The Evolving Landscape of Mobile App Security Testing
Mobile applications have become a necessity in the modern corporate world, serving as a means to communicate and collaborate as a business. However, this heightened level of integration has also led to a dramatic increase in mobile-related cyber threats. These threats make it critical for modern businesses to have a robust and systematic approach to mobile app security to ensure that they maintain strict security standards and protect their sensitive data.
Mobile app security testing is a process that can help safeguard your organisation against any cyberattacks or potential data breaches. It involves the detailed evaluation and analysis of mobile apps to expose any vulnerabilities or weaknesses. Once identified, these areas can be strengthened to proactively avoid attacks. Testing can occur across a wide variety of functions, including data encryption, data storage, and authentication processes.
As the corporate world becomes more intertwined with the push towards mobile, the importance of mobile app security will only continue to grow.
Understanding Mobile App Security Testing
Mobile app security testing describes the process where mobile applications are evaluated to identify potential security vulnerabilities, rectify them, and ultimately help build a more robust corporate security posture. Mobile applications often handle extremely sensitive information and are repeatedly targeted by evolving cyber threats because of this.
Data breaches, where confidential information is compromised through unauthorised app access, and malware attacks, where software is specifically written to infiltrate an application and steal data, are two of the most common threats facing mobile applications. To protect against these, and a host of other advanced threats, security measures must be robust.
There are a few ways to approach mobile app security testing:
Static analysis
Static analysis involves inspecting the source code of an application to try and identify areas of vulnerability. It can be done manually, or through the use of automated tools, and is generally run before executing an app.
Dynamic analysis
Dynamic analysis has a tester execute the app in a runtime environment. This allows app behaviour to be assessed in real-time, which enables certain vulnerabilities to be exposed that may not have been uncovered by static testing of the source code alone.
Forensic analysis
Forensic analysis assesses the data storage and interactions of an application. This allows it to identify potential weaknesses that are specific to those areas which, again, may be missed by other methods.
While these approaches each have their advantages and disadvantages, collectively they combine to form a comprehensive mobile app security testing strategy. A multifaceted approach allows for a more wide-ranging review of potential threats, which provides greater protection and inspires high levels of user and stakeholder confidence.
Best Practices in Mobile App Security Testing
Considering how quickly the mobile landscape is evolving, it’s important that your business strictly adheres to mobile app security testing best practices and keeps up with them as they change and evolve.
Regular, comprehensive testing is one of the most important practices to adhere to to ensure a continuing, robust security framework. Regular testing allows you to develop an iterative process, where you can constantly identify and rectify weaknesses before they have a chance to be exploited. This reduces the likelihood of overall breaches and bolsters the overall security of the app.
Another best practice to consider is to incorporate user privacy considerations. Data protection regulations are becoming increasingly widespread and stringent, with the introduction of frameworks such as GDPR driving a wholesale change in how the world handles data. Prioritising user privacy during testing ensures that all sensitive personal data is handled securely, allows you to meet regulatory and legal requirements, and builds a strong reputation of security within your application.
Finally, you need to ensure that your business remains up-to-date with security trends and tools as they continue to evolve. Threats will rapidly adapt to current techniques and tools, so delaying too long in updating will leave you vulnerable to newer, more advanced threats. This commitment to staying updated also communicates and reinforces a culture of continuous learning and improvement that encourages your team to remain vigilant to potential security threats.
Approach to Advanced Mobile App Security
To build your approach to advanced mobile app security, it’s important to tailor your plan to your specific needs. DigitalXRAID prides itself on developing customised strategies that are directly aligned with your business’s needs and security profile. Every mobile app has a unique set of characteristics and vulnerabilities that need to be examined and addressed. We make sure to take this all into account to provide you with a security strategy that works for your needs.
Next, you’ll need to consider the team that will be involved in securing your app. Hiring mobile security experts in-house can be expensive and resource-intensive, particularly considering the specialised nature of the work involved. Consider partnering with an external agency such as DigitalXRAID. Our experts bring in-depth knowledge and experience within the mobile app security testing space and are solely focused on upskilling and advancing within the mobile security space.
Finally, consider the need for continuous monitoring and support. Mobile app security isn’t something that can be switched off or managed intermittently. You need to ensure that your apps are secure at all times — particularly considering how quickly threats are evolving. DigitalXRAID has the capabilities and resources to provide this kind of continuous monitoring and support, taking the burden off your internal teams to do so.
Navigating Mobile App Security with Confidence
In its integration with modern corporate life, the mobile app world has become integral to the daily operations of businesses. Effective mobile app security testing has never been more important to ensure the maintenance of strict security standards and the protection of sensitive personal data.
When looking at mobile app security, be sure to consider your individual needs, the prevailing best practices, and a partnership with an external agency who have the expertise that you need. When it comes to testing, many variables need to be considered to ensure it is both comprehensive and cost-effective. At DigitalXRAID, we are committed to working with you to develop a plan that suits the needs of your mobile app.
A mobile data breach can destroy a company’s reputation — sometimes beyond repair. Don’t take any chances with your mobile app security testing. Book a call with one of our experts now and see how we can work together to secure your future.
