During the 2023–24 financial year, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) fielded over 36,700 calls to its Cyber Security Hotline—a 12% jump from the previous year. They also tackled more than 1,100 cyber security incidents, a clear reminder that threats to Australian systems and critical infrastructure aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
These days, mobile apps drive just about everything—whether it’s banking, shopping, or keeping a business running behind the scenes. But as we lean more heavily on mobile tech, cybercriminals see opportunities, and the risks continue to rise.
That’s where mobile app penetration testing steps in. Also known as " pen testing," this hands-on process mimics real-world attacks on mobile apps to spot weak points before the bad guys do. It’s not just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s become a crucial part of building and maintaining secure mobile apps.
In this blog, we’re breaking down what mobile app penetration testing actually involves, why it’s so important for protecting both user data and business operations, and how it fits into the bigger picture of yourcyber security strategy.
So whether you’re developing apps, managing IT, or making business decisions, this one’s for you.
Let’s get into it.
What Is Mobile App Penetration Testing—and How’s It Different from Other Security Testing Methods?
Mobile applications are now part of everyday life—whether you’re paying bills, ordering food, or managing work on the go from your mobile device. But with convenience comes risk, and the rise in cyber threats means mobile app security testing is no longer optional—it’s critical.
So, what exactly is mobile app penetration testing, and how does it stack up against other security testing methods? Let’s break it down.
What Is Mobile App Penetration Testing?
Mobile application penetration testing is a structured security testing approach that mimics real world attacks to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Think of it as ethical hacking, where testers simulate how a cyber attacker might attempt to gain unauthorised access, steal user data, or disrupt the app’s functionality.
What makes mobile app penetration unique is its laser focus on issues specific to mobile devices—like insecure data storage, weak authentication methods, insecure communication, or gaps in the mobile security framework. These are often overlooked in broader penetration testing services but are crucial to locking down mobile apps against data breaches and security flaws.
How It’s Different from Other Types of Security Testing
You’ve probably heard of vulnerability scanning—it’s an automated tool that flags common vulnerabilities. Handy, but it doesn’t behave like an actual attacker.
Then, you’ve got static application security testing (SAST) and dynamic application security testing (DAST), which review your code and runtime behaviour during the app development process. These tools play a key role, but they only scratch the surface.
Mobile app penetration takes things further. It combines automated tools with human insight to uncover security weaknesses, identify vulnerabilities, and simulate real world attacks.
This hands-on testing helps pinpoint security flaws that automated scans miss—especially in complex or context-sensitive scenarios.
In today’s fast-paced cyber security industry, regular penetration testing is essential. It not only reduces the risk of a security breach but also supports compliance with data protection regulations and helps implement robust security measures during the development process.
Common Mobile App Vulnerabilities
As mobile apps grow more advanced, cyber attacks evolve with them. During mobile application security testing, testers frequently uncover potential security flaws—some more critical than others. Here are the usual suspects that surface during mobile app testing:
Insecure Data Storage
When sensitive data like user credentials or financial data is stored on a device without proper encryption, attackers can use malicious code or tools to steal user data and gain access to private information.
Weak Authentication Methods
Basic or outdated login systems are a goldmine for attackers. Without proper checks—like multi-factor authentication—gaining unauthorised access becomes too easy.
Poor Session Handling
If a session doesn’t time out or regenerate tokens, it becomes a target for hijacking. That’s a security risk that can quickly spiral into a full-blown security breach.
Unencrypted Communication
Data interception is a major concern. When mobile apps transmit sensitive data without encryption, attackers can eavesdrop and steal information mid-transit.
Insecure APIs
APIs are essential to mobile applications, but when poorly secured, they open the door to backend access and data leaks—making them one of the most common vulnerabilities in app penetration testing.
Outdated Libraries and Components
Using unsupported or outdated components? That’s risky. They’re often riddled with known issues that attackers actively exploit during mobile app penetration testing.
Real-World Examples
In one high-profile case, a mobile banking app exposed millions of accounts due to insecure APIs and insecure data storage. In another, outdated libraries allowed attackers to inject malicious code and compromise the app’s security—highlighting the urgent need for regular penetration testing and robust security measures.
