Best 9 Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) Tools For Business (2026)

We reviewed the leading MAST tools on the depth of static and dynamic analysis, behavior monitoring accuracy, and how well findings are reported in a format that drives remediation rather than filing.

Last updated on Jul 7, 2026
Joel Witts Written by Joel Witts
Laura Iannini Technical Review by Laura Iannini
Top 9 Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) Tools

Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) tools identify vulnerabilities in iOS and Android applications through static and dynamic analysis. Mobile apps frequently handle sensitive data and permissions that make them high-value targets, but mobile security testing is often less rigorous than web application testing. We reviewed the top tools and found Quokka Q-mast, Edgescan Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST), and AppKnox Mobile Application Security to be the strongest on static and dynamic analysis depth and developer-facing remediation reporting.

Mobile application security is critical for organizations shipping to the App Store and Google Play. The challenge is testing at speed without slowing release cycles. Off-the-shelf MAST tools promise automated vulnerability detection, but the gap between marketing claims and operational reality is significant.

What makes mobile testing distinct from web application security is the need to catch vulnerabilities in compiled binaries, obfuscated code, and third-party SDKs that source code reviews miss. You also need to test APIs and infrastructure, not just the app itself. Add continuous monitoring post-release, and your MAST selection becomes critical to reducing security drift.

We evaluated multiple MAST platforms across iOS and Android environments, evaluating each for testing coverage, false positive rates, CI/CD integration depth, and team usability. We reviewed customer feedback and deployment experiences to identify where vendors deliver real value and where friction emerges post-launch. What we found is that the best platform depends entirely on whether your priority is speed, accuracy, or integration simplicity.

This guide breaks down the trade-offs and gives you the decision framework to match the right MAST solution to your development model, security maturity, and release velocity.

What is Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST)?

Mobile Application Security Testing, or MAST, is the practice of checking iOS and Android apps for security weaknesses before and after they reach the app stores. Mobile apps handle sensitive data and device permissions, which makes them attractive targets, yet they are often tested less rigorously than web applications. MAST tools examine an app's code, watch how it behaves while running, and check the libraries and SDKs it depends on, flagging issues like insecure data storage, weak encryption, or risky permissions. The goal is to find and fix these problems while the app is in development rather than after it ships to users.

MAST combines several testing methods adapted to the realities of mobile. Static analysis (SAST) inspects source code or, crucially, the compiled binary, since many mobile apps ship obfuscated and without source access. Dynamic analysis (DAST) and interactive testing observe the app while it runs, ideally on real devices, to catch issues that only appear at runtime. Software composition analysis flags vulnerable third-party SDKs, which are a major source of mobile risk. Strong tools also test the backend APIs and infrastructure the app depends on, not just the app package itself.
Because mobile apps are distributed through app stores and updated frequently, MAST extends past pre-release testing into continuous post-submission monitoring to catch security drift. Findings are mapped to mobile-specific standards such as the OWASP MASVS, plus broader frameworks like GDPR and NIAP. The practical differentiators are whether the tool can test without source code, how well it handles obfuscated binaries and third-party SDKs, false positive rates and whether findings are validated, CI/CD integration that keeps testing from slowing releases, and reporting that developers can act on rather than just file.

Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) Tools Compared

Here is how the top MAST tools compare on best fit and core capabilities.

Product Best For Static + Dynamic Analysis Binary / No-Source Analysis Continuous Monitoring Compliance Mapping
Quokka Q-mast
Automated full-spectrum mobile testing
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Edgescan MAST
Expert-validated, false-positive-free results
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
AppKnox Mobile Application Security
Shift-left teams without AppSec headcount
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Checkmarx for Mobile AST (MAST)
Existing Checkmarx DevSecOps programs
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Data Theorem Mobile Secure
Frequent releases needing continuous monitoring
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
eShard esChecker
OWASP MASVS and real-device testing
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Fortify on Demand by OpenText
Web, API, and mobile under one platform
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
HCL AppScan
Regulated enterprises needing deployment flexibility
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Snyk
Developer-first source and dependency security
No
No
Yes
Yes

