absolutely. The mobile application serves the role of a client frontend mainly, wherein the most important data processing and business logic happens remotely through backend servers. Testing the client code alone will leave the backend endpoints open to the threats of Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA), mass assignment flaws, SQL injection attacks, and bypassing of rate-limits.

How often should mobile applications be security tested?

• Automated Scans (SAST): Executed automatically in the CI/CD pipeline for each commit or build pull request in order to prevent easily exploitable vulnerabilities.
• Dynamic Scans and API Fuzzing: Executed either nightly or weekly on the staging builds.
• Manual Penetration Test: Done either quarterly or before any major release and also after any major changes in architecture or features.

Conclusion

Through this article, we learned about the various Mobile APP Security Testing Tools available in the market.

Suggested reading =>> Best Dynamic Application Security Testing Tools

It is always important for the testers to elite security testing tools according to the nature and requirements of each mobile application.

=>> Contact us to suggest a listing here.

In our next article, we will discuss more on Mobile Testing Tools (Android and iOS Automation Tools).

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