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mobile application penetration testing

Why Mobile Application Penetration Testing is Crucial for Your Business
mobile app security, Penetration Testing

Why Mobile Application Penetration Testing is Crucial for Your Business

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Mobile application penetration testing helps businesses find and fix security flaws that hackers could exploit for their gain. Did you know, that in December 2022 alone, the number of global mobile app cyberattacks was approx. 2.2 million? This number keeps fluctuating, but millions of cyberattacks on mobile apps continue to happen regularly. With technological advancement, attackers are developing new techniques to hack a mobile app and steal valuable information. This is why mobile application penetration testing and cybersecurity are now a must for all things digital, especially for mobile apps, since they store sensitive user data and often handle transactions. This blog is going to discuss mobile app penetration testing, what it is, and how it is the secret weapon to keep the apps safe from cyber threats. What is Mobile Application Penetration Testing? Penetration Testing in Mobile Applications is conducted to analyze the security of mobile apps and their resilience against cyberattacks. The Google Play and Apple Store combined have nearly 6 million apps. To protect these apps from getting hacked, app manufacturers need regular security testing, in this case, penetration testing. In pen tests, the testers, also referred to as “ethical hackers” simulate real-world attacks on the mobile app to identify security vulnerabilities. They even suggest methods to fix the found vulnerabilities. They examine the app’s code, network communications, and server interactions to identify weak points. Penetration testers use various tools and techniques to break into the app just like a hacker would and conduct the tests. They check for security issues like code, network communications, and server interactions to identify weak points. The main goal of mobile app penetration testing is to ensure the app is secure and to protect user data from breaches. Key Benefits of Mobile Application Penetration Testing Penetration testing not only enhances the security of the apps but also indirectly increases revenue. There are plenty of benefits to conducting mobile application security testing, such as: 1. Identify Vulnerabilities Early Penetration testing helps detect security flaws in mobile apps, such as coding errors, insecure data storage, and weak authentication mechanisms. This allows developers to address these specific issues before hackers exploit them. 2. Enhance App Security By simulating real-world attacks, mobile penetration testing reveals the app’s security weaknesses. Developers can then implement the necessary security measures, making the app strong enough to prevent real hacking attempts. 3. Protect User Data Mobile apps usually store sensitive user information like personal details, credit card info, and login credentials. mobile application penetration testing services help keep this data secure and ensure it is protected from unauthorized access and breaches. 4. Compliance With Regulations Many industries, such as healthcare and finance require apps to comply with strict data protection standards. Penetration testing ensures the app meets regulatory requirements, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Explore more about compliance here!  5. Improve User Trust Users are more likely to trust apps that offer security. with regular mobile app penetration testing and addressing vulnerabilities, app manufacturers can assure users that their data is safe. As a result, it enhances user trust and retention. 