Mobile App Security Audit Checklist

New cyber threats emerge daily, demanding constant attention. Security isn't something you do once and forget about!

According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million, a 10% increase from the previous year. That’s why it's crucial to integrate regular mobile app security audits into your strategy.

Think of it as a health check-up for your app – catching problems before they become nightmares.

What is a mobile app security audit?

A mobile app security audit is a systematic checkup that uncovers threats and hidden vulnerabilities in your application that, if left unchecked, will pose significant security risks.

These audits are usually conducted by skilled security professionals, either internal security teams or external cybersecurity firms, who carefully analyze your app. A regular security audit is essential to make it an integral part of an overall security strategy to ensure the mobile app is in compliance.

Why is a mobile app security audit important?

Did you know cybercrime costs the global economy over a trillion dollars annually?!

70% of online fraud originates from mobile devices. As remote work and BYOD become the norm, mobile apps are prime targets for attackers.

Why are mobile apps so vulnerable? They:

• Frequently connect to unsecured public networks.
• Can unknowingly install malicious apps.
• Face increasingly sophisticated threats.

With the lines blurring between work and personal devices, sensitive information is at increased risk. It's not just about the money; your brand reputation and customer trust also suffer.

It is seen that 59% of consumers will avoid businesses that have suffered a data breach.

How to ace your mobile app security audit?

A mobile app security audit should cover encryption, authentication, network, and API security.

A skilled audit team reviews your app’s code and configuration to ensure it behaves properly, outlines vulnerabilities, and provides countermeasures to reduce risk.

This audit also helps your organization comply with industry regulations.

Stages of a mobile app security audit

Here's a breakdown of the key stages of a complete mobile security audit:

1. Planning and scope definition

Lay the groundwork for a successful audit by answering:

• Identify critical assets and security needs: Check which app features and API endpoints need security the most.
• Establish objectives: Strengthen data protection? Achieve regulatory compliance?
• Map responsibilities: Who is responsible for different stages of the audit?
• Define the testing environment: Real devices or emulators?

Clear milestones, timelines, and stakeholder roles are key.

2. Reconnaissance: Analyzing your target app 

Gather information on your app by knowing:

• What OS platforms are used?
• What's the tech stack?
• Third-party services?
• What features are included?
• How does data flow?
  

3. Threat modeling

Examine your app from an attacker’s perspective:

• Use Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) to identify points of entry.
• Categorize threats using the STRIDE model.
• Prioritize by attack likelihood.
• What are your team's planned countermeasures?

4. Vulnerability assessment and exploitation: Hunting weaknesses

This is the most critical stage. Aim to find and fix vulnerabilities through:

• Static Application Security Testing (SAST): (Before execution)
  • Code quality and security
  • Hardcoded secrets
  • Secure data storage
  • Dependencies on vulnerable components
• Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST): (During runtime)
  • Authentication and authorization flaws
  • Input validation (injection attacks)
  • Data encryption
  • API security
• Penetration Testing (PT):
  • Black-box testing
  • Gray-box testing 

5. Post-exploitation

Ethical hackers will now try to escalate privileges through any known vulnerabilities.

6. Reporting and remediation

• Create a detailed report of each vulnerability's potential impact and any remedial suggestions.
• After implementing fixes, RE-TEST to verify.
  

 Your app’s security deserves more than guesswork.

Download the Appknox Security Audit Checklist for actionable steps to ensure a complete security audit. Get it now!

Grab the checklist now!

Why conduct a mobile app security audit?

The impact of security breaches is more than just financial losses, as they also result in reputational damage.

For enterprises, periodic security audits are the solution to mitigate such issues. Here's why it's non-negotiable:

👉🏼 Proactive protection

Spot vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them. This will significantly minimize the risk of a damaging breach.

👉🏼 Safeguard user trust

Show your commitment to security by keeping sensitive user data safe. This will attract new clients and keep existing ones loyal.

👉🏼 Performance and reliability

Security audits help ensure your app runs smoothly by preventing DDoS attacks and system outages.

👉🏼 Regulatory compliance

Stay on top of regulations like GDPR and HIPAA to avoid fines and legal battles.

By prioritizing mobile app security audits, you're strategically choosing to strengthen your brand, protect your users, and fortify your bottom line.

The Appknox approach: Elevating mobile app security audits

Appknox makes security audits a breeze. Our platform provides a multi-step process for discovering and fixing all vulnerabilities lurking in your app.

1. Binary-based SAST

   
   Consider our SAST tool your first line of defense.Before runtime, Appknox analyzes your app's binary to unearth common security issues.
   
   Catch hardcoded credentials, insecure data storage, and other code vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. With a comprehensive test case coverage based on OWASP Top 10, you’ll get a clear picture of your app’s static vulnerabilities.

2. DAST on real devices

   
   Next, unleash Appknox DAST for real-time analysis. Simulate real-world attacks to see how your app behaves under pressure. Real-time tests for SQL injections, data leaks, and authentication loopholes. With testing on real devices instead of emulators, you will have an enhanced security posture for your application's safety.

3. Automated API security testing

   
   With Appknox, thoroughly test every API call to catch unauthorized access and other endpoint issues.

4. Human-assisted penetration testing

   
   With Appknox's penetration testing, you can take a system-plus-human approach to security. Analyze the threat landscape with security powered by human expertise.

5. Binary-based SBOM

   
   Appknox’s Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) provides a transparent, detailed inventory of all software components in your mobile applications.
   
   By identifying third-party libraries, dependencies, and potential vulnerabilities, SBOM empowers organizations to maintain compliance, enhance security, and mitigate risks throughout the SDLC.

The result? Appknox gives you:

• Comprehensive mobile-first security testing: Get SAST, DAST, and API testing in one integrated solution tailored to mobile.
• Continuous and complete security: Build security into every stage of the development process, from code review to post-deployment monitoring.
• Faster remediation: Speed up your remediation timeline with tools that integrate with JIRA and other DevSecOps tools.
• A partner for long-term success: Benefit from responsive customer service that knows the ins and outs of your organization's application portfolio.

With Appknox, you're not just running tests; you're building a stronger defense.

Ready to see how Appknox can bulletproof your mobile app portfolio?

Learn how Appknox can protect your precious user data and your brand's reputation. See Appknox in action today with our free demo.

Book your free demo now!

Stay vigilant 🚀