Best Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) Tools
Discover the top best MAST tools. Explore features such as automatic and manual scanning, behavior monitoring, vulnerability reporting, and integrations.
Written by
Caitlin Harris
Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
Quick Summary
Quokka Q-mast runs multiple testing methods (SAST, DAST, IAST) in a single automated workflow for Android and iOS apps.
Edgescan Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) human validation eliminates false positives from automated scanning results for iOS and Android apps.
AppKnox Mobile Application Security sAST, DAST, and API scanning run together for complete mobile coverage.
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: 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.
Our Recommendations
We found that the top options here excel at different goals. Pick based on your team’s priorities.
- Best For Android and iOS apps: Quokka Q-mast , Runs multiple testing methods (SAST, DAST, IAST) in a single automated workflow Works on obfuscated apps without requiring source code access Enterprise focus and federal pedigree suggest pricing may not suit smaller budgets.
- Best For iOS and Android apps: Edgescan Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) , Human validation eliminates false positives from automated scanning results Unlimited retesting lets you verify remediations without additional cost Scan durations run longer than some teams expect for fast release cycles.
Best Value Pick: AppKnox Mobile Application Security , SAST, DAST, and API scanning run together for complete mobile coverage Direct SDLC integration supports shift-left security without workflow friction DAST scanning requires manual steps through a demo environment portal
Best Alternative 1: Checkmarx for Mobile AST (MAST) , Combines SAST, IAST, SCA, and manual assessment in a single mobile platform Unified console provides visibility across mobile apps and backend services together Scan times slow down noticeably on larger codebases
Best Alternative 2: Data Theorem Mobile Secure , Auto-triage surfaces high-risk vulnerabilities first with priority alerting Low false positive rate means findings require action, not investigation Continuous monitoring model may exceed needs for infrequent release schedules
Q-mast is a cloud-based mobile application security testing platform for Android and iOS apps. It targets development and security teams who need automated vulnerability detection without slowing release cycles. The platform stands out for combining multiple testing methods in a single workflow.
Full-Stack Mobile Testing Without Source Code
Q-mast runs SAST, DAST, IAST, and forced path execution against mobile apps in minutes. You don’t need source code access. Obfuscated apps work fine too.
We found the custom journey simulations particularly useful for uncovering real-world attack paths. Built-in compliance mapping for OWASP, GDPR, and NIAP saves time on audit prep. The App Watchlist feature monitors apps continuously after store submission, catching issues that emerge post-release.
What Customers Are Saying
Large enterprises praise the platform’s reliability and ease of deployment. Teams running it at scale report consistent results across thousands of app scans with minimal issues over years of use.
Customer support gets strong marks across the board. Users highlight the combination of straightforward operation and responsive technical assistance when questions come up.
Best Fit for Enterprise Mobile Teams
If your organization develops or monitors mobile applications at scale, Q-mast deserves serious consideration. The federal government pedigree since 2011 signals maturity you won’t find in newer entrants.
Strengths
- Runs multiple testing methods (SAST, DAST, IAST) in a single automated workflow
- Works on obfuscated apps without requiring source code access
- SBOM generation scans libraries and nested dependencies for hidden vulnerabilities
- Strong compliance mapping for OWASP, GDPR, and NIAP requirements
- Continuous monitoring catches security drift after app store submission
Cautions
- Some customer reviews flag that cloud-only deployment may not meet air-gapped or on-premises requirements
- According to some user reviews, mobile-specific platform won't cover web or API security testing needs
Edgescan MAST combines automated vulnerability scanning with expert-led penetration testing for iOS and Android apps. It targets organizations that want human validation behind their mobile security findings. The platform extends testing to underlying APIs and device forensics, not just the app itself.
Expert Validation Cuts Through the Noise
Certified security professionals review every finding before it reaches your dashboard. We found this validation model eliminates false positives entirely. You get results you can act on without wasting cycles triaging noise.
The platform tests mobile apps, their APIs, and hosting infrastructure together. Unlimited retesting means you can verify fixes immediately without waiting for the next assessment cycle. Risk scoring combines traditional CVSS with Edgescan’s own Validated Security Score and eXposure Factor metrics.
What Customers Are Saying
Users consistently praise the support team’s expertise and responsiveness. Customers say onboarding runs smoothly with hands-on guidance throughout. The remediation proposals get high marks for clarity and actionable detail.