6. Reduce Cost By identifying and remediating security issues early through mobile application security testing, you can prevent costly data breaches. Additionally, you can minimize potential financial and reputational damage, and save money in the long run. OS-Specific Mobile Application Penetration Testing There are basically two main operating systems (OS) that rule the mobile app industry i.e. Android and iOS. Each has its own specific set of security rules and requires niche testing. Android Penetration Testing iOS Penetration Testing How to do Security Testing for Mobile Applications? Mobile application security testing or penetration testing is usually done by third-party service providers with expert “ethical hackers”. It is usually conducted in eight critical steps, such as: Would you like to see a real mobile app pen test report? Click on the link below and download it immediately.   Latest Penetration Testing Report Download Challenges in Mobile Apps Penetration Testing Due to the increasing number of mobile-OS-browser combinations, there are several challenges for testers to be on top of their game. Some common mobile application penetration testing challenges include: 1. Device Fragmentation Different mobile devices have different screen sizes, OS, and hardware configurations. This diversity makes it challenging to ensure that the app runs securely across all possible devices and requires extensive testing on multiple platforms. 2. Updated Device Models Every other year a new model of a mobile device is released, each with updated software and hardware features. As penetration testers, it is challenging to keep up with these updates and also adapt their testing strategies to potential new vulnerabilities. Vulnerability Assessment plays an important role in identifying and addressing these evolving threats. 3. Testing Mobile App on Staging Staging environments are usually different from production environments, leading to multiple security issues. It can be challenging to ensure that the app behaves equally in both environments. Also, the vulnerabilities found in the staging might not relate to real-world conditions accurately. 4. Mobile Network Bandwidth Issues Mobile apps operate on various networks, such as 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi. It is crucial to test the apps under different bandwidth conditions to identify network-related vulnerabilities. Additionally, it can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. 5. Real User Condition Testing Simulating real user conditions, such as different network speeds, battery levels, and background app activity is very challenging. However, it is also important to accurately replicate these conditions during testing to uncover vulnerabilities that users might encounter in their daily use. 6. Different Types of Applications Mobile apps come in various types, such as native apps, web apps, and hybrid apps. Each type has unique security challenges and requires different testing methodologies. Penetration testers must be experts in testing the security of all these applications to ensure total coverage. 7. Geolocation App Scenarios Apps that use geolocation features, such as Google Maps, need to be tested for scenarios that involve data manipulation and spoofing. It is challenging to ensure the app’s security against these threats as simulating different geolocation scenarios is a time-consuming and tedious task. Tools for Mobile Application Penetration Testing Mobile application penetration testing is a combination of automated tools

