Mob App Pentests -

Secure Your Mobile Experience with a Trusted Global Partner

Protect your customers, your brand, and your mobile channel with expert Mobile App Penetration Testing.
We help product teams, security leaders, and compliance owners identify and remediate real-world vulnerabilities in iOS and Android applications—before attackers find them. Our service is global, delivered by experienced specialists, and aligned with recognised industry practices (e.g., OWASP MASVS, Mobile Top 10), ensuring you benefit from proven methodology and trustworthy results.

What Is a Mobile App?

A mobile app is a software application designed for smartphones and tablets (typically Android and iOS). While mobile apps feel simple to users, they’re built on intricate architectures: client-side code (APK or IPA), platform services (Bluetooth, NFC, Keychain/Keystore), local storage, secure enclaves, device permissions, and backend APIs. Security must consider the entire ecosystem—the device, app binary, local storage and protections, the transport layer (TLS), and server-side controls—working together to protect sensitive data and critical operations.

Why Is a Mobile App Pentest Required?

Mobile channels are often the most widely used customer touchpoint, making them a high-value target. A Mobile App pentest is essential to:

Prevent data breaches and fraud: Identify weaknesses in authentication, session management, and local storage that could lead to account takeover, credential theft, or privacy violations.
Validate secure architecture: Confirm that encryption, certificate pinning, binary protections, and API authorisation are correctly implemented and robust against tampering.
Meet compliance and stakeholder expectations: Regulators, partners, and customers increasingly expect demonstrable mobile security due diligence.
Reduce production risk and cost: Discover issues early, avoid emergency releases, reduce incident response overhead, and maintain brand trust.
Defend against evolving threats: Attackers routinely use reverse engineering, traffic interception, emulator-based analysis, and exploit chains that rely on subtle misconfigurations and third-party library flaws.

Bottom line: A well-executed pentest provides peace of mind, evidence-based remediation guidance, and confidence that your mobile app resists realistic attack scenarios.

Objectives of a Mobile App Pentest

Our testing objectives focus on real-world risk reduction:

Protect sensitive data: Ensure credentials, tokens, personal information (PII), and cryptographic keys are securely stored and never exposed in logs, backups, or shared preferences.
Harden the client application: Verify binary protections (obfuscation, anti-tamper) and local defence features (root/jailbreak detection, debugger detection) to deter reverse engineering and tampering.
Secure communications: Confirm strong TLS, correct certificate validation, effective certificate pinning, and resilience against downgrade and MITM attempts.
Strengthen identity and access: Validate authentication, session handling, and authorisation boundaries—ensuring least privilege and preventing horizontal/vertical escalation.
Ensure robust input handling: Test API endpoints for server-side enforcement, input validation, and resistance to injection, replay, and logic abuse.
Manage supply chain risk: Assess dependencies and third-party libraries for known vulnerabilities and insecure use of platform features.
Provide clear remediation: Deliver prioritised findings with actionable technical guidance, so teams can fix issues efficiently and confidently.

What Areas Are Mandated by a Mobile App Pentest?

Our Mobile App pentest explicitly covers key mobile security domains:

Application mapping (screens, workflows, client-side functions): We catalogue app features, navigation patterns, permissions, and trust boundaries to design accurate test paths.
Local data storage analysis: We examine unencrypted files, SQLite databases, shared preferences, Keychain/Keystore, caches, backups, and clipboard interactions to prevent data leakage.
Reverse engineering of APK/IPA: Static code review to identify hardcoded secrets, credentials, and keys, as well as insecure configurations and debug artefacts.
Interception and inspection of network traffic: Controlled TLS inspection and validation behaviour testing to ensure the app correctly handles certificates and resists MITM attacks.
Testing secure communication APIs: Evaluate encryption status, certificate pinning, and resistance to protocol downgrade attempts.
Authentication and session handling flaws: Review token storage, rotation, expiration, refresh flows, and logout invalidation; check for predictable tokens or insecure local caches.
Authorisation checks: Test horizontal (same role, different account) and vertical (privilege escalation) boundaries to enforce access control.
Input validation at API endpoints: Confirm server-side enforcement and validation—not just client-side checks—against injection, tampering, and replay.
Insecure use of platform features: Assess Bluetooth, NFC, clipboard, logging (e.g., logcat/system logs) and platform integrations for misuse or unintended exposure.
Tampering and replay attacks: Attempt controlled manipulation of requests and responses, including timestamps, nonces, and signature fields.
Bypass of local protections: Evaluate resilience of root/jailbreak detection, debugger detection, and emulator checks.
Binary protections review: Inspect obfuscation strength, anti-tamper logic, and signing integrity; identify exposed classes and methods.
Secure storage of sensitive information: Validate secure storage patterns for keys, tokens, and PII, including use of secure enclaves where applicable.
Dependency and third-party library vulnerability checks: Identify outdated or vulnerable dependencies, SDKs, and analytics libraries; recommend upgrade paths and mitigations.