How We Tested

Expert Insights is an independent editorial team, and no vendor can pay to influence our reviews. We evaluated nine MAST platforms across iOS and Android, assessing coverage breadth, false positive rates, and CI/CD integration through hands-on testing and customer feedback. This guide was written by Caitlin Harris, Deputy Head of Content, and technically reviewed by Laura Iannini, Cybersecurity Analyst at Expert Insights. Read our full methodology

Quokka Q-mast Logo
Quokka

Best for Organizations automating mobile security testing at scale

Quokka Q-mast is a cloud-based mobile application security testing platform for Android and iOS apps. It enables teams to identify and resolve security, privacy, and compliance issues before release without slowing development cycles. Quokka has served as a trusted MAST provider for the US Federal government since 2011, and was recognized as a Representative Vendor in the 2026 Gartner Journey Guide to Choosing Software Engineering Security Tools.

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  • Full-spectrum testing including SAST, DAST, IAST, and forced path execution, delivering end-to-end analysis in minutes without requiring source code access
  • Works on obfuscated apps and uncovers real-world vulnerabilities through custom journey simulations
  • Built-in compliance with OWASP, GDPR, and NIAP standards
  • CI/CD pipeline integration automates testing at scale with GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, Appium, Azure, and Snyk integrations
  • App Watchlist continuously monitors apps before and after store submission, with SBOM generation that scans libraries and nested dependencies for vulnerabilities

Quokka Q-mast is a strong platform for organizations looking to automate mobile application security testing at scale. The federal government pedigree since 2011 signals maturity you won’t find in newer entrants, and the combination of multiple testing methods in a single automated workflow is well worth considering.

Strengths
Runs SAST, DAST, IAST, and forced path execution in a single automated workflow
Works on obfuscated apps without requiring source code access
SBOM generation scans libraries and nested dependencies for hidden vulnerabilities
Built-in compliance mapping for OWASP, GDPR, and NIAP standards
Continuous App Watchlist monitoring catches security drift after app store submission
Cautions
Pricing not publicly available; requires contacting sales for a quote
Edgescan Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) Logo
Edgescan

Best for Organizations needing audit-ready findings without false positives

Edgescan MAST combines automated vulnerability scanning with expert-led penetration testing for iOS and Android applications. The platform extends beyond the app itself to cover underlying APIs, hosting infrastructure, and device forensics, with certified security professionals validating every finding before it reaches your dashboard.

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  • Combines iOS and Android mobile application penetration tests with device forensic analysis and manual penetration testing of the underlying API for full testing coverage
  • Results delivered via the Edgescan Platform with unlimited retesting and fully customizable reporting
  • Risk contextualization using traditional CVSS alongside Edgescan’s Validated Security Score (EVSS) and eXposure Factor (EXF)
  • Unlimited automated vulnerability assessments via DAST and Network Vulnerability Management for the API and hosting infrastructure, with continuous API discovery and 100% validated results free of false positives
  • Integrated CISA KEV and EPSS threat feeds, on-demand retesting, flexible API integrations, and premium support with AI Insights

Edgescan MAST is a strong option for organizations that need audit-ready findings without false positive fatigue. The expert validation model justifies the investment for teams lacking in-house mobile security expertise, and the unlimited retesting is good to see.

Strengths
Expert validation delivers 100% validated results free of false positives
Unlimited retesting lets you verify remediations without additional cost
Tests mobile apps, APIs, and hosting infrastructure in a single assessment
Integrated CISA KEV and EPSS threat feeds prioritize real-world exploitability
Customizable reporting adapts to compliance and stakeholder requirements
Cautions
Annual subscription pricing; contact Edgescan's sales team for details
3.

AppKnox Mobile Application Security

AppKnox Mobile Application Security Logo
Appknox

Best for Teams adopting shift-left security without dedicated AppSec staff

AppKnox delivers automated mobile security testing that integrates directly into development pipelines. The platform targets teams adopting shift-left security who need fast vulnerability detection without dedicated AppSec headcount, combining automated scanning with optional expert-led penetration testing. AppKnox is trusted by over 300 organizations and evaluates apps against 130+ security test cases.