Mobile App Penetration Testing: How It’s Done (and Why It Matters)
Identifying potential vulnerabilities in a mobile app isn’t guesswork—it’s a carefully defined penetration testing process. One of the most trusted resources is the OWASP Mobile Security Testing Guide (MSTG), which aligns with the OWASP Mobile Top 10 list of security issues affecting mobile apps today.
Sticking to the Standards
The MSTG provides a detailed framework for mobile application penetration and helps teams prioritise threats based on real-world attack trends. It ensures that mobile app security testing is consistent, thorough, and aligned with best practices in the cyber security field.
Black-Box vs. White-Box: Know Your Angle
In black-box testing, the tester works like an outsider—no access to the source code or infrastructure. White-box testing, by contrast, involves full transparency, allowing deeper analysis of potential threats and security gaps within the app.
Static vs. Dynamic: Scan It All
Combining static and dynamic analysis offers a full-spectrum view of your app. Static application security testing (SAST) reviews the code itself, while dynamic application security testing (DAST) monitors the app’s behaviour in action. Together, they help identify vulnerabilities across the entire development process.
Manual Automated = Best of Both Worlds
Automated tools are great for catching low-hanging fruit, but they won’t detect everything. Manual penetration testing digs into edge cases, business logic issues, and contextual problems that machines simply can’t grasp. This hybrid approach ensures more comprehensive coverage of potential security threats.
Don’t Forget Both Platforms
Every platform is different. Android and iOS each come with their own mobile security frameworks, behaviours, and quirks. Proper mobile app security testing ensures both platforms are fully covered—without leaving critical gaps behind.
Step-by-Step: How Mobile App Pen Testing Actually Works
Here’s how a thorough mobile application penetration test typically plays out:
1. Set the Scope
Define what’s in and out of scope, identify app features, and align on goals—whether it’s assessing insecure communication or testing for hidden security flaws.
2. Gather Info & Build a Threat Model
Testers collect architectural details and map out how an attacker might exploit the app to gain access or steal sensitive data.
3. Find and Exploit Vulnerabilities
Using a mix of automated tools and manual testing, penetration testers target known weak spots—like weak authentication methods, insecure APIs, and potential security flaws in data storage.
4. Assess the Impact
Each issue is analysed in terms of how it affects user data, compliance, app stability, and overall risk. This helps prioritise what to fix first.
5. Report and Recommend Fixes
You’ll get a clear, actionable report—no fluff or jargon—just straight answers to help developers patch security issues and enhance security measures.
6. Retest and Lock It Down
After fixes are made, testers run a final round of mobile app penetration to ensure all security gaps are closed before deployment.
Why It Pays to Pen Test: The Business Case
Mobile app penetration testing isn’t just about ticking a compliance box—it’s a strategic investment in the future of your mobile application. As mobile apps become more embedded in daily life, the pressure to protect sensitive data and stay ahead of cyber threats continues to grow.
Win User Trust (and Keep It)
In a world of constant data breaches, users expect mobile applications to protect their information. Mobile application penetration testing helps you safeguard user data, like user credentials and financial data, by identifying vulnerabilities before attackers can. Demonstrating robust mobile app security builds trust—and loyalty.
Stay Ahead of Compliance
With data protection regulations like the Australian Privacy Act, GDPR, and ISO 27001 tightening globally, regular penetration testing ensures you’re staying compliant. It also supports audits and vendor risk assessments with clear documentation of your security testing efforts.
Protect What Makes Your App Unique
Whether it’s proprietary features, confidential business logic, or customer data, your app holds assets worth protecting. Mobile app security testing defends against malicious code, insecure data storage, and insecure communication—keeping your intellectual property safe from real world attacks.
Avoid Costly Surprises
Fixing potential security flaws during the app development process is far cheaper than responding to a full-blown security breach. Early app penetration testing reduces the risk of emergency fixes, brand damage, and revenue loss due to downtime or regulatory penalties.
