Best Practices for Testing Mobile Apps Against Cyber Threats

Security plays a strong role in contributing to the profound user experience. Do you know that in January 2020, 1.5 billion data points were stolen because of data theft? Mobile app security is necessary in the current era because it safeguards sensitive user data and financial information from cyber threats. Unsecured applications can lead to financial loss, reputation damage, and data errors. The reports said that modern users spend approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.

The chances of data breaches, cyber-attacks, and phishing are high these days. Thanks to cybersecurity application testing, which plays a critical role in Mobile App Development, supporting multiple businesses against data theft. This blog offers comprehensive security practices and some actionable tips to safeguard apps from errors. Whether you are a security professional or a firm owner involved in Mobile App Development, the following checklist will guide you in safeguarding apps from cyberattacks.

Understanding Mobile App Security Testing

What is Mobile App Security Testing?

Mobile applications contain sensitive information, including financial & personal data. Cybercriminals exploit this data to disrupt operations and hamper user trust. To deal with them, mobile security application testing is necessary. It’s an approach to assess & strengthen your product’s security. Some apps are vulnerable to internal errors, such as poor code, and external threats, so security testing is carried out to remove all those vulnerabilities.

The best practices for mobile application testing are evolving with the changes in digitalization. Now people want protection & privacy hand in hand. Therefore, testing is preferable. Functional testing measures whether the function of software works well or not, while security testing measures the protection of software against vulnerabilities. By using security mobile app testing services, businesses can achieve the audience’s trust. Stronger brand reputation, peace of mind, and user happiness come along with this.  

Common Cyber Threats to Mobile Apps

• Malware and ransomware- Malware & ransomware can hamper devices & steal data & disrupt the functionality of your software.
• Phishing attacks- Phishing attacks are a cyber threat to your mobile application that discloses sensitive data. These attacks lead users to click on the malicious links.
• Data breaches- Data breaches happen when unauthorized parties get access to your sensitive information that is stored & processed.
• Unauthorized access- The unauthorized access to your system can exploit insecure authentication mechanisms & gain access to the software to hamper its functionalities.

Types of Mobile App Security Testing

• Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

One of the most popular Application Security (AppSec) tools is Static Application Security Testing (SAST), which examines the source, binary, or bytecode of an application. Because SAST may occur without code being executed and does not require a functional application, it occurs extremely early in the SDLC. It helps the testing team to detect errors during development & fix them prior to the application’s final release.

By integrating SAST, professionals can lower security risks in programs. Certain SAST tools like SonarQube & Checkmarx highlight the suspected code & determine the scope of vulnerabilities. Without requiring extensive knowledge of the security area, tools can also offer detailed instructions on how to resolve problems and where in the code to do so.

• Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

DAST mobile application testing is a method of testing an application where testing experts measure the application when it’s running. It is also known as black box testing, where the testers track the application from the outside without knowing the internal function. They only examine the app response in the running state when the simulated attacks are made. It works in the shift-left approach that gives results in real-time.

The majority of DAST tools, such as OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite, are limited to testing web-enabled applications’ public HTTP and Hypertext Markup Language interfaces. Apps are regularly scanned by DAST tools both during and after development. Before scanning a web application, DAST crawls through it to locate all exposed input on its pages and tests each one. A DAST tool automatically notifies the relevant development team when a vulnerability is found, allowing them to fix it.

• Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)

Interactive AppSec testing assists firms in identifying & managing the security vulnerabilities found in running web apps through dynamic testing. The aim of the IAST tool is to track the app’s behavior in the running stage and collect information about how it works. We can say that it performs a combined operation of SAST and DAST techniques.

Unlike traditional approaches, this method aims for interactive & dynamic testing, probing the app under test using actual user inputs & actions in a supervised & controlled manner. It allows testers to find & report errors at an earlier stage of the SDLC. Despite being a relatively new testing method, IAST is gaining popularity because of its many benefits over other forms of application security testing.

• Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)

A new security solution called RASP mobile application testing enables businesses to thwart hackers’ efforts to breach company data and apps. Controlling program execution, identifying vulnerabilities, and thwarting real-time attacks are all made possible by the runtime application self-defense technology. No matter where an application runs on a server, a RASP solution adds protection to it.

Without human assistance, RASP can defend an application against fraudulent inputs, data theft, and behavior. RASP is an effective method that ensures the security of all calls made by an application to a system by intercepting them. The app itself verifies data requests.

By keeping an eye on inputs and preventing those that can permit attacks, the program can enhance its overall security while shielding the runtime environment from unauthorized modifications and tampering. RASP can identify a variety of threats, including zero-day attacks, thanks to its targeted monitoring.

Best Practices for Testing Mobile Apps Against Cyber Threats

Secure Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Integration

Integrating SDLC, mobile application testing, and mobile app security is necessary for addressing & resolving the cyber threats. The proactive approach makes sure that the software is built with security in mind, diminishing the chances of data breaches. The earlier you integrate this into testing methodologies, the better it will be. By addressing the vulnerabilities during development, you can resolve the issues before they turn into major problems. This is the cheapest way of conducting threat modeling & risk assessment.

Regular Security Testing and Updates

Develop a testing strategy & frequently test the software for errors through penetration testing & scanning. It helps to detect the weakness & locate the exploited area. Integrating real-time threat monitoring enables the detection & resolution of potential attacks. Assign to security analytics, trends identification, and patterns. Keeping the app & components up to date with the advanced security patches is necessary. Utilizing automated tools assists in managing the updates & patches to balance robust security.