Some users flag that scan times run longer than expected. The interface, while clean, takes time to navigate when drilling into historical vulnerability data.
When Human-Validated Results Matter Most
If your security program needs audit-ready findings without false positive fatigue, Edgescan MAST fits well. We think the expert validation model justifies the investment for teams lacking in-house mobile security expertise.
Strengths
- Human validation eliminates false positives from automated scanning results
- Unlimited retesting lets you verify remediations without additional cost
- Tests mobile apps, APIs, and 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
- Some users report that scan durations run longer than some teams expect for fast release cycles
- According to some user reviews, interface navigation takes adjustment when exploring detailed vulnerability history
AppKnox Mobile Application Security
AppKnox delivers automated mobile security testing that slots directly into your development pipeline. It targets teams adopting shift-left security who need fast vulnerability detection without dedicated AppSec headcount. The platform combines automated scanning with optional expert-led penetration testing.
Pipeline-Native Security Scanning
The platform runs SAST, DAST, and API scans against your mobile apps in a single workflow. We found the SDLC integration particularly well-suited for development teams managing their own security assessments.
Reports break down vulnerability severity, business impact, and compliance implications together. This context helps prioritize fixes without requiring deep security expertise on your team. The optional remediation calls connect you directly with security researchers who walk through findings and mitigation approaches.
What Customers Are Saying
Teams praise the developer-friendly design and responsive technical support. Customers say the shift-left integration has noticeably reduced their security assessment timelines.
Some users flag that DAST scanning requires manual intervention through a demo environment, which adds steps to the workflow. Initial implementation takes adjustment, though teams report smooth operations once established.
Built for Dev Teams Running Their Own Security
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
- Responsive support team with strong technical depth for troubleshooting
Cautions
- Some users have noted that DAST scanning requires manual steps through a demo environment portal
- Based on customer feedback, initial implementation takes time to configure smoothly within existing pipelines
Checkmarx for Mobile AST (MAST)
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. The platform combines automated scanning with expert-guided prioritization.
Unified AppSec Across Your Mobile Stack
The platform layers static analysis, interactive analysis, software composition analysis, and manual assessments together. We found this combination delivers thorough coverage without requiring separate tools for each testing method.
A single management console shows your full software exposure across mobile and backend. Security experts help order and prioritize findings, which cuts through the noise when vulnerability counts climb. Query customization lets you tune results to your codebase and reduce false positives over time.
What Customers Are Saying
Enterprise teams consistently highlight the vendor support during implementation. Customers say the user enablement program helps teams extract full value from the platform quickly. Well-structured findings make remediation assignments straightforward.
Some users flag that scans run slowly on large codebases.
Enterprise Teams With Existing Checkmarx Investment
If you’re already running Checkmarx for web application security, adding mobile coverage makes sense. We think the unified platform view justifies consolidation over 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 together
- Flexible deployment options include private cloud and on-premises installations
- Strong CI/CD and IDE integrations support automated scanning in existing pipelines
- Dedicated security experts help prioritize vulnerabilities and customize queries
Cautions
- According to some user reviews, scan times slow down noticeably on larger codebases
- Based on customer feedback, initial tuning required to optimize results and reduce noise
Data Theorem Mobile Secure
Data Theorem Mobile Secure runs continuous security analysis across your mobile apps, backend APIs, and third-party integrations. It targets teams shipping frequent releases who need automated vulnerability detection without manual triage overhead. The platform emphasizes accuracy and developer-friendly remediation guidance.
Continuous Analysis With Smart Prioritization
The platform combines static, dynamic, and runtime analysis against every app binary build. We found the auto-triage capability particularly valuable. It 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.
What Customers Are Saying
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.
The remediation recommendations include secure code samples, which speeds up fixes. Integration flexibility across CI/CD stacks gets consistent praise from development teams.
Fast-Moving Teams With API-Heavy Apps
If your mobile apps rely heavily on backend and third-party APIs, Mobile Secure covers that full attack surface. 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
- App store readiness checks catch submission blockers before release
Cautions
- Some customer reviews highlight that continuous monitoring model may exceed needs for infrequent release schedules
- Some users have noted that customer feedback is limited, making long-term reliability harder to assess
eShard esChecker
eShard esChecker runs automated mobile security testing at the binary level for iOS and Android apps. It targets teams building security into CI/CD pipelines who need visibility into third-party SDK risks that source code reviews miss. The platform emphasizes attack simulation through recorded user journeys.
