Mobile app security is one of the key concerns for developers. With the growing number of threats and malware, it is important to conduct robust security testing before launching mobile applications. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the importance of mobile app security testing and the different types of security testing techniques that need to be followed.

Why mobile app security testing is important?

The world is now moving towards mobile, and the number of mobile app downloads are increasing day by day. Users store their sensitive data on their mobile phones and often use mobile apps to perform various tasks, including online banking, shopping, and healthcare. Therefore, mobile app security testing plays a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities, risks and ensuring a secure environment for the users.

Different types of Mobile App Security Testing

There are several types of mobile app security testing techniques, and we'll discuss some of the commonly used methods below:

Vulnerability Scanning

Vulnerability scanning is a basic security testing technique that identifies the vulnerabilities present in the application. The technique involves scanning the code of the application to find potential security issues. This type of testing shows the low-hanging fruits, the most common and basic vulnerabilities that may exist in the application.

Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is a process that involves simulating a malicious attack on the application. The tester tries to find and exploit vulnerabilities in the application to identify its weaknesses. The primary goal of penetration testing is to improve the security of the application by identifying potential attack vectors and vulnerabilities within the codebase.

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

SAST is a testing technique that examines the source code of the application to identify security vulnerabilities. It involves analyzing the code statically without running the application. SAST checks for security issues in the application codebase such as improper input validation, SQL injection, and file inclusion vulnerabilities.

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

DAST, on the other hand, is a testing technique that investigates the security of the application in a running state. This technique requires the application to be deployed on the server to test its security. DAST is an effective approach to identify underlying vulnerabilities in the application.

FAQs

What is the best time to start mobile app security testing?

Mobile app security testing should start at the very beginning of the development process. It helps to identify and address vulnerabilities at the early stage of development, reducing the chance of high-risk vulnerabilities being discovered later in the process.

How frequently should mobile app security testing be done?

Mobile app security testing should be done regularly, not just once during the development process. Regular testing ensures that the application is free of any vulnerabilities that may have been introduced by new updates or functionalities.

Is free testing tools enough for mobile app security testing?

Free testing tools can offer basic security testing features. However, they may not be enough to detect complex vulnerabilities or security threats. It is advisable to invest in a reliable and comprehensive security testing tool to ensure the application's security.

What happens if a mobile app fails the security test?

If an application fails a security test, developers need to identify the vulnerabilities, fix them, and test again until all the issues are resolved. Skipping this step or launching an application that fails a security test can pose a serious risk to the application and its users.