Mobile App Penetration Testing

Mobile app penetration testing for iOS, Android and the APIs behind them

Hands-on testing of your iOS and Android apps and their backend APIs for insecure storage, weak authentication, broken authorization and traffic an attacker can read or change. Every finding comes with a reproducible proof of concept and a fix.

iOS and Android, native and cross-platform apps
Static and dynamic analysis of the app binary
Backend APIs tested in the same engagement
Mapped to OWASP MASVS v2.1, MASTG and the OWASP Mobile Top 10 (2024)

Scope my mobile app test See a sample report Talk to an expert →

The credentials behind every engagement

2026 CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards winner

Penetration Testing Solution of the Year2026 CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards

Reviewed by Omair Manzoor, Founder & CEO, ioSENTRIX · Updated November 2026

Trusted by security teams at

See it in action

Four small findings. One critical breach.

Scanners report mobile flaws one by one. Our testers chain them the way an attacker would, then map every test to OWASP MASVS.

The app under test

Where we look

The attack chain we prove

Chain severity

9:41●●●

Acme Wallet

Your balance

$4,280.15

Account 1043

Recent

Coffee Lab-$4.50

Payroll+$2,140

Rent-$1,450

NOT YOUR ACCOUNT

$91,302.77

Account 1044 · J. Rivera

$ strings app.apkapiKey = "a8f3c1..."

/data/app/session.dbtoken = "eyJhbGci..."

proxy · pinning bypassedGET /v2/accounts/1043

GET /v2/accounts/1044200 OK · J. Rivera · $91,302

iOSANDROID

01App binary

02On-device storage

03Network traffic

04Backend API

Phone above · servers below

Reverse-engineer the app

API key hardcoded in the binary

Low

Read on-device storage

Session token stored unencrypted

Medium

Bypass certificate pinning

All app traffic readable and editable

Medium

Replay key and token against the API

API returns any user's records

Medium

Low

Medium

High

Critical

Chained impactOne attacker can read every customer's data.

OWASP MASVS testedResilienceCodeStorageCryptoNetworkAuthPlatformPrivacy

Swipe to see the full exhibit →

Severity lives in the chain

Each finding looks minor alone. Together they expose every account.

Scanners stop at the phone

We follow what the app leaks all the way to the API behind it.

Proof your team can act on

Every step is reproduced, mapped to MASVS and retested once fixed.

Read this exhibit as text

We test an iOS or Android app the way an attacker would: the app binary, what it stores on the device, its network traffic and the API behind it.
Reverse-engineering the app reveals an API key hardcoded in the binary. On its own this is a low-severity finding.
The app stores a session token unencrypted on the device: medium severity.
Bypassing certificate pinning makes all of the app's traffic readable and editable: medium severity.
Replaying the key and token against the API returns another user's account records.
Chained together, these four findings let one attacker read every customer's data, which is critical. Every test is mapped to the OWASP MASVS categories: storage, crypto, auth, network, platform, code, resilience and privacy.

Source: ioSENTRIX mobile testing methodology and OWASP MASVS v2 categories. Illustrative chain with a fictional app, not client data.

The short answer

What is mobile app penetration testing?

Mobile app penetration testing is a hands-on security test of an iOS or Android app, the data it keeps on the device and the backend APIs it talks to. Testers analyze the app binary, run it under instrumentation and attack its traffic, then prove each exploitable weakness with a reproducible proof of concept.

An attacker can talk to your backend without your app, so an iOS or Android app pentest that skips the APIs leaves much of the risk untested. We test both in one engagement and map results to the OWASP MASVS control groups, the MASTG test cases and the OWASP Mobile Top 10 (2024).

At ioSENTRIX, mobile app penetration testing is carried out by hand by certified testers at a CREST-accredited firm, and every fix gets a free retest.

You need a mobile app pentest if

Your app handles payments, health data or account credentials
An enterprise customer, partner or auditor asked for a mobile pentest
You are launching a new app or a major release
You added biometrics, offline storage or a new SDK

What we test

Four areas, tested by hand

Scope follows your app. Most mobile app penetration tests cover these four areas.

Area 1

On the device

What the app leaves behind, and who can read it.

Local storage, logs and backups
Keychain and Keystore use
Cryptography and key handling
Data in screenshots and caches

Area 2

Authentication and sessions

How users sign in and stay signed in.

Biometric and PIN bypass
Token storage and expiry
Session handling across devices
Step-up checks for sensitive actions

Area 3

Network and backend APIs

The traffic and the services behind the app.

TLS and certificate pinning
API authorization and object access
Rate limits and business logic
Hidden and legacy endpoints

Area 4

Platform and code

How the app uses the OS, and how it resists tampering.

Deep links, intents and URL schemes
WebViews and JavaScript bridges
Root and jailbreak detection
Reverse engineering and tampering

Methodology

How we test: example test cases

A sample of the manual test cases in a typical mobile app penetration test. Your scope decides the full list.

MASVS-STORAGE

Sensitive data at rest

We inspect app storage, logs, backups and caches for tokens, personal data and keys after normal use.