Binary-Level Testing Catches What Source Reviews Miss
esChecker analyzes compiled binaries rather than source code. We found this approach surfaces vulnerabilities in third-party SDKs and obfuscated components that static analysis tools overlook. Dynamic analysis executes your app on simulated unsafe devices to test real-world protections.
The Record and Replay feature lets you capture critical user journeys and replay them under attack conditions. This targeted approach reduces false positives by testing actual application behavior. Reports align directly with OWASP MASVS, making compliance documentation straightforward.
What Customers Are Saying
Teams praise the simple interface and how quickly new members get productive. Customers say the dashboard clearly highlights where to focus remediation efforts. Weekly automated campaigns through CI integration help catch regressions before release.
PDF report exports fit directly into cybersecurity action plans and client deliverables. Users appreciate that security testing becomes a regular part of the release pipeline rather than a gate at the end.
Compliance-Focused Teams With CI/CD Maturity
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.
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
- Integrates with major CI/CD platforms including Jenkins, GitLab, and GitHub
- Graphical reports clearly prioritize remediation focus areas
Cautions
- According to customer feedback, limited customer feedback makes long-term reliability harder to evaluate
- According to some user reviews, automation benefits depend on having mature CI/CD infrastructure in place
Fortify on Demand by OpenText
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. The platform combines automated scanning with manual assessment options.
Enterprise AppSec Coverage From One Console
The platform runs static analysis against source, binary, and bytecode. Dynamic assessments blend automated and manual testing for web apps and APIs. We found the software composition analysis useful for third-party component risks, with NLP monitoring GitHub commits and advisory feeds.
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 helps teams build security knowledge alongside the tooling.
What Customers Are Saying
Long-term users praise the CI/CD integration and OWASP Top 10 detection accuracy. Customers say the DAST scanning speed outperforms alternatives they evaluated. False positive rates stay low, which keeps developer trust high.
Some users flag that support response times lag on complex issues.
Broad Coverage for Established Enterprise Programs
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
- Dedicated customer success managers support larger enterprise deployments
Cautions
- According to customer feedback, support resolution times can lag on complex technical issues
- Based on customer reviews, setup complexity increases for environments using non-standard build tools
HCL AppScan
HCL AppScan is an application security suite covering web, API, and mobile apps through SAST, DAST, alongside IAST and SCA testing. It targets enterprises needing flexible deployment options across on-premises and cloud, plus hybrid environments. Machine learning enhances scan accuracy while the AppScan Slider lets teams balance speed against coverage depth.
Full-Spectrum Testing With Tunable Depth
The platform correlates findings across all four testing methods and prioritizes by exploitability. We found this aggregation valuable for cutting through noise when vulnerability counts climb. The Slider feature 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.
What Customers Are Saying
Enterprise teams in banking and finance praise the reliable scans and clear reporting. Customers say the DevOps integration works smoothly once configured. Support teams get high marks for responsiveness and solution-finding.
The learning curve comes up repeatedly.
Established Enterprises With Configuration Resources
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
- Strong fit for regulated industries needing detailed compliance reporting
Cautions
- Based on customer reviews, steep learning curve with limited tutorials and documentation
- Based on customer feedback, initial configuration and tuning require significant investment
Snyk
Snyk combines SAST and SCA to help developers find and fix vulnerabilities in code and open-source dependencies. It targets development teams who want security integrated into their workflow without slowing releases. The platform supports Android and iOS languages for mobile application security testing.
Developer-First Security Scanning
The platform prioritizes developer experience over security team workflows. We found the setup straightforward. Install the scanner, authenticate, run monitor. Unlimited scanning without code line restrictions removes friction from adoption.
AI and machine learning power the scan accuracy and suggested fixes. Context-driven prioritization helps teams focus on high-impact issues rather than chasing every finding. PR checks catch vulnerabilities before code merges. Advanced reporting visualizes security posture for compliance tracking.
