Today, the evolving technology landscape has led to the widespread distribution of components. It has made it mandatory for enterprises to focus on strengthening their application security measures. Along with it comes the need for a highly secure mobile app security ecosystem. After all, the adoption of mobile apps has been skyrocketing over the past decade. However, they are prone to flaws, just like web or desktop applications.

Let’s look at the main security threats that mobile apps face in 2020:

  • Spyware – attacks target devices
  • Leakage of data – includes accidental disclosure
  • Weak passwords – leads to hacking-based issues
  • Unsecure Wi-Fi connection – gives fraudulent access to personal/financial information
  • Cryptojacking – creates unsafe customer experiences

 

Through mobile security testing, you can identify threats, fix vulnerabilities, and increase the overall security level of your enterprise. Safeguarding high-value mobile applications also include stepping up to protect your enterprise’s digital identity.

Common types of security tests:

Black box testing: Also known as “zero-knowledge testing”, it lets unaware testers to use the app so that possible attacks can be documented 

White box testing: Also known as “full-knowledge testing”, it equips testers with source code and other necessary information

Grey box testing: It finds the middle-ground between the previous two testing types and provides limited information to the tester

During the security testing process, it is essential to leverage dedicated environments for Windows, Android, and iOS applications. It will help analyze and test mobile applications in an optimal manner. It would be best if you also simulated different types of cyberattacks, including mobile-dedicated attacks and general app attacks, to get better prepared.

It also identifies security holes and vulnerabilities in your Android and IOS applications so that they are not left open for exploitation. By using automated vulnerability scans and advanced manual mobile application testing, you can ensure maximum security coverage.

It is crucial to enlist a cybersecurity vendor to overcome the challenges involved in mobile application security testing. Considering the rapidly-changing nature of this ecosystem, to stay ahead of threats and attacks is no easy task. However, to make it easier for you, here are a few best practices to stay on top of your mobile app security testing game.

  • Ensure that your security consultants are certified in web application penetration testing
  • Harness the OWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS) testing framework
  • Follow the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) guidelines, checksum controls, superior encryption, certificate pinning, and anti-debugging techniques
  • Implement an agile testing approach to perform in-depth security checks on your mobile app across Windows, Android, and iOS
  • Get consolidated reports that prioritize risks that are relevant to your enterprise so that you can remedy security vulnerabilities
  • Align your mobile security testing goals to workforce productivity and increased user confidence

The current reality is that the mobile ecosystem has empowered users, whether employees or customers, to carry out their critical tasks. Any enterprise that is not conscious is bound to stumble in today’s digitally-fluid business world.

A practical and thorough testing framework can help identify exploitable security issues and safeguard the integrity and security of your sensitive, business-critical data in your mobile applications. It also goes a long way to empower you to achieve and maintain compliance as per government and industry regulations.