Cyber Crime

The Role of Threat Modeling in Mobile App Security: A Practical Guide

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Did you know there are 6.3 billion people using smartphones today? With that, there are around 2.87 million apps in the Google Play Store and 1.96 million apps in the Apple App Store. The mobile app development industry is expected to boom by generating $935 billion in revenue in 2024. But do you know what’s more important than using apps? The answer is MOBILE APP SECURITY.   Although mobile applications have grown indispensable in daily life and business, a staggering 85% have security and privacy flaws that can degrade a company’s reputation, undermine consumer confidence, and result in regulatory penalties and legal settlements. Gartner predicts the global information security industry will be worth $170.4 billion by 2024. Mobile app developing companies must take extra precautions and do security testing to make their apps safer and more resistant to hackers. One such approach is mobile app threat modeling.  In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into threat modeling in mobile application and app security testing, covering these procedures, how they assist, and recommended practices for improving mobile device security. So, continue reading to learn! Understanding Threat Modeling in Mobile Application Security Threat modeling is an organized method whereby: Identifies security needs. Identifies cyber security threats and potential weaknesses. Assesses threat and vulnerability criticality. Prioritizes remedial measures. It examines mobile app design by comparing design perspectives to threat agents to find security flaws. Threat modeling provides enough depth to allow your firm to make educated risk decisions by identifying critical structural elements and system assets and documenting their associated risk.   “Also Read : Mobile App Security Testing Why is Threat Modeling Important? It is normal to believe that threat modeling also applies to cloud-based applications. While this is partly accurate, threat modeling applies to a broader range of systems, most of which do not sit in the cloud yet pose an even bigger threat. Threat modeling is crucial because there are at-risk systems that might collapse catastrophically. A sample of those systems includes the following: Systems that govern vehicle braking and collision avoidance Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices that control systems in power plants and refineries Medical monitoring and medicine delivery devices. Aerospace systems for navigation and control. Threat modeling is also significant since it detects more than just security risks. It can also be used to identify potential compliance issues. Threats that, if realized, may cost a company as much in fines as a security violation.   You might be wondering if threat modeling is a different process than penetration testing, but no. Threat modeling is a part of the penetration testing process. If you want to learn more about and secure your mobile applications, talk to our security experts for FREE today! Talk to our Cybersecurity Expert to discuss your specific needs and how we can help your business. Schedule a Call Types of Threats That Can Impact Mobile Apps Awareness of cyber risks and taking the necessary precautions to protect your data and identity is critical. Here are the threats for mobile application security :  1. Weak Encryption Without effective encryption, your app’s data is subject to unauthorized access and even exploitation by hostile actors. Encryption is a powerful protection against data breaches, guaranteeing that even if an attacker obtains access to the data, it is rendered worthless without the decryption key. 2. Data Leakage Data leaking is a typical mobile app security concern in which hackers get access to valuable user or corporate data. This often occurs when the code needs more safe coding principles, encryption, and effective authentication procedures. If your app is insecure or does not have fundamental mobile device security protocols, hackers can obtain and misuse the following information. 3. Unpatched Vulnerabilities Vulnerabilities are weaknesses or vulnerabilities in software code that might allow hackers to enter an app, obtain access to sensitive information, or take control of its operations. Mobile applications, especially those created with complicated coding, are frequently rife with such vulnerabilities, making them great targets for fraudsters to attack. 4. Unsecure Network Connection Data is sent over carrier networks and the Internet in the client-server architecture of mobile app security. Vulnerabilities in this traversal procedure provide opportunities for attackers to launch malware assaults and intercept stored private data over WiFi or local networks. Businesses may face privacy violations, fraud, identity theft, and brand harm. 5. Unreliable Third-Party Components Developers frequently employ a combination of third-party components, such as APIs, libraries, and frameworks, to facilitate development. While third-party components are useful, they are typically hazardous, especially from untrustworthy sources. Such functionalities may access sensitive information and enable malicious programs to operate on users’ devices. 6. Malware attacks Malware is malware that infects a device or mobile app, typically to get access to sensitive information. It may spread via links, downloads, or applications, and fraudsters target it since millions of consumers use and rely on mobile apps daily. Cybercriminals continuously seek new methods to attack mobile applications, which have become popular targets because of their broad use. 7. Hardcoded Passwords or Keys Developers sometimes hardcode passwords, API keys, or OAuth keys to make an application easier to develop, support, and troubleshoot. This implies that the passwords or keys are directly written in the code. When these hardcoded values are found when an attacker reverse-engineers your software, you’re vulnerable to all types of exploitation.   “Read More : Why Mobile App Pen Testing is Crucial for Enterprises What are the Advantages of Mobile App Threat Modelling? The purpose of Mobile App Security threats Modeling is not just to discover vulnerabilities for mitigation but also to improve the application’s overall security. This method can benefit the app development process in the following ways: Design secure applications. Create security test scenarios to investigate the security needs. Highlight and create the appropriate control protocol. Balance risk, control, and usability. Identify essential control development and superfluous zones based on the probable danger. Keep a record of all dangers and mitigating approaches. Prevent corporate goals and needs from being compromised by threats or hostile actors. Ensure compliance and allocate resources efficiently, prioritizing security and development responsibilities. The Workflow of