What Customers Are Saying
Developers consistently praise how quickly they get productive. Customers say the automatic alerts enable fast response to new dependency vulnerabilities. The interface reads clearly without requiring security expertise to navigate.
Support experiences vary significantly. Some teams report excellent technical assistance during implementation. Others flag difficulties getting engineering support for bug fixes and enhancements. At scale, container image management adds operational overhead that requires dedicated tuning.
Developer Teams Taking Ownership of Security
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.
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
- Strong integrations across the development lifecycle toolchain
Cautions
- Some customer reviews note that support quality varies, with some teams reporting slow engineering responses
- Based on customer feedback, container image management adds operational overhead at enterprise scale
What To Look For: MAST Solutions Checklist
When evaluating mobile application security testing solutions, we’ve identified eight essential criteria. Here’s the checklist of questions you should be asking:
- Testing Method Coverage: Does the platform support SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA all together or do you need separate tools? Can it test without source code access? Does it handle obfuscated and compiled binaries? What about third-party SDK scanning?
- False Positive Rates: How many findings are noise versus actionable? Does the platform auto-triage or require manual review? What validation mechanisms exist to ensure accuracy? Can you customize queries to your codebase?
- CI/CD Integration Depth: Does it work with your build system and orchestration tools? Can you fail builds on critical findings or just alert? How much configuration does the integration require? Can developers see results directly in their tools?
- API and Infrastructure Coverage: Does testing extend beyond the app to backend APIs? Can it scan third-party integrations? How deeply does it evaluate infrastructure and hosting? Are those capabilities built-in or optional add-ons?
- Release Velocity Alignment: How fast do scans complete on your typical app size? Does the platform support continuous monitoring for frequent releases? Can you do retesting without waiting for full rescans? What are the testing throughput limits per team?
- Compliance and Audit Readiness: Does it map findings to standards like OWASP, GDPR, NIAP, or MASVS? Are reports audit-ready or do they require heavy customization? How long are scan histories retained? Can you generate one-click compliance summaries?
- AppSec Team Overhead: Does the platform require upfront tuning, or can you run out of the box? How much expertise do your developers need to interpret findings? Are remediation recommendations clear or require expert guidance? What’s the onboarding timeline?
Weight these criteria based on your environment. Teams with strict compliance requirements should prioritize standards mapping and audit-ready reporting. Organizations shipping frequent releases should focus on speed and continuous monitoring capabilities. If your team lacks dedicated AppSec resources, emphasize developer-friendly output and auto-triage accuracy.
How We Compared The Best Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) Tools
Expert Insights is an independent editorial team that researches, tests, and reviews cybersecurity and IT solutions. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products. Our assessments are based solely on product quality and real-world deployment experience. Before testing, we map the vendor market for each category, identifying all active competitors from market leaders to emerging challengers.
We evaluated nine MAST platforms across iOS and Android environments, testing each for coverage range, false positive elimination, CI/CD integration usability, and developer-team experience. Each product was deployed and tested against sample applications in controlled environments simulating real development workflows. We assessed setup complexity, scan performance, finding accuracy, and practical operational requirements across release cycles.
Beyond hands-on testing, we conducted market research across mobile security testing practices and reviewed customer feedback to validate vendor claims against actual deployment outcomes. We consulted with product teams to understand architecture decisions, testing methodology choices, and roadmap priorities. Our testing and editorial teams operate independently. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products.
This guide is updated quarterly. For full details on our testing and evaluation process, visit our How We Test & Review Products.
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. The federal government track record signals proven reliability at enterprise scale.
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 full software exposure.
Read the individual reviews above to evaluate deployment specifics, testing methodology alignment, and the trade-offs that match your development model and security requirements.
FAQs
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Written By
Caitlin Harris is the Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights. As an experienced content writer and editor, Caitlin helps cybersecurity leaders to cut through the noise in the cybersecurity space with expert analysis and insightful recommendations.
Prior to Expert Insights, Caitlin worked at QA Ltd, where she produced award-winning technical training materials, and she has also produced journalistic content over the course of her career.
Caitlin has 8 years of experience in the cybersecurity and technology space, helping technical teams, CISOs, and security professionals find clarity on complex, mission critical topics like security awareness training, backup and recovery, and endpoint protection.
Caitlin also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted.
Technical Review
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.