MASVS-AUTH

Biometric and PIN bypass

We hook the app at runtime to skip biometric or PIN checks, and test whether the backend relies on them.

MASVS-NETWORK

Traffic interception

We test TLS validation and certificate pinning, then read and change traffic between the app and its APIs.

MASVS-PLATFORM

Deep link and intent abuse

We send crafted deep links and intents to trigger actions or reach screens without the user’s consent.

API1:2023

Backend object access

Using the app’s own API calls, we change object IDs to reach other users’ accounts, orders or records.

MASVS-RESILIENCE

Tampering and reverse engineering

We decompile and repackage the app to see which secrets, logic and controls an attacker can extract or remove.

Sample finding

What a finding looks like in our report

An illustrative example in our report format. Not client data.

Finding 01 · IllustrativeHigh

An API key in the Android app lets anyone query every user’s order history

OWASP Mobile Top 10 (2024) M1 Improper Credential Usage · OWASP API Security Top 10 2023 API1:2023 Broken Object Level Authorization

What we found

The app shipped a third-party API key in its resources so it could call an order-lookup service directly. Decompiling the APK recovered the key, and the service accepted any order or user ID with it, returning names, addresses and order contents.

Impact

Anyone who downloads the app can extract the key and read any customer’s orders.

How to fix it

Remove the key from the app and route order lookups through your backend, which checks that the signed-in user owns the order. Rotate the exposed key and add secret scanning to the mobile build.

What you get

What you get from every mobile app pentest

Not an automated app scan. Proven attacks and fixes your engineers can act on.

Findings with proof, ranked by exploitability

Each finding has a severity, steps or scripts to reproduce it and remediation guidance for iOS, Android or the backend.

Mapped to OWASP MASVS

Every finding mapped to the MASVS control groups and the OWASP Mobile Top 10 (2024), ready for auditors and enterprise customers.

Walkthrough, then retesting

The tester who found each issue walks your developers through it, and retesting confirms the fix.

ioSENTRIX sample penetration test report cover

See how we write findings before you talk to us

A redacted sample penetration test report (web application): finding write-ups, proof-of-concept evidence and remediation. No form required.

Download the sample report (PDF) →

Verified reviews

What security leaders say about working with us

★★★★★

“Unlike other providers, Omair and his team truly dive deep into our infrastructure, delivering findings that go well beyond the surface level. Communication is direct and seamless.”

Jesus B.

Cybersecurity Manager, Banking

Verified G2 review ↗

★★★★★

“We were impressed with ioSENTRIX’s ability to independently validate the security of our customer-facing product.”

Zeehasham R.

Data Scientist, Security Operations · Fortune 500 insurer

Verified Clutch review ↗

★★★★★

“The team at ioSENTRIX is professional and highly skilled at their craft.”

Awwab A.

SVP, Chief Information Security Officer

Verified G2 review ↗

How it works

How a mobile app penetration test works

Four steps, so you know what happens and what you get.

Scope

We review your apps, platforms, APIs and roles, and reply with scope, timeline and a fixed quote.

Under an hour

Setup

You provide iOS and Android builds, test accounts and a backend environment to test against.

Before any work

Manual testing

Static and dynamic testing of the app and its APIs, with findings shared in real time and synced to JIRA.

Days to weeks, by scope

Report and retest

A report mapped to OWASP MASVS, a walkthrough with your developers and retesting once fixes land.

At close

Reply in under an hour → fixed quote in writing → app and API testing → report, walkthrough and retest

How we compare

Not an app scanner. Not a web pentest with a phone attached.

What a mobile app penetration test covers compared with the usual alternatives.

ioSENTRIX mobile app pentest

Automated mobile app scanner

Web or API pentest only

On-device storage and crypto

Tested on iOS and Android

Pattern checks on the binary

Not tested

Runtime attacks

Hooking, tampering and bypasses tested by hand

Limited or none

Not tested

Backend APIs

Tested in the same engagement

Rarely

Tested, without the app’s context

Evidence

Reproducible proof of concept and a fix

Findings to triage, with false positives

Finding list

Standards

OWASP MASVS, MASTG, Mobile Top 10 (2024)

Varies by tool

OWASP Top 10 (web)

Scope my mobile app test

Scope and price

What affects the scope and price of a mobile app pentest

Mobile app penetration tests are priced on effort. These are the decisions that move the quote.

What moves the quote

01iOS, Android or both, and how many apps
02Native or cross-platform code
03How many user roles and features are in scope
04Whether the backend APIs are tested in the same engagement
05Pinning, obfuscation or anti-tampering the testers must work around
06Retesting, report format and any timebox to fit a budget

Read: Mobile application penetration testing: methodology, tools and checklist →

What we need from you to start

App builds: an IPA for iOS and an APK or AAB for Android
Test accounts for each user role
A backend environment that mirrors production
API documentation, if you have it
A technical contact for questions during testing

Scope my mobile app test

Case studies

Engagements we have run

Anonymized examples of ioSENTRIX engagements. Clients are described by industry, not named.