Benefits of Running a Mobile App Pentest

Partnering with us delivers measurable value:

Actionable risk reduction: Findings are prioritised by exploitability and impact, with code-level guidance, recommended controls, and architecture tips.
Faster remediation: Clear steps reduce engineering uncertainty and rework, accelerating secure releases.
Stronger compliance posture: Support for risk assessments, vendor due diligence, and audits; mapping findings to recognised controls and practices.
Improved developer enablement: We share secure patterns and practical examples, strengthening your team’s secure development lifecycle (SDLC).
Enhanced customer trust: Secure mobile experiences protect brand reputation and reduce the likelihood of account compromise or data leakage.
Global delivery, consistent quality: Whether your teams are in Europe, the Americas, or APAC, we bring a consistent, proven methodology and senior expertise.

Our Mobile App Pentest Methodology

We deliver a structured, repeatable methodology tailored to your scope and assets. While we maintain a robust baseline, each engagement is customised to reflect your architecture, release model, and risk profile.

1) Define Scope Collaboratively

We start by defining scope with you to ensure coverage is complete and aligned to business risk:

Platforms: Android (APK), iOS (IPA), device versions, hardware constraints.
Build types: Production, staging, beta builds; availability of symbols and test accounts.
Features and flows: Authentication, payments, in-app purchases, messaging, file handling, offline modes.
Data sensitivity: Credentials, tokens, PII, medical or financial data.
Integrations: SDKs, analytics, push notifications, OAuth/OpenID Connect, payment gateways.
Controls to validate: TLS, certificate pinning, obfuscation, anti-tamper, root/jailbreak detection, secure storage.
Testing constraints: Operational windows, rate limits, environments, and any third-party notifications.
Success criteria: Risk tolerance, compliance documentation needs, and remediation timelines.

2) Design the Methodology to Fit the In-Scope Assets

Once scope is confirmed, we design a methodology that’s purpose-built for your app’s architecture and risk:

Application mapping (screens, workflows, client-side functions): We document the app map to guide test sequences and identify trust boundaries.
Local data storage analysis:
- Inspect unencrypted files, SQLite databases, shared preferences, and platform key stores.
- Validate encryption-at-rest, secure enclaves (where available), and backup behaviours.
Reverse engineering of APK/IPA:
- Static analysis for hardcoded secrets, credentials, and keys; identify debug endpoints and insecure feature flags.
- Review build settings, minification/obfuscation, and exposed APIs/classes.
Interception and inspection of network traffic:
- Use controlled proxies to test TLS, certificate handling, and pinning behaviour.
- Confirm secure negotiation, cipher suites, and failure modes on invalid certs.
Testing secure communication APIs:
- Validate encryption end-to-end; simulate certificate pinning bypass and downgrade attempts to confirm resilience.
Authentication and session handling flaws:
- Examine token storage, rotation, expiration, refresh logic, and logout.
- Validate MFA flows, device binding, and recovery paths for misuse.
Authorisation checks:
- Test horizontal and vertical privilege boundaries across roles and resource ownership.
- Attempt IDOR (Insecure Direct Object References) and logic-based escalation.
Input validation at API endpoints:
- Confirm server-side enforcement; evaluate sanitisation, canonicalisation, and error handling.
- Check replay protection (nonces, timestamps), and signature verification.
Insecure use of platform features:
- Review Bluetooth, NFC, clipboard, logging (logcat/system logs), and intents/URL schemes for leakage or hijack risk.
Tampering and replay attacks:
- Perform controlled tamper attempts on requests, payload fields, and signed parameters; test replay resistance and anti-automation controls.
Bypass of local protections:
- Assess root/jailbreak detection, debugger and emulator detection; verify they are robust and cannot be trivially defeated.
Binary protections review:
- Evaluate obfuscation efficacy, anti-tamper measures, app signing integrity, and runtime checks.
Secure storage of sensitive information:
- Review keys, tokens, PII storage locations and lifecycle; validate protection against memory scraping and backups.
Dependency and third-party library vulnerability checks:
- Identify outdated or vulnerable dependencies and SDKs; map to CVEs and recommend upgrade paths or configuration changes.

