Penetration Testing for Smartphone Apps
In today’s mobile-driven world, smartphone apps are essential not only in daily life but also in the business operations of companies. Ensuring these apps are secure from unauthorized access and misuse is therefore of the utmost importance. Our penetration tests (or pentests) for mobile applications on iOS and Android are specifically designed to identify and close security gaps, protecting both your data and that of your users.
Why are Pentests for Smartphone Apps Essential?
Smartphone apps often handle sensitive data with high security requirements. In some cases, they manage highly sensitive information, such as health data or payment details. Unauthorized access to or loss of this data can lead to significant privacy breaches and financial losses. At worst, security flaws in the app or its backend interface may allow access to additional systems. Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly assess both the app and its underlying infrastructure for security vulnerabilities and to secure them comprehensively.
By addressing the latest security risks and thoroughly examining every aspect of your app—from the user interface to server communication—we ensure that you and your users can operate confidently and securely. Contact us to learn more about how we can safeguard the security of your mobile applications.
Our Approach to Penetration Testing
Our pentests generally follow five key phases, which we can tailor to your specific needs. Upon request, we also provide a final presentation and can conduct follow-up tests as needed. In every case, you will receive a detailed, easy-to-understand report that includes a management summary and actionable recommendations to address any identified vulnerabilities.
Kick-off
Execution
Documentation
final
presentation
Retesting
Read more about each step of the process here. Do you have questions about pentesting that you’d like to discuss with us? Our pentesting team is here to help—don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Conducting a Penetration Test for Smartphone Apps
Our security assessments provide an in-depth analysis of your app's various functions and known attack vectors. We focus specifically on the OWASP Mobile Top 10—the ten most critical risks currently facing mobile applications—ensuring your app is protected against the latest and most relevant threats. Common vulnerabilities include insecure authentication and authorization, insufficient binary protection, security misconfigurations, and inadequate cryptography.
Our approach combines automated scanning with manual testing, using both static and dynamic analysis techniques to thoroughly assess the application. In addition to examining the app itself, we also test the web interfaces and backend APIs, applying our trusted API penetration testing methods to identify potential vulnerabilities in communication between the app and its server.
By addressing the latest security risks and rigorously testing all aspects of your app—from the user interface to server communication—we ensure that you and your users can operate confidently and securely.
Key Assessment Points
Our app penetration tests cover the following key areas:
API/Backend Server
We assess the underlying server for outdated software, known vulnerabilities, and configuration errors.
Platform Usage
We verify that integration with the relevant operating system and associated security settings are correctly implemented.
Data Storage
We examine app storage for insecurely stored sensitive information and potential data leaks.
Cryptography
We assess the implementation of cryptographic operations to ensure sensitive data is adequately protected.
Communication
We evaluate data transmission to ensure that encryption methods are appropriate and that confidentiality is maintained.
Authentication and Authorization
We analyze user authentication quality, as well as session and token management practices.
Access Control
We test vertical and horizontal privilege escalation among different users, groups, and roles, across both local functions and API interactions.
Data Validation
We assess data validation to detect vulnerabilities to injection attacks (targeting APIs and local databases) and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks against WebViews.
App Protection
We analyze protections in place to safeguard the app and its source code against manipulation, such as reverse-engineering techniques.
Sensitive Information
We review error messages and scan for any exposed sensitive information.
Application Hardening
We perform a general analysis of the application to identify potential improvements and hardening configurations.
Each app penetration test is customized to the app’s specific use case and includes any additional assessments necessary to ensure a thorough and accurate evaluation of security. This approach enables us to detect even highly complex vulnerabilities.
Your Contact for App and API Penetration Testing
Looking for a qualified provider to conduct a penetration test for your mobile app or web APIs? Our experienced team is here to help. Contact us by phone or email—we look forward to your inquiry!
Cihan Parlar, LL.M. (Tilburg), Lawyer
Managing Director
Email: cparlar@re-move-this.first-privacy.com
Phone: +31 20 211 7116
FIRST PRIVACY B.V.
Peter Suhren, Lawyer
Managing Director
Email: psuhren@re-move-this.first-privacy.com
Phone: +49 421 69 66 32-822
FIRST PRIVACY GmbH
If your inquiry concerns an organization based in Germany, these contacts will help you
Michael Cyl, M.Sc.
Head of Information Security | Penetration Testing
Email: mcyl@re-move-this.datenschutz-nord.de
Phone: +49 421 69 66 32-319
datenschutz nord GmbH, Bremen
Our Qualifications as Pentesters
- Established Standards: We follow recognized standards, including BSI IS-Pentest, BSI IS-Webcheck, OWASP, and more.
- Experienced, Certified Experts: Our qualified penetration testers bring years of hands-on experience to each project.
- Customized Testing: Each test is tailored to the specific requirements and context of the target environment.
- Smart Meter Gateway Expertise: Extensive project experience in the Smart Meter Gateway field, compliant with BSI TR-03109-1.
- Transparent Processes: We ensure clarity and simplicity throughout the engagement.
- Client-Focused Security Enhancement: Our priority is enhancing the IT security of our clients.
Additionally, our team holds the following certifications:
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
Pentesting FAQ
Black-Box, Grey-Box, or White-Box Pentest: What Are the Differences?
Pentests vary not only by target (e.g., network, app, API) but also by the initial level of information provided—known as the starting scenario. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between Black-Box, Grey-Box, and White-Box penetration tests:
- Black-Box Pentest: In a Black-Box pentest, the tester begins with minimal information, closely mimicking a real-world attack. This type of test typically requires only basic details, such as an IP address, URL, or domain name, to initiate the assessment.
- White-Box Pentest: For White-Box testing, the tester has access to extensive information about the system, including network diagrams, security policies, configurations, and even source code. This allows for targeted testing of critical systems and functions. However, the tester’s objectivity might be affected by this comprehensive knowledge.
- Grey-Box Pentest: A Grey-Box test combines elements of both Black-Box and White-Box approaches. It may start as a Black-Box test, with additional details provided as needed for a more thorough evaluation. For instance, supplying login credentials or certain technical information upfront classifies the test as Grey-Box, enhancing efficiency while maintaining an external attacker’s perspective.
Each approach has its advantages, and the choice depends on the goals, resources, and security needs of your organization.