Hospitality

Room automation system penetration test

A hotel room automation system controlled from Android tablets, where testing found weaknesses in network segmentation and password policy.

Read the case study →

Track record

Numbers you can check

Ratings you can verify on G2 and Clutch.

4.9 / 5

on G2 from 12 verified reviews

5.0 / 5

on Clutch, Premier Verified

2017

founded; CREST-accredited, ISO 27001 certified, SOC 2 Type 2 attested

Independently verified

Credentials held by the firm

Every engagement runs inside a company whose methods and own security are checked by outside bodies.

CREST-accredited for penetration testing

CREST assesses the firm's testing methodology, quality assurance and handling of client data.

View our CREST listing →

SOC 2 Type 2 attested

An independent auditor tested our own security controls over time.

Request the SOC 2 report →

ISO/IEC 27001 certified

Our information security management system is certified to ISO/IEC 27001.

View in our trust center →

Recognized independently

Penetration Testing Solution of the Year, 2026 CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards. G2 High Performer, Fall 2026.

Award announcement →See our G2 reviews →

Founded in 2017.

Our commitments

What you can count on

Four promises we make on every testing engagement.

Free retest of every fixOnce your team fixes a finding, we test it again at no extra cost and update the report.
A fixed priceThe quote you sign is what you pay. The price only changes if you change the scope.
A report your auditor acceptsIf your auditor has questions about the report, we answer them and update it until it is accepted.
A reply in under an hourSend the form and we reply within an hour during US business hours.

Get a scoped quote

For your buying team

Everything your reviewers will ask for

Security, finance and procurement each need something different. Forward this page, or pull what each reviewer needs.

For security

Sample report

See exactly what you get: findings, proof of concept, fixes and retest results.

Download the sample report (PDF) →

For vendor risk

Trust center

Our SOC 2 Type 2 report and security documentation for your vendor review.

Open the trust center →

For procurement

Procurement pack

Master services agreement, sample statement of work, certificate of insurance and W-9.

Request the procurement pack →

For your team

Share this page

Send the link to the people who need to sign off.

Who you work with

Who does the work

Senior security engineers do the hands-on work and write up the results, so the person who found an issue explains it to your team.

Certified engineers

Each engineer holds one or more of OSCP, OSWE, OSCE, CISSP, CISA or AWS security certifications.

Accredited firm

ioSENTRIX is CREST-accredited for penetration testing, ISO/IEC 27001 certified and SOC 2 Type 2 attested.

Since 2017

Founded in 2017, with security work for Fortune 100, financial services, insurance and SaaS companies.

Ready to see what your mobile app gives away?

We reply in under an hour · no sales pitch

Scope my mobile app test

Standards

Frameworks we test and map to

◆OWASP MASVS v2.1◆OWASP MASTG◆OWASP Mobile Top 10 (2024)◆OWASP API Security Top 10 2023◆PTES◆NIST SP 800-115

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long does a mobile app pentest take?

Most mobile app tests run days to weeks, depending on scope and whether both iOS and Android are included. We reply in under an hour during US business hours; scope, a timeline and a fixed quote follow the scoping call.

Do you test both iOS and Android?

Yes. We test iOS and Android apps, native or cross-platform, and can cover both in one engagement. Platform-specific issues, such as Keychain or Keystore use, are reported per platform.

Do you need our source code?

No. We can test from the release build alone, as an attacker would. Debug builds, source code or architecture notes let testers go deeper in the same time.

What is OWASP MASVS?

The OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) defines security requirements for mobile apps. Version 2.1 groups them into eight control groups: storage, cryptography, authentication, network, platform, code, resilience and privacy. The OWASP MASTG describes how to test them.

Can you test apps with certificate pinning and anti-tampering?

Yes. Testers work around pinning, root or jailbreak detection and obfuscation, as a determined attacker would, and report how well those protections held. You can also provide a build with them disabled so testing focuses on the app’s logic.

Resources

Go deeper before you scope a test

Practical guides from our testers on the questions buyers ask most.

Guide · 7 min read

What Are the Biggest Mobile App Security Risks for Businesses Today?

Discover the biggest mobile app security risks businesses face today, including insecure APIs, data leakage, and third-party threats. Learn proven…

Read the guide →

Guide · 6 min read

Why Is Mobile Application Security a Priority for Enterprises?

Learn how enterprises secure mobile applications against real-world attacks using threat modeling, penetration testing, and continuous AppSec…

Read the guide →

Guide · 5 min read

Choosing the Right Pentesting Approach: Automated or Manual?

Description Looking for penetration testing services to protect your organization against cyber threats? Discover the pros and cons of good vs. cheap…

Read the guide →

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Ready when you are

Test your mobile app before an attacker does

Tell us about your iOS and Android apps and the APIs behind them. We reply in under an hour during US business hours, and a senior engineer follows with scope, timeline and a fixed quote.

A reply in under an hour · Fixed quote in writing before work starts · Your details are never shared