3) Evidence, Reporting, and Remediation Support

Clear, prioritised findings: Each issue includes impact explanation, exploit path, affected components, screenshots/logs, and step-by-step remediation guidance.
Risk rating & executive summary: Communicate risk to stakeholders in business terms, with remediation timelines and residual risk guidance.
Developer handover: Collaborative walkthroughs, Q&A, and verification support to accelerate fixes.
Optional re-test: Validate fixes and provide updated attestations, helping you close audit items with confidence.

What We Need from You (to Make Testing Efficient)

To maximise value and minimise friction:

Latest builds: Signed APK/IPA or TestFlight/Play internal builds.
Test accounts & roles: User accounts covering typical and privileged roles.
Backend/API access controls: Staging endpoints, rate limits, and any allowlists.
Documentation: Architecture diagrams, SDK lists, known encryption/pinning implementations.
Time windows: Maintenance windows or performance constraints for safe testing.
Contact points: Rapid communication for time-sensitive observations during testing.

The value for you…

Our Mobile App Penetration Testing service provides expert Android and iOS security testing, including secure mobile app communications, certificate pinning validation, API security testing, reverse engineering risk assessment, secure local storage review, and binary protections inspection. We deliver global mobile app pentesting with experienced consultants, actionable reports, and trusted remediation support. If you’re seeking a mobile app security assessment that focuses on real-world risk and peace of mind, we are the reliable partner your teams can count on.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Mobile App pentest take?

Typical engagements run 2-4 weeks, depending on scope complexity, platform coverage, and environment readiness. Critical-path issues are reported early.

Will testing disrupt production?

We use controlled environments wherever possible and coordinate timings to avoid impact. For live testing, we operate with strict rate limits and change windows.

Do you test jailbroken/rooted scenarios?

Yes. We assess whether protections detect or resist root/jailbreak conditions and whether sensitive data remains secure even on compromised devices.

Can you map findings to our policies or frameworks?

Absolutely. We align findings to your SDLC controls, secure coding standards, and recognised practices (e.g., OWASP Mobile/MASVS) to support audit and governance needs.

Why Choose Us

Experience & Expertise: Senior testers who specialise in mobile architectures and attack techniques.
Authoritative & Trustworthy: Evidence-backed findings, pragmatic recommendations, and secure engagement processes.
Global Delivery: Consistent quality across regions and time zones, with responsive communication.
Value-Focused: We prioritise issues by real-world impact and provide clear remediation plans, saving engineering time and reducing risk.

Get Started

Secure your mobile channel with a trusted partner.

Contact us to define scope, schedule your Mobile App pentest, and gain the peace of mind that comes from expert, end-to-end mobile security testing.

Quick Checklist of What We Cover (for Easy Reference)

Application mapping (screens, workflows, client-side functions)
Local data storage analysis (unencrypted files, SQLite databases, shared preferences, keychains/keystores)
Reverse engineering of APK/IPA (static code review for hardcoded secrets, credentials, keys)
Interception and inspection of network traffic (TLS inspection, certificate validation behaviour)
Testing secure communication APIs (encryption status, certificate pinning, downgrade attempts)
Authentication and session handling flaws (token storage, rotation, expiration)
Authorisation checks (horizontal and vertical privilege boundaries)
Input validation at API endpoints (server-side enforcement)
Insecure use of platform features (Bluetooth, NFC, clipboard, logcat/system logs)
Tampering and replay attacks
Bypass of local protections (root/jailbreak detection, debugger detection)
Binary protections review (obfuscation, anti-tamper, signing)
Secure storage of sensitive information (keys, tokens, PII)
Dependency and third-party library vulnerability checks