Mobile application penetration testing assesses the security of iOS and Android applications by examining the app binary, its communication with backend APIs, local data storage, authentication mechanisms, and platform-specific security controls. Testers analyse the application for vulnerabilities including insecure data storage, weak cryptography, improper session handling, client-side injection, and reverse engineering risks.
Testing follows frameworks such as the OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) and Mobile Testing Guide (MSTG). Mobile pen testers examine how the app handles sensitive data at rest and in transit, whether certificate pinning is properly implemented, how the app responds to jailbroken or rooted devices, and whether binary protections prevent reverse engineering and tampering.
This testing is essential for organisations releasing mobile apps that handle financial transactions, personal data, healthcare information, or corporate credentials. Mobile app pen testing helps meet compliance requirements for PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, and industry-specific regulations.
UK offensive security consultancy delivering CREST-accredited penetration testing, adversary simulation and CBEST, TIBER-EU and TBEST threat-led testing, mainly for financial services and other large organisations.
Penetration testing firm trusted by nine of the top ten US banks, with the Resolve platform for continuous attack surface management.
Munich- and Budapest-based embedded cybersecurity experts focused on financial services, automotive and mobility, manufacturing and industrial automation, energy and more. The services and platform go beyond compliance, supporting the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act, PCI PTS, UN R155, ISO/SAE 21434 and other standards and regulations.
Global enterprise cybersecurity consultancy founded in 1999 in Oxford, holding rare CREST STAR-FS accreditation and delivering penetration testing, red and purple teaming, and PCI QSA services across five international offices.
US penetration testing firm founded in 2011, running 600+ engagements a year with a fully remote, US-based team. Manual, expert-led testing across web, network, cloud, mobile, wireless, OT/ICS, and AI/LLM. Gartner Sample Vendor for PTaaS.
CREST and CHECK-accredited UK penetration testing and managed security provider formed in 2026 from Pentest People, Bulletproof, and Target Defense, with CREST STAR/TLPT-FS capability and the GuardNest vulnerability management platform.
Global managed security provider with the elite SpiderLabs penetration testing team and deep PCI DSS compliance expertise.
Manchester-based independent cybersecurity consultancy with over 20 years of experience delivering CREST and CHECK-accredited penetration testing, red teaming, and compliance certification services.
CREST and CHECK-accredited UK penetration testing consultancy with CBEST approval, specialising in infrastructure, application, and simulated attack assessments across the public and private sectors.
CHECK and CREST-accredited Birmingham-based cyber security consultancy with over 15 years of experience delivering penetration testing, red teaming, and OT security assessments for government and private sector clients.
Fast-growing CREST and CHECK-accredited UK cybersecurity consultancy with deep expertise in critical national infrastructure sectors.
Offensive security firm founded by former NSA operator David Kennedy, delivering CREST-accredited penetration testing, red teaming, and adversary simulation to Fortune 500 and government clients.
Most penetration testing providers test both platforms. Some specialise in one platform. Ensure your chosen provider has experience with the specific platform and version your app targets.
Mobile app pen testing can be performed with or without source code. Black-box testing analyses the compiled binary, while white-box testing with source code access typically finds more vulnerabilities.
A typical mobile app pen test takes 5-10 days per platform, depending on app complexity, number of features, and whether backend API testing is included.