Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
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.
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.
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
|
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
|
|
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.
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.
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.
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:
Further reading on application security from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
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.
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.