  • Runs SAST, DAST, and API scans against mobile apps in a single workflow, with direct SDLC integration that supports shift-left security
  • Reports break down vulnerability severity, business impact, and compliance implications together to help prioritize fixes without deep security expertise
  • Optional remediation calls connect you directly with security researchers who walk through findings and mitigation approaches
  • Evaluates apps against 130+ security test cases
  • Trusted by over 300 organizations

Teams praise the developer-friendly design and responsive technical support. Customers say the shift-left integration has noticeably reduced their security assessment timelines. Something to be aware of is that DAST scanning requires manual intervention through a demo environment, which adds steps to the workflow.

If you’re embedding security testing into CI/CD without a large AppSec function, AppKnox fits the workflow well. We think the combination of automated scanning plus expert consultation bridges the gap for teams building security maturity.

Strengths
SAST, DAST, and API scanning run together for complete mobile coverage
Direct SDLC integration supports shift-left security without workflow friction
Remediation calls with security researchers explain findings and mitigation options
Reports include business impact and compliance context alongside technical details
Cautions
Users report DAST scanning requires manual steps through a demo environment portal
Customers note initial implementation takes time to configure within existing pipelines
4.

Checkmarx for Mobile AST (MAST)

Checkmarx for Mobile AST (MAST) Logo
Checkmarx

Best for Organizations already invested in Checkmarx DevSecOps

Checkmarx MAST brings enterprise application security testing to iOS, Android, and backend services under one platform. It targets organizations already invested in DevSecOps who need mobile coverage alongside their existing AppSec program, combining automated scanning with expert-guided prioritization through the Checkmarx One console.

  • Layers static analysis, interactive analysis, software composition analysis, and manual assessments together for thorough coverage without separate tools per method
  • A single management console shows your full software exposure across mobile and backend
  • Security experts help order and prioritize findings, cutting through the noise when vulnerability counts climb
  • Query customization lets you tune results to your codebase and reduce false positives over time
  • Flexible deployment options include private cloud and on-premises installations

Enterprise teams consistently highlight the vendor support during implementation. Customers say the user enablement program helps teams extract full value from the platform quickly, and well-structured findings make remediation assignments straightforward. Something to be aware of is that scans run slowly on larger codebases, and initial tuning is required to optimize results.

If you’re already running Checkmarx for web application security, adding mobile coverage through the unified platform makes sense. We think the consolidated view across mobile and backend justifies the investment over running point solutions.

Strengths
Combines SAST, IAST, SCA, and manual assessment in a single mobile platform
Unified console provides visibility across mobile apps and backend services
Flexible deployment options include private cloud and on-premises installations
Dedicated security experts help prioritize vulnerabilities and customize queries
Cautions
Reviews mention scan times slow down noticeably on larger codebases
Users note initial tuning is required to optimize results for your environment
5.

Data Theorem Mobile Secure

Data Theorem Mobile Secure Logo
Data Theorem

Best for Teams shipping frequent releases needing automated detection

Data Theorem Mobile Secure runs continuous security analysis across mobile apps, backend APIs, and third-party integrations. The platform targets teams shipping frequent releases who need automated vulnerability detection without manual triage overhead, scanning up to 7,000 releases per day using static, dynamic, and behavioral analysis.

  • Auto-triage surfaces high-risk issues first and pushes priority alerts through Slack, Teams, or email
  • API coverage extends beyond your own backends to third-party integrations
  • App store readiness checks flag blockers for Apple and Google before submission
  • One-click compliance reports eliminate manual audit prep work
  • Remediation recommendations include secure code samples, which speeds up fixes for developers

Teams highlight the low false positive rate and accurate detection of real issues. Customers say the contextual alerts help developers take ownership of findings quickly. Setup and onboarding run fast with strong vendor support. Something to be aware of is that the continuous monitoring model may exceed needs for teams with infrequent release schedules.

If your mobile apps rely heavily on backend and third-party APIs, Mobile Secure covers that full attack surface well. We think the auto-triage and developer-focused output make this a strong fit for teams without dedicated AppSec staff reviewing every finding.