Cyber Crime

Mobile App Security Testing : 7 Penetration Testing Best Practices

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To reduce an application’s security concerns, developers must ensure their applications can withstand rigorous security testing. Fortunately, technologies exist to ease and even automate these security tests. Best practices can also be used to guide and educate the testing process. This post will discuss the most frequent mobile app security testing and highlight popular vulnerabilities. We’ll also go about recommended practices for app security testing and tools for safeguarding mobile apps in a CI/CD pipeline. Extensive penetration testing can prevent or minimize mobile app security errors (or breaches). As a result, app developers and businesses are using penetration testing to examine the IT infrastructure, database security, mobile applications, and other parts of the mobile app. Mobile app security best practices consider itself an essential component of the entire app security strategy. If you do not have in-house experience in mobile app pen testing, we suggest that you work with a reputable penetration testing firm. In this article, we’ll go over the fundamentals of developing an effective mobile app pen testing approach. What is Mobile App Security Testing? Protecting valuable mobile applications and your online identity from fraudulent attacks is mobile app security. This covers key loggers, malware, tampering, reverse engineering, and other types of interference or manipulation. A complete mobile app security strategy includes best practices for use and corporate procedures, along with technological solutions like mobile app shielding. Mobile app security has rapidly gained significance since mobile devices have become more commonplace in many nations and areas. An increase in mobile devices, apps, and users correlates with the trend toward more usage of mobile devices for banking services, shopping, and other activities. The good news is that banks are strengthening their security regarding customers using mobile devices for financial services with Android application penetration testing and iOS application penetration testing . What are the Common Vulnerabilities in Mobile App Security Testing? Mobile app security is critical because of the growing amount of sensitive data that mobile devices contain and our growing reliance on them. Organizations and users may safeguard their mobile apps proactively by being aware of prevalent threats and vulnerabilities. The following are some Common Mobile App Security Threats: 1. Not Enough Authentication or Authorization  Insufficient authorization occurs when an application does not carry out sufficient authorization checks to confirm that the user is carrying out a task or accessing data in compliance with the security policy. Authorization processes should keep an eye on what a user, service, or application is permitted to do.  Your efforts can be more at ease if you choose a tried-and-true authorization application that prioritizes policy-based configuration files over thorough authentication/authorization assessments. 2. Insufficient Session Time-Out  The identifiers get invalidate when a user logs out of the program. Even in such cases, other users may interrupt and act on behalf of the users if the server is unable to invalidate the session identifiers. You must ensure the program has a logout button and wait for the correct log-out until the session is correctly invalidated. The main point is that you should download apps with common sense. 3. Server-Side Security Flaw  Unauthenticated access may be avoided on the server side; nevertheless, input validation checks and limits must be integrated into the app architecture to lessen the strain on the server. The application should confirm the input data during the server processing phase and stop anomalous behavior. As you are aware, one can block some types of data from the app side and allowlist the required ones. Encryption should be used by both the app and the server when receiving and sending data. 4. Insecure Data Storage  Insecure storage of sensitive data on the device may lead to vulnerability. People must always remember that sensitive data saved on devices can potentially be stolen and that data stored on devices isn’t protected from theft. Furthermore, to prevent this problem, apps should save sensitive data in keychain pairs. The data must be encrypted if the app stores information in the form of data. 5. Inappropriate Validation of Certificates  The app may need to accurately verify the state, validate the SSL/TLS certificates, or refuse to. If the certificate cannot be confirmed, the client might choose to terminate the connection. If the data is not adequately verified, it may be utilized for illegal access. Furthermore, to cross-check whether a certificate is from a reliable source and whether it should come from a respectable certificate authority, you must make sure that the certificate validation in your application is completed correctly. For the best validation, you ought to be putting some recent standard forums into practice. If your business is facing these vulnerabilities and you’re worried about your business infrastructure, don’t be. Qualysec’s expert security consultants are here to help! Schedule a call with them for FREE today! Talk to our Cybersecurity Expert to discuss your specific needs and how we can help your business. Schedule a Call What Impact Can These Vulnerabilities Have on Your Business? App security issues have both short-term and long-term effects. Immediate financial consequences and lost business may arise from the ensuing reputational harm. For this reason, a crucial element of mobile device management is application security. Long-term effects can sometimes have greater significance than immediate ones. There are multiple ways an attacker can exploit security flaws in your app. For instance, they can carry out data theft and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks or use ports for unauthorized communication. Statistics on Mobile App Hacking The numbers around mobile app hacking are alarming. These are a handful: Over 12 million users’ login details were made public by the Slack mobile app hack. In the end, thirteen distinct Android apps exposed data belonging to as many as 100 million users. Up to 21 million users of the parking application were affected by the hack. A breach compromised the personal information of 650,000 users on the COVID-19 passport app.   Identifying Vulnerabilities in Mobile Apps: Key Penetration Testing Techniques As the name implies, mobile app penetration testing simulates a real-world attack on the app

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Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

COO & Cybersecurity Expert

“By filling out this form, you can take the first step towards securing your business, During the call, we will discuss your specific security needs and whether our services are a good fit for your business”

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Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

COO & Cybersecurity Expert