What we assess
Local data
Sensitive storage, logs, backups, cached information and token handling.
Platform boundaries
Permissions, deep links, exposed components and supported platform security controls.
Transport and identity
Certificate validation, session behavior and authentication flows.
Connected APIs
Server-side permissions and sensitive operations reachable through the mobile application.
Who it is for
Product and engineering teams releasing Android or iOS applications that handle accounts, personal information or business-sensitive workflows.
Before we start
Share supported platforms, test builds, backend scope, important user journeys and any test-device constraints. Build signing, device access and test credentials are arranged privately after authorization.
Methodology
From scope to verified fixes.
Inspect the agreed build and exercise representative journeys in a controlled environment. Use OWASP mobile guidance to organize local and platform checks, then validate whether an observed issue creates a practical data or authorization risk. Record any device or build limitations.
- Agree authorization, coverage, test limits and evidence handling.
- Discover and manually validate candidate weaknesses.
- Report confirmed findings, unverified observations and coverage limitations distinctly.
- Discuss remediation and retest the specified fixes within the agreed window.
Typical issues we look for
Examples of possible issues, not findings from R53SEC client engagements. Actual results depend on the system and scope.
- Sensitive session material is retained in application logs or insecure local storage.
- A deep link or exposed component permits an unintended action.
- A backend trusts a client-side check that can be bypassed by an unauthorized request.
What you receive
Build and platform coverage, affected component details, reproducible evidence, risk and remediation guidance for mobile and backend owners, plus agreed retest criteria.
The report includes an executive summary, finding identifiers, severity rationale, impact, evidence, remediation and coverage limitations. CVSS is included where appropriate with its version, vector and assumptions. Retest scope, timing and commercial terms are agreed before work begins.
Questions about Mobile Application Security
Are Android and iOS the same assessment?
They share business workflows but have different platform controls. Each platform and build must be explicitly included in scope.
Is an API review necessary for a mobile app?
Client-side controls cannot replace server authorization. Connected API testing helps evaluate whether sensitive operations remain protected outside the normal app interface.
Does obfuscation prove that an application is secure?
No. It may make analysis harder, but authorization