Strengths
Auto-triage surfaces high-risk vulnerabilities first with priority alerting
Low false positive rate means findings require action, not investigation
Covers backend APIs and third-party integrations alongside mobile app code
Remediation guidance includes secure code samples for faster developer fixes
Cautions
Reviews flag that the continuous monitoring model may exceed needs for infrequent releases
6.

eShard esChecker

eShard esChecker Logo
eShard

Best for Teams driven by OWASP MASVS compliance and real-device testing

eShard esChecker runs automated mobile security testing at the binary level for iOS and Android apps. The platform targets teams building security into CI/CD pipelines who need visibility into third-party SDK risks that source code reviews miss. esChecker is the only MAST solution that executes apps on real devices rather than emulators, running attacks against the binary to test implemented protections.

  • Analyzes compiled binaries rather than source code, surfacing vulnerabilities in third-party SDKs and obfuscated components that static analysis tools overlook
  • Record and Replay captures critical user journeys and replays them under attack conditions, reducing false positives by testing actual application behavior
  • Reports align directly with OWASP MASVS, making compliance documentation straightforward
  • Integrates with Jenkins, GitLab, and GitHub for weekly automated security campaigns
  • Executes apps on real devices rather than emulators for more accurate attack simulation

Teams praise the simple interface and how quickly new members get productive. Customers say the dashboard clearly highlights where to focus remediation efforts. PDF report exports fit directly into cybersecurity action plans and client deliverables. Something to be aware of is that limited customer feedback makes long-term reliability harder to evaluate independently.

If OWASP MASVS compliance drives your mobile security requirements, esChecker maps directly to that standard. We think the Record and Replay approach works well for apps with defined critical user flows worth protecting, and real-device testing is a meaningful advantage over emulator-based alternatives.

Strengths
Binary-level analysis catches third-party SDK vulnerabilities source reviews miss
Record and Replay targets critical user journeys with reduced false positives
Direct OWASP MASVS mapping simplifies compliance reporting and audits
Real-device testing rather than emulators for more accurate attack simulation
Cautions
Reviews note that automation benefits depend on having mature CI/CD infrastructure in place
Limited public customer feedback makes long-term reliability harder to evaluate
7.

Fortify on Demand by OpenText

Fortify on Demand by OpenText Logo
OpenText

Best for Enterprises needing web, API, and mobile testing under one roof

Fortify on Demand delivers cloud-based application security testing across web, API, and mobile apps from a single platform. It targets enterprise teams who need broad AppSec coverage without managing on-premises infrastructure, combining automated scanning with manual assessment options and over 100 hours of secure development training.

  • Runs static analysis against source, binary, and bytecode, with dynamic assessments blending automated and manual testing for web apps and APIs
  • Software composition analysis monitors GitHub commits and advisory feeds using NLP
  • Mobile app security reviews round out the coverage
  • Fortify on Demand Connect establishes secure VPN access for testing internal applications
  • Over 100 hours of secure development training included

Long-term users praise the CI/CD integration and OWASP Top 10 detection accuracy. Customers say the DAST scanning speed outperforms alternatives they evaluated, and false positive rates stay low, which keeps developer trust high. Something to be aware of is that support response times can lag on complex technical issues, and setup complexity increases for environments using non-standard build tools.

If your organization needs web, API, and mobile security testing under one roof, Fortify on Demand consolidates those workflows. We think this fits best for enterprises with mature DevSecOps practices and budget for a full-featured platform.

Strengths
Single platform covers static, dynamic, API, and mobile app security testing
Cloud delivery eliminates infrastructure management and speeds deployment
Low false positive rates maintain developer confidence in findings
Strong CI/CD integration automates scanning within existing pipelines
Cautions
Customers note support resolution times can lag on complex technical issues
Reviews mention setup complexity increases for non-standard build tools
8.

HCL AppScan

HCL AppScan Logo
HCL Software

Best for Regulated enterprises needing flexible deployment

HCL AppScan is an application security suite covering web, API, and mobile apps through SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA testing. The platform was named a 2026 Gartner Customers’ Choice for Application Security Testing, and targets enterprises needing flexible deployment options across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. Machine learning enhances scan accuracy while the AppScan Slider lets teams balance speed against coverage depth.

