MOBILE APPLICATION PENTEST
Identify security vulnerabilities in your mobile applications with CREST-approved penetration testing.
Trusted by leading organisations
What is mobile app penetration testing
and how does it protect your users?
Securing mobile applications
against real-world threats
Mobile application penetration testing finds vulnerabilities within applications built primarily for Android and iOS devices.
Our experienced technical consultants use their deep understanding of the tactics, techniques and tools malicious actors employ to conduct simulated attacks against your mobile applications.
An attack or data breach caused by a compromised app has the potential to inflict significant financial, reputational and operational damage to your organisation.
We can assess the security controls in place through the lens of a malicious actor. We can also pinpoint the attack vectors that could be utilised to compromise your mobile app.
Why your organisation needs
mobile app penetration testing
Protect users and
business reputation with
proactive mobile security
Organisations increasingly rely on mobile applications to provide essential services and conduct business operations. This reliance creates a new attack surface for cyber criminals. A well-designed and executed mobile application pentest can help your organisation reduce its risk of a data breach or other cyber attack.
Mobile applications are complex systems that often integrate with other systems, such as APIs. This complexity can make it challenging to find all potential security vulnerabilities. Conducting a mobile application pentest is an essential part of any comprehensive cyber security strategy.
A mobile app pentest can also help you assess the effectiveness of your app’s security controls and identify any areas needing improvement. By finding security vulnerabilities in your app, you can take steps to fix them before an attacker has a chance to exploit them.
Common vulnerabilities found in
mobile app penetration tests
Identifying weaknesses in
authentication, APIs, and
data storage
Mobile app pentesting can identify and address common vulnerabilities before cyber criminals exploit them. This helps protect your applications, users and customers against malicious attacks, data theft and other cyber threats.
Our expert mobile application pentesting team will identify and exploit vulnerabilities, including those listed in the OWASP Mobile Security Testing Guide and those we regularly encounter during mobile application penetration tests. These include:
Insecure data storage
Protecting sensitive data such as financial information, customer details and user credentials is essential. If your app uses storage features incorrectly, it could expose sensitive data to apps running on the same device. We can help find and close any security gaps.
Lost or stolen devices
Mobile devices are lost or stolen more easily than larger devices. This makes it easier for malicious actors to gain access to the device to retrieve its data. We can ensure your apps are protected with proper security measures to minimise this risk.
Communication with trusted endpoints
Mobile devices regularly connect to public or shared Wi-Fi networks that potentially malicious clients could exploit. We can help support the integrity and confidentiality of information exchanged between the app and the remote service endpoints.
Authentication and authorisation
Insecure or poorly implemented mobile authentication can allow malicious actors to bypass controls or gain access using default login credentials. We can find any issues and help protect your mobile apps with robust authentication methods.
Interaction with the mobile platform
Mobile operating systems differ from desktop architectures. They are platform-specific and implement app permission systems that regulate access to specific APIs. If the APIs are poorly implemented or misused, functionality or sensitive data might be unintentionally exposed to other apps running on the device. We can help find any conflicts and ensure your apps function as they should.
Code quality and exploit mitigation
Poor quality coding can create vulnerabilities in your mobile apps, making them easier for hackers to spot and exploit. We can perform static code analysis to identify any weaknesses and advise on better coding practices to improve the quality of the code.
Anti-tampering and anti-reversing
Skilled hackers can reverse engineer applications and analyse and change code to inject malicious functionality. We use professional debugging tools to run the app from an attacker’s perspective. This enables us to find weaknesses and provide recommendations to protect the app from decompiling and tampering with the code.
Explore other types of
penetration testing services
CREST-certified
pentesting services
As well as mobile app pentests, our team provides the following penetration testing services:
Website penetration testing
We assess your web apps and APIs for vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Using OWASP methodologies and advanced tools, we provide assurance your applications are secured against potential threats.
Cloud penetration testing
Cloud pentesting detects misconfigurations that may expose systems or data. We test environments hosted on AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure to ensure your cloud services remain secure against attacks.
All penetration testing services
Our penetration testing services support businesses with regulatory or commercial testing needs, and those prioritising cyber security. We deliver independent technical assurance for systems and applications.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mobile application penetration test?
Mobile app pentesting is designed to assess the configuration of mobile apps across iOS, Android and Windows. It also covers apps developed with mobile frameworks like React Native, Flutter and Xamarin. The goal is to identify cyber security vulnerabilities that could lead to a breach. Our security experts use the latest tools and techniques to identify weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them.
What steps are involved in a mobile app penetration test?
Once the scope and testing limitations have been agreed upon, our CREST-accredited penetration testers will gather information about the target application or API, following the methodology defined within the OWASP mobile security testing guide., Through this, they’ll find areas of the application to target and exploit.
Who conducts a mobile application penetration test?
Our highly skilled CREST-registered penetration testers perform mobile app penetration testing. They simulate attacks using the same tools and techniques used by malicious adversaries.
How long does a mobile app penetration test take?
This depends on the agreed-upon scope of the pentest. Factors include the size of the application under review and whether it’s performed as a white-box or black-box assessment.
How much does a mobile app penetration test cost?
The cost of a mobile application penetration test typically ranges between £5,000 and £15,000. This depends on the size and complexity of the mobile application, and whether testing is completed using a white-box or black-box methodology. Contact us for a quote where we can help you with any requirements or questions you may have about your mobile application.
What is CREST?
CREST is an international not-for-profit accreditation and certification body representing and supporting the technical information security market. Companies can choose to become a CREST member and apply for CREST-accredited services. The application requires a rigorous assessment of members’ processes, data security and service methodologies to ensure they’re executed to best practice standards.
Is Sentrium a CREST-approved provider?
Yes! Sentrium is a CREST-approved penetration testing provider. We’re proud to provide services that achieve CREST’s extremely high standard of quality and professionalism, which is recognised internationally.
Why should I use a CREST-approved pentesting company?
Working with a CREST-approved penetration testing provider ensures you’re in safe and experienced hands. You should have the confidence that your penetration test is thorough and comprehensive. Your provider must conduct a technically accurate test that covers the required scope of your IT controls to ensure your primary security concerns are assessed.
What happens after the mobile app pentest?
The pentester(s) assigned to the project will compile a detailed report containing the identified vulnerabilities, what risk(s) they pose and recommendations on how to remediate them. Once the report has been delivered, our team will be available for a conference call to discuss the report in detail and answer any questions you may have.
How long does a mobile app penetration test take?
A mobile app pentest typically takes 1-3 weeks, depending on factors such as the number of interactive pages, which platform (iOS/Android) and whether the assessment is white-box or black-box.
How do mobile applications pose a security risk?
Mobile apps can expose sensitive data through insecure storage, weak authentication, unencrypted communication, and vulnerable third-party components. Malicious actors may also exploit platform-specific flaws or misconfigured APIs. Regular mobile app penetration testing helps identify and address these risks before they can be exploited.