Mobile Application Security

Mobile Application Security Testing

With the widespread use of smartphones and the increasing amount of sensitive data processed by mobile apps, ensuring the security of these apps is paramount. it's essential that businesses take steps to ensure the security of your web applications is paramount to safeguard sensitive data, maintain user trust, and protect your brand's reputation. At Crystalline, we offer mobile application security testing to help you identify any weak points that could leave you vulnerable to cyber attacks. Our expert team uses the latest tools and techniques to provide you with fast and reliable results.

Why Mobile Application Security Testing Matters?

Mobile apps often handle sensitive user data, such as personal information, financial details, and login credentials. Mobile application security testing is the proactive process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities in mobile applications. Regular security testing is essential to:

Identify potential vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
Safeguard user information, payment details, and confidential business data.
Adhere to industry regulations and standards, avoiding potential legal and financial consequences.
Protect brand reputation by mitigating the risks.
Maintain trust as the security breaches can lead to a loss of trust among users.

Types of Testing

Static Analysis: This involves examining the app's source code and binaries to identify potential vulnerabilities without executing the application. Common tools used include static code analysers and code review. This also involves Device and OS specific testing, Code Signing, Code Obfuscation, Secure Configurations, Reverse Engineering Analysis, etc.

Dynamic Analysis: In dynamic analysis, the app is executed in a controlled environment, and its behaviour is monitored for security issues in real-time. This includes penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.

Penetration Testing: Skilled testers simulate real-world attacks to identify vulnerabilities and assess the overall security posture. This includes Cross-site Scripting (XSS), SQL Injection, etc.
API Security: Focuses on the security of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) used by the mobile application, including authentication, authorization, and data protection.

Third-Party API Testing: Assesses the security of third-party APIs integrated into the app to ensure they don't introduce vulnerabilities.

Each type of mobile application security testing serves a unique purpose and can help identify vulnerabilities that, if left unaddressed, could pose significant security risks to your application and the data it handles. An effective security strategy often involves a combination of these testing methods to provide comprehensive coverage.

Standards and Frameworks

OWASP Mobile Top 10

OWASP Mobile Top 10 is a widely recognized list of the top ten most critical mobile application security risks.

The OWASP Mobile Top 10 is updated periodically to reflect current security threats and challenges faced by the mobile applications.

SANS Top 25

SANS Top 25 is a list of the most dangerous programming weaknesses that can lead to security vulnerabilities in applications. It is designed to help the organizations to prioritize their efforts to identify and mitigate the security risks.

OWASP MASVS

OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) is a framework that provides a set of security standards and guidelines for mobile applications. The primary goal is to standardize the security controls for the building mobile applications.

MITRE ATT &CK

MITRE's ATT&CK framework is widely known for describing tactics, techniques, and procedures used by attackers. The ATT&CK for Mobile matrices techniques involving device access and network-based effects that can be used by adversaries without device access.

PCI DSS

PCI DSS outlines security requirements for organizations that handle payment card data. It includes specific testing and assessment requirements to ensure the security of mobile applications that process credit card transactions.

NIST SP 800-53

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a comprehensive framework for security controls and assessment procedures. Performing security testing against this standard provides a view of the application's security posture.

Our Approach

At Crystalline, we understand the critical role mobile application security plays in your success. Our approach combines cutting-edge tools, methodologies, and expertise to provide comprehensive security testing, including:

Thorough Testing: We leave no stone unturned, examining every layer of your application to uncover vulnerabilities.
Customized Solutions: Every application is unique; we tailor our testing approach to address your specific challenges.
Collaborative Analysis: We work closely with your team, providing clear insights into vulnerabilities and suggested remediation steps.
Comprehensive Reporting: Our detailed reports not only highlight vulnerabilities but also offer actionable recommendations to enhance security.
Continual Improvement: Security threats evolve, so should your defences. We offer ongoing testing to adapt to changing landscapes.

Process & Methogology

A typical application security testing process and methodology involves a systematic and structured approach to identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in mobile applications. Here is a step-by-step overview of a common mobile application security testing process:

Objectives and Scope

01

Determine the objectives of the security testing, such as identifying vulnerabilities, compliance verification, or risk assessment. Define the scope of testing, including which parts of the application will be tested.

Threat Modeling

03

Analyze the application to identify potential security threats and attack vectors based on its architecture and functionality. Prioritize identified threats based on their impact and likelihood.

Dynamic Analysis

05

Perform dynamic testing by simulating real-world attacks on the running app. Identify vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure API calls.

Remediation and Retesting

07

Collaborate with development teams to address identified vulnerabilities. Conduct retesting to verify that vulnerabilities have been adequately remediated.

Information Gathering

02

Gather information about the application, including its architecture, technologies used, third-party libraries, APIs, dependencies.

Static Analysis

04

Review the app's source code to identify potential vulnerabilities and coding errors. Use static code analysis tools to automate this process.

Reporting

06

Document all findings, including identified vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommendations for remediation. Provide clear and actionable reports to developers and stakeholders.

Final Reporting

08

Generate a final report summarizing the testing process, findings, and the status of remediation efforts. Provide recommendations for ongoing security practices and improvements.

It's important to note that mobile application security testing is an iterative process, and regular testing should be integrated into the software development lifecycle to ensure ongoing security. Additionally, the specific methodology and tools used may vary depending on the organization's needs, technology stack, and compliance requirements.

Get Started on Securing Your Applications

Don't leave your mobile applications vulnerable to cyber threats. Protect your users, data, and reputation by investing in mobile application security testing. Schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more secure online presence.

Remember, security is not a one-time task—it's an ongoing commitment. Stay ahead of threats with regular security testing and fortify your digital assets against even the most determined attackers.

Secure today for a resilient tomorrow.