  • Correlates findings across all four testing methods and prioritizes by exploitability, cutting through noise when vulnerability counts climb
  • AppScan Slider adapts scan intensity for different pipeline stages
  • IDE and DevOps tool integrations embed security into existing workflows
  • Centralized dashboards give security teams visibility across the full application portfolio
  • SCA coverage catches risks from open-source components that slip through other checks

Enterprise teams in banking and finance praise the reliable scans and clear reporting. Customers say the DevOps integration works smoothly once configured, and support teams get high marks for responsiveness. Something to be aware of is that the learning curve is steep, with limited tutorials and documentation, and initial configuration and tuning require significant investment.

If your organization has the resources for proper setup and tuning, HCL AppScan delivers strong coverage across testing methods. We think it fits best for regulated industries where the deployment flexibility and reporting depth justify the investment.

Strengths
Combines SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA in one platform with correlated findings
AppScan Slider balances scan speed and coverage for different pipeline stages
Flexible deployment across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments
Machine learning reduces false positives and improves scan accuracy
Cautions
Reviews mention a steep learning curve with limited tutorials and documentation
Users report initial configuration and tuning require significant investment
9.

Snyk

Snyk Logo
Snyk

Best for Development teams wanting source and dependency security in-workflow

Snyk combines SAST and SCA to help developers find and fix vulnerabilities in code and open-source dependencies. The platform targets development teams who want security integrated into their workflow without slowing releases, with support for Android and iOS languages including Java, Swift, and Objective-C. This is a developer-first security tool rather than a dedicated MAST platform, which is worth understanding before evaluating it for mobile-specific testing.

  • Prioritizes developer experience with straightforward setup and unlimited scanning without code line restrictions
  • AI and machine learning power the scan accuracy and suggested fixes, with context-driven prioritization for high-impact issues
  • PR checks catch vulnerabilities before code merges
  • Advanced reporting visualizes security posture for compliance tracking
  • Integrates across the development lifecycle toolchain, with support for Android and iOS languages including Java, Swift, and Objective-C

Developers consistently praise how quickly they get productive, and automatic alerts enable fast response to new dependency vulnerabilities. The interface reads clearly without requiring security expertise to navigate. Something to be aware of is that support quality varies; some teams report excellent technical assistance during implementation while others flag difficulties getting engineering support for bug fixes. At scale, container image management adds operational overhead that requires dedicated tuning.

If your developers own security outcomes and need tooling that fits their workflow, Snyk removes adoption barriers. We think the developer-first approach works best when security teams trust development groups to act on findings. With that said, Snyk’s mobile coverage focuses on source code and dependencies rather than binary analysis; teams needing full MAST capabilities should pair it with a dedicated mobile testing tool.

Strengths
Developer-friendly setup gets teams scanning within minutes
Unlimited scanning removes code line restrictions that gate other tools
AI-powered fix suggestions accelerate remediation without research
PR checks catch vulnerabilities before code reaches main branches
Cautions
Reviews note support quality varies, with some teams reporting slow engineering responses
Focuses on source code and dependencies; does not provide binary-level mobile testing

Application Security Pricing

MAST pricing is almost entirely quote-based, as these platforms are sold into enterprise mobile development teams and priced on the number of apps, scans, or assessments you need. Where a vendor publishes a model we have noted it below; otherwise expect to contact sales for a tailored quote.

Product Starting Price Billing Link
Quokka Q-mast
Contact for quote
Not disclosed
Edgescan Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST)
Contact for quote
Annual subscription
AppKnox Mobile Application Security
Contact for quote
Not disclosed
Checkmarx for Mobile AST (MAST)
Contact for quote
Not disclosed
Data Theorem Mobile Secure
Contact for quote
Not disclosed
eShard esChecker
Contact for quote
Not disclosed
Fortify on Demand by OpenText
Contact for quote
Not disclosed
HCL AppScan
Contact for quote
Not disclosed
Snyk
Free tier available; paid plans contact for quote
Monthly or annual

Application Security Checklist

These are the questions and operational steps we recommend working through when selecting and deploying a MAST tool, whichever vendor you choose.

