Mobile pentesting guide: vulnerabilities, security, integrations

Last week, I watched a developer's face go completely white when they realised their "secure" mobile app had been leaking user data for months through a simple API vulnerability that could have been caught in 10 minutes of proper testing. Here's the thing about mobile API security—it's like having a brilliant alarm system on your front door but leaving your back window wide open. Your app might look rock solid on the surface, but if the way it talks to other systems isn't properly protected, you're basically rolling out the red carpet for hackers. I've spent over two decades in mobile app development, and I've seen this same story play out again and again. Companies pour loads of time and money into making their apps beautiful and functional, then completely forget that the invisible connections between their app and the outside world need just as much attention. The scary part? Most of these vulnerabilities are actually pretty easy to find and fix—if you know what you're looking for. It's not rocket science, but it does need a proper plan and the right approach. That's why I've put together a straightforward guide that breaks down exactly how to test your mobile APIs for vulnerabilities. No technical jargon, no overwhelming theory—just the practical steps that actually work in the real world. Because at the end of the day, your users trust you with their data. Shouldn't we make sure that trust is well-placed? Link to the guide is in the comments. #MobileSecurity #APISecurity #MobileAppDevelopment #CyberSecurity #AppDevelopment

🔒 Mobile App Security: What Every Developer Should Know In today’s hyper-connected world, security isn’t just a feature — it’s a responsibility. From fintech to edtech, every app handles sensitive data — and a single vulnerability can destroy user trust and brand credibility. Let’s explore the key principles every mobile developer must understand. 👇 ⸻ ⚠️ 1. Understanding the Threat Landscape Modern attacks go far beyond “hacking passwords.” Common risks include: • Reverse engineering your APK or IPA • Insecure API communication • Local data leaks (like caching sensitive info on device) • Malware injection through third-party SDKs The first step to securing your app is knowing where it can break. ⸻ 🔐 2. Secure Data Storage Avoid storing sensitive data in plain text or shared preferences. Instead: • Use Keychain (iOS) or EncryptedSharedPreferences (Android) • For Flutter, leverage packages like flutter_secure_storage • Never hardcode API keys or secrets in code ⸻ 🌐 3. Secure API Communication APIs are your app’s lifeline — and attackers know it. Ensure: • HTTPS + SSL pinning • Token-based authentication (JWT, OAuth2) • Input validation on both frontend and backend ⸻ 🧰 4. Code Obfuscation & Reverse Engineering Protection Make it harder for attackers to decompile or modify your app. • Use ProGuard / R8 (Android) or obfuscation tools for Flutter builds • Regularly rotate API keys • Avoid embedding sensitive logic in the app ⸻ 🧩 5. Managing Dependencies Safely Open-source libraries can hide risks. • Audit your dependencies regularly • Use trusted sources (e.g., official pub.dev, Maven Central) • Update SDKs and third-party APIs frequently ⸻ 🧠 6. Implement Runtime Protection Tools like Google Play Integrity API or App Attest (Apple) help detect tampering or rooted devices. This keeps your app from running in insecure environments. ⸻ 💡 7. Security is a Continuous Process Security isn’t one-time setup — it’s an ongoing discipline. Regular audits, penetration testing, and code reviews should be part of your release cycle. ⸻ 🚀 Developer’s Takeaway Great apps don’t just perform well — they protect well. Security must be baked in from the first line of code, not added as an afterthought. #MobileSecurity #AppDevelopment #CyberSecurity #Flutter #AndroidDevelopment #SecureCoding #TechTips #AppDevelopers #DataPrivacy #SecurityBestPractices #Infosec

Over 600 million users. Google banned the app. This is Pinduoduo - China's e-commerce giant that became a cautionary tale for mobile security. Pinduoduo's 2023-2025 security cases show what happens when companies deliberately compromise their own apps - and how platforms fail to catch it in time. What went wrong: March 2023: Google removes Pinduoduo from the Play Store after discovering malicious code that could spy on users, access contacts, photos, and messages without permission Pinduoduo intentionally added this malicious functionality to show additional ads and boost sales. This wasn't a hack or security oversight - it was a deliberate business decision to exploit their users. The app exploited CVE-2023-20963, a high-severity Android vulnerability. Google took over a year (12+ months) to patch this vulnerability, during which Pinduoduo weaponized it against millions of users. The real cost: For Pinduoduo: Minimal. They rebranded as Temu, which became one of the most popular shopping apps globally. The "reputation damage" barely slowed them down. For users: While Pinduoduo didn't steal personal data, it exploited vulnerabilities to gain capabilities that could access contacts, photos, and messages. Instead, they used these exploits to aggressively push ads through system notifications, system apps, and arbitrary app launches - places where ads should never appear. For Google: Proof that even with billions in security infrastructure, delayed vulnerability patches create windows for exploitation - and malicious apps can slip through review processes. What does this tell us about mobile security? App stores can't always catch malicious code before it reaches users. The CVE Pinduoduo exploit existed because Google was slow to patch it. Even "trusted" platforms have gaps. What this means for you: If a company as large as Pinduoduo can ship malicious code that bypasses Google's security review, what vulnerabilities exist in your app that you don't know about? Automated security scanning finds these exploitable vulnerabilities before your own team makes decisions that could compromise user trust. Your mobile app is one vulnerability away from becoming a headline.  The question isn't if you'll be targeted - it's whether you'll be ready.