Use Strong Authentication and Authorization Mechanisms

Authentication & authorization are 2 security terms that are used to safeguard systems & information. Strong passwords & MFA are the key to enhancing safety by limiting unauthorized access. It secures the application by validating the user identities & controlling access to resources. Additionally, it avoids unauthorized access to ensure the testing environment’s ethics. Integrating facial recognition and biometric authentication is one of the methods to double the security.

Secure Data Storage and Transmission

Adhering to industry standards & regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA is necessary for maintaining privacy & data security.  Testing professionals use secure communication protocols like HTTPS and SSL/TLS. Encryption of sensitive data is crucial to use a reliable 3rd party library & keep them updated to avoid errors. Protect APIS from unauthorized access, regular maintenance, and use reliable 3rd party libraries in your testing strategies.

Perform Penetration Testing

Mobile app pen tests involve the simulation of real-world attacks to detect vulnerabilities in mobile apps. It is necessary to detect security threats against cyber systems. The process ensures that the app is protected against potential errors. It involves a combination of static & dynamic analysis, vulnerability scanning, threat modeling & reporting. The following practices are a combined approach of manual & automated mobile app testing services.

Monitor Third-Party Libraries and SDKs

In security app testing, keeping an eye on 3rd-party libraries and SDKs is essential since they may bring vulnerabilities that malicious users may exploit, thereby compromising the entire program. Unmaintained libraries, out-of-date versions, or unsafe SDK implementations themselves may be the cause of these vulnerabilities. Through proactive monitoring and testing of these external components, developers are able to detect and address problems before they become vulnerable.

Implement Secure User Sessions

Focus on creating distinct, random session IDs, using HTTPS for all communications, regulating session expiration, and regenerating session IDs following successful logins in order to guarantee safe user sessions during security app testing. Update frameworks and dependencies often to address known vulnerabilities, and put safeguards in place against fixation and session hijacking attacks.

Recommended Tools for Mobile App Security Testing

Static Analysis:

Without actually executing the program, static analysis techniques assist in locating vulnerabilities in the source code.

• SonarQube

This open-source platform is implemented to analyze the security of any app. It supports various programming languages & offers developers real-time information on code issues directly within the development environments. This tool focuses on both the security and quality of the app, which is why organizations use it.

• Checkmarx

A popular application security testing (AST) tool, Checkmarx, assists businesses in finding and fixing security flaws in their software applications as they are being developed and tested. To facilitate safe software development, Checkmarx provides vast tools & features. The platform is a useful tool for businesses wishing to develop safe software because of its adaptability and integration features.

Dynamic Analysis:

Using dynamic analysis for mobile app security testing helps to identify errors by tracking app behavior during runtime & simulating real-world attacks.

• OWASP ZAP

A well-known free security tool for finding security flaws in web apps is called OWASP ZAP. OWASP ZAP is often used by developers, functional testers, and seasoned pen testers and is actively developed by a global network of volunteers. This integrated pen testing tool is a vital resource for anybody working in web app security, as it can automatically identify security flaws in online apps. Furthermore, OWASP ZAP facilitates manual security testing, enabling users to thoroughly examine and verify their apps.

• Burp Suite

Burp Suite is a tool for assessing the security of online applications. It is frequently used to find vulnerabilities in online applications and conduct penetration tests. Burp Suite is used by testers to examine online traffic and look for vulnerabilities. It is ideal for both newbies and professionals.

Penetration Testing:

Penetration testing for mobile apps mimics actual attacks to detect security errors in software. It’s an essential step in making sure apps are reliable and secure against cyberattacks.

• Metasploit

Both ethical hackers and cybercriminals may utilize the Metasploit framework, a highly effective tool, to investigate systemic weaknesses in servers and networks. It is compatible with the majority of operating systems and is easily customizable due to its open-source nature.

• Kali Linux

Kali Linux is a free operating system that is frequently used for penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. Numerous tools are available in Kali Linux that help in network discovery and vulnerability evaluation.

Monitoring Tools:

Tools for mobile app security monitoring assist in locating weaknesses and tracking any dangers while an application is running. These technologies examine system resources, network traffic, and app behavior to identify activities and inform mobile application testing services developers of possible dangers.

• Appdome

Appdome is a security platform that offers a full solution for safeguarding mobile apps, including testing and tools for mobile automation in Australia. It gives developers of Android and iOS apps a platform to create, test, release, and keep an eye on security, fraud detection, malware protection, and other defenses.

• Veracode

An AST suite intended for businesses is called Veracode. The service has grown to include dynamic analysis (DAST) and SCA to detect vulnerabilities at every stage of the software development lifecycle, with its roots in binary static analysis (SAST). Veracode is a well-liked option for security teams and organizations with strict security needs because of its emphasis on security policy and compliance.

Transform Your Mobile App Security Strategy Now

In the digital-driven world, mobile applications have become an integral part of our lives. As there is a hike in adoption, so does the popularity of cybercriminals. Mobile app security is not an option now, but it’s a necessity for organizations & users to avoid cyber threats. Cybersecurity is a non-functional way to measure how the software behaves when dealing with unexpected impacts. Now start securing the mobile application testing solutions today.