Boost Your Dev Team’s Security Game
Pen testing is also a learning tool. It feeds insights into your app development process, helping your team build with security at the top of mind. Whether it’s improving how they handle insecure APIs or understanding the importance of secure session handling, regular penetration testing levels up internal practices.
Stay Resilient in a Rapidly Evolving Cyber Security Industry
Cyber threats evolve constantly, and mobile app testing is your best defence against emerging threats. With penetration testing services tailored to your environment, you’ll be ready to identify security flaws and apply the right security measures proactively.
Choosing the Right Mobile Pen Testing Partner
Let’s face it—not all penetration testing services are created equal. Choosing the right expert ensures your mobile application security is in safe, trusted hands—and that your investment delivers long-term value.
Certifications That Count
Look for recognised industry credentials like CREST, OSCP, or CEH. These certifications confirm your provider is equipped to handle mobile app penetration testing and understands the nuances of mobile security frameworks.
Real-World Experience
A great tester brings more than theory. Look for someone who understands your platform (Android, iOS, or both), has experience in your industry, and can detect subtle security vulnerabilities others might overlook—especially when dealing with mobile devices and complex backend systems.
Balanced Testing Approach
Your provider should combine manual testing with automated tools, backed by proven frameworks like the OWASP Mobile Security Testing Guide. This blend allows them to uncover both common vulnerabilities and more complex potential threats across static and dynamic analysis.
Reports You Can Actually Use
A good security report doesn’t just list issues—it helps you understand them. Your provider should explain how attackers might gain access, the severity of each risk, and how to fix each issue. No vague terms—just actionable insights that make your app’s security stronger.
Trust and Data Protection
You’re handing over sensitive data, so confidentiality matters. Your testing partner must have strict NDAs in place and follow best practices around data handling to prevent information leaks during the penetration testing process.
Penetration testing isn’t just about finding bugs—it’s about reducing security risks, avoiding potential vulnerabilities, and enhancing your mobile app’s long-term success. Whether you’re focused on insecure data storage, data interception, or weak authentication methods, having the right penetration testing partner gives you the confidence to launch, scale, and secure your mobile applications with peace of mind.
Maximising ROI with Strategic Penetration Testing
When it comes to cyber security, prevention is always more cost-effective than cure. Investing in mobile app penetration testing delivers a clear return—not just by avoiding data breaches, but by strengthening your entire development lifecycle.
Mobile application penetration isn’t a one-time checkbox; it’s an ongoing process that helps identify security flaws early, long before they become costly problems. By weaving security testing into your app development process, your team can proactively fix potential security flaws before they escalate. That means fewer rushed patches, smoother releases, and less exposure to cyber attacks.
Beyond direct savings, regular penetration testing also improves your app’s market position. Customers, investors, and regulators increasingly prioritise security. Demonstrating robust mobile app security—through visible testing, compliance, and strong security measures—can enhance trust, accelerate vendor approvals, and support faster go-to-market timelines.
From detecting insecure APIs and weak authentication methods to testing against real world attacks, mobile app testing protects both your technical assets and your reputation. It’s not just about fixing vulnerabilities—it’s about building resilient mobile applications that can stand up to today’s evolving cyber threats.
Secure Your Mobile App with Confidence
Mobile apps are at the heart of how we live and work—but they’re also prime targets for cyber attacks. That’s why mobile app penetration testing is so essential. It finds the gaps, flags the risks, and helps shut the door on potential attackers—before they get a chance.
Whether you’re dealing with insecure data, weak logins, or vulnerable APIs, regular testing keeps you a step ahead. It protects your users, your reputation, and your bottom line—across both Android and iOS.
In a fast-paced cyber world, you need experts who don’t just understand the risks—they know how to fix them.
That’s where Datcom comes in. We offer mobile penetration testing tailored to your app and your goals. Our team blends industry-recognised frameworks with deep hands-on experience to deliver results that actually strengthen your defences—not just fill a report.
Ready to lock things down? Get in touch with Datcom today—and let’s build a more secure, more resilient app together.