Last week I discovered a client's API was sending user passwords in plain text over HTTP. Three days before launch. That stomach-dropping moment when you realise your mobile app's security is basically held together with hope and good intentions? Yeah, I've been there more times than I'd like to admit. And honestly, it never gets easier watching teams scramble to fix authentication systems that are about as secure as a chocolate teapot. The thing is, API security audits aren't exactly the sexy part of app development—but they're absolutely critical. I mean, you wouldn't launch a car without checking the brakes work properly, would you? Sure, we all get caught up in the excitement of shipping features and meeting deadlines. But here's what I've learned after years of building apps across fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce: the apps that succeed long-term are the ones that earn users trust from day one. And nothing kills trust faster than a security breach that could've been prevented. The scary part? Most API vulnerabilities aren't even that complex to fix—they're just easy to miss if you don't know what to look for. Simple things like proper token validation, rate limiting, and encrypted data transmission can make the difference between a secure app and a hacker's playground. I've put together a comprehensive guide on auditing mobile API security before launch because, honestly, I'm tired of seeing great apps fail because of preventable security issues. It covers everything from authentication checks to data encryption—all the stuff that keeps me sleeping soundly at night knowing our clients apps are bulletproof. Link to the guide is in the comments. #MobileAppSecurity #APISecurity #MobileAppDevelopment #AppDevelopment #CyberSecurity

I watched a client's app get absolutely destroyed by hackers last year—and it wasn't even the app itself that was the problem. The mobile interface was beautiful. Users loved it. Great reviews, growing downloads, everything looked perfect on the surface. But here's the thing—the API underneath was like leaving your house key under the doormat and putting up a sign that says "spare key here." It's actually mad how many developers I meet who spend months perfecting the user interface, obsessing over button colors and animation timing, then just... wing it when it comes to API security? I mean, come on, really? The API is literally the backbone of your entire app. Its the invisible foundation that everything else sits on. If that gets compromised, it doesn't matter how pretty your app looks or how smooth your animations are. After years of building apps across healthcare, fintech, and other industries where security isn't optional, I've learned that you cant just bolt on security as an afterthought. You have to design it in from day one. Sure, it takes more planning upfront. And yes, it means making some tough decisions about features versus security. But you know what's worse than a delayed launch? Having your app become a cautionary tale about what happens when you cut corners on API security. The mobile landscape has changed dramatically—what worked five years ago will get you hacked today. Attackers are more sophisticated, they know exactly where to look for vulnerabilities, and they're specifically targeting mobile APIs because that's where the valuable data flows. Link to the full guide is in the comments. #MobileAppSecurity #APIDevelopment #CyberSecurity #MobileApps #AppDevelopment

What does a mobile app pentest really involve? Check out one of our most-read blog posts and see what a professional mobile pentest looks like from start to finish: 👉 https://lnkd.in/dQ5vMSJW #MobilePentest #Pentest #Cybersecurity

📱 Tools of the Trade: Mobile Security Assessment 101 If you're interested in cybersecurity and curious about how mobile apps are tested for security, here’s a quick breakdown of some essential tools used in a mobile security assessment—and how they're applied. Whether you're testing Android or iOS apps, these tools help you uncover vulnerabilities, analyze behaviors, and improve overall app security. 🧰 Common Tools Used in Mobile Security Assessments: 🔍 MobSF (Mobile Security Framework) All-in-one tool for static and dynamic analysis. Just upload an APK or IPA, and MobSF scans for hardcoded secrets, insecure permissions, weak cryptography, and more. 📦 APKTool Decompiles Android APK files into readable code and resources. Great for reverse engineering and analyzing how an app behaves under the hood. 📱 Frida A dynamic instrumentation toolkit used to hook into mobile apps while they're running—ideal for analyzing runtime behavior and bypassing security checks. 🧪 Burp Suite (with mobile proxy config) Intercepts and analyzes traffic between a mobile app and its backend API. Helps identify issues like insecure data transmission, broken authentication, and API misconfigurations. 🔐 Objection Works with Frida to bypass jailbreak/root detection, explore app data, and inspect secure storage. Perfect for deeper testing of hardened apps. 💡 Why This Matters: Mobile apps are everywhere—and so are their vulnerabilities. From insecure data storage to vulnerable APIs, mobile apps can be a goldmine for attackers. Learning how to use these tools helps future defenders, app developers, and analysts think like an attacker to build safer apps. #Cybersecurity #MobileSecurity #Infosec #OWASPMobileTop10 #LearnCybersecurity #BurpSuite #Frida #MobSF #ReverseEngineering #EntryLevelCybersecurity #BlueTeam #MobileAppSecurity #AppSecurity #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth #CyberSecurityfortheHomies

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🔒 Strengthen your mobile app security! 🚀 Learn all about Mobile App VAPT — tools, techniques & best practices. 👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/dz5Hb37A #MobileAppVAPT #MobileAppSecurity #VAPT #CyberSecurity #PenetrationTesting #AppTesting #MobileSecurity #CyberAwareness #ECSInfotech #ECS

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