Many mobile apps ship obfuscated and without source access, so binary-level analysis is what lets you test third-party SDKs and compiled components a source review misses.

No single method catches everything in mobile, so confirm whether the platform combines static, dynamic, and dependency analysis or whether you would need separate tools.

Ask whether findings are auto-triaged or expert-validated, because a tool that floods developers with noise gets ignored regardless of detection depth.

Mobile apps depend heavily on backend and third-party APIs, so testing that stops at the app package leaves a large part of the real attack surface unchecked.

Confirm scans complete fast enough for your app size and release cadence, and that retesting does not require a full rescan, or testing becomes a release bottleneck.

Because apps update frequently through the stores, monitoring after submission catches the security drift that point-in-time pre-release testing alone will miss.

Mapping findings to OWASP MASVS, GDPR, or NIAP, with audit-ready reports, turns compliance documentation into an export rather than a manual exercise.

Verify the tool fits your build and orchestration tools, can fail builds on critical findings, and surfaces results where developers work rather than in a separate portal.

Check how much upfront tuning the platform needs and whether remediation guidance is clear enough for developers to act without expert hand-holding.

Running apps on real devices rather than emulators produces more accurate results when you are testing anti-tampering, obfuscation, and runtime protections.

The Bottom Line

Mobile application security testing is no longer optional for teams shipping to app stores. The challenge is picking a MAST platform that fits your development velocity and security maturity without requiring constant manual oversight.

For enterprises needing full-stack automated testing at scale, Quokka Q-mast delivers SAST, DAST, and IAST in a single workflow with no source code requirement, and its federal government track record signals proven reliability. If accurate findings matter more than speed, Edgescan MAST adds expert validation to eliminate false positives.

For development teams adopting shift-left security, AppKnox integrates directly into CI/CD pipelines with developer-friendly reporting and optional expert consultation on complex findings. If you ship frequent releases and need continuous monitoring with intelligent prioritization, Data Theorem Mobile Secure analyzes every build with auto-triage and extends coverage to backend APIs and third-party integrations.

For enterprises already running AppSec programs across web and mobile, Checkmarx MAST and HCL AppScan consolidate web, API, and mobile testing under unified consoles; both require upfront tuning but deliver full visibility across your software exposure. For OWASP MASVS-driven requirements, eShard esChecker maps directly to the standard with real-device testing, and Fortify on Demand consolidates web, API, and mobile testing as a managed cloud service.

Read the individual reviews above to evaluate deployment specifics, testing methodology alignment, and the trade-offs that match your development model and security requirements.

Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) Tools (FAQs)

Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) is the process of identifying security vulnerabilities in mobile applications. To achieve this, MAST tools combine the Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) methods used in the broader application security space, but they adapt those techniques so they can be applied to mobile applications.

MAST solutions then complement those techniques with manual testing and behavioral analysis. Some MAST tools also offer recommendations on how best to remediate security issues to reduce risk. Reducing risk is the aim of the game when it comes to application security testing—not only for individuals, but for businesses, too. Mobile devices are commonplace in today’s hybrid-remote workplace, with employees using mobile apps to store and access sensitive corporate data.

If one of those apps had a vulnerability in it, a threat actor could exploit that vulnerability, tapping into the sensitive data stored in the application. They could even use the compromised app as a platform from which to jump to other areas of the network, stealing more data as they went.

Unfortunately, these types of breaches happen all too often today, and mobile devices are becoming an increasingly popular target for cybercriminals due to the fact that they can access multiple different data sources (e.g., email, social media, direct messaging platforms), are used in user authentication processes, and can provide the attacker access to lots of extended functions (e.g., camera, microphone). This means that MAST is more important now than ever before.

Implementing MAST enables developers to identify and remediate vulnerabilities before their applications are ever released to the public—as well as continuously scan their apps for new vulnerabilities after release. This helps avoid costly data breaches, and also makes it easier (and cheaper!) for developers to fix any issues that crop up.

MAST solutions combine a number of different tools and techniques for vulnerability scanning. Let’s take a look at each of them.

  1. Static Application Security Testing (SAST). SAST is a vulnerability scanning technique that automatically analyzes the source code, binary, and byte code of an application, without executing it (i.e., while it’s “static”). SAST known as “white box testing”, which means that it takes into account knowledge of the application’s internal design. It’s used to identify vulnerabilities early in the CI/CD pipeline, in the programming and testing phases.
  2. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST). DAST is a vulnerability scanning technique that scans the application during runtime. It does this by simulating real-world attack scenarios, and analyzing the application’s responses to those attacks. Because DAST analyzes the application externally, without any knowledge of the app’s internal design, it’s known as “black box testing”. DAST tools require a functioning application to run, which means they are typically used later on in the development lifecycle, during the pre-production and production phases.
  3. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST). IAST is a vulnerability scanning technique that scans apps and APIs in real time, whilst they’re being run (or interacted with) by a real user or an automated test runner. IAST tools test the code behind all of the functionality that the tester interacts with, and links any findings (similar to those a DAST solution may find) to the source code for easier remediation, just like a SAST tool does. Because of this, IAST is known as “grey box” testing. It’s commonly used in the production phase of the development lifecycle.
  4. Manual Testing. Manual testing involves a human tester interacting with the application as though they were a potential attacker trying to compromise it. It’s often used alongside automated testing to spot design flaws or vulnerabilities that an automated tool might miss due to lack of understanding of an app’s business logic and unique use cases.
  5. Fuzz Testing. Fuzz testing involves automatically injecting invalid, unexpected, or random data into the application, then analyzing how it responds to those inputs. A black box testing technique, “fuzzing” tries to overwhelm the application to expose crashes, failures, or resource leaks.

Businesses often use a combination of these methods when testing the security of their mobile applications, for example, using an automated tool to conduct the majority of their security testing quickly and efficiently, then using manual tests to fill in the gaps and identify logic and intent issues.

There are a few key features that you should look for in any strong MAST solution:

  1. Automated mobile application security testing: Your chosen solution should use a variety of—if not all of—the software tools outlined above to automatically and continuously test and analyze your application for potential vulnerabilities. Automatic testing is cost-effective and efficient, and they’re easily integrated into the CI/CD pipeline so don’t slow down the overall production of your app.
  2. Penetration testing: If your application needs to built in line with regulatory requirements, you should look for a MAST solution that offers pentesting. Pentesting involves both manual and software-based techniques, and is usually carried out by a third party in order to test your application for something very specific. This makes it well-suited to ensuring your app is meeting regulatory requirements.
  3. Continuous testing: The best MAST solutions continuously test applications to discover new vulnerabilities. Attackers are always finding new ways to compromise code, so it’s likely that your app won’t be as secure five years down the line as when you first built it—unless, of course, you’ve been continuously testing it.
  4. Integration: Your chosen solution needs to integrate seamlessly with your CI/CD pipeline, including any other development, tracking, and testing tools you’re using. It also needs to support the programming languages you’re using to develop the app.
  5. Testing across multiple device types: You need to choose a MAST tool that carries out multiple tests across different device types, to account for differences in the way that different devices might display or run the app.

Application Security Resources

Further reading on application security from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.

Written By Written By
Joel Witts
Joel Witts Content Director

Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.

He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.

He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.

Technical Review Technical Review
Laura Iannini
Laura Iannini Cybersecurity Analyst

Laura Iannini is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Expert Insights. With deep cybersecurity knowledge and strong research skills, she leads Expert Insights’ product testing team, conducting thorough tests of product features and in-depth industry analysis to ensure that Expert Insights’ product reviews are definitive and insightful.

Laura also carries out wider analysis of vendor landscapes and industry trends to inform Expert Insights’ enterprise cybersecurity buyers’ guides, covering topics such as security awareness training, cloud backup and recovery, email security, and network monitoring. Prior to working at Expert Insights, Laura worked as a Senior Information Security Engineer at Constant Edge, where she tested cybersecurity solutions, carried out product demos, and provided high-quality ongoing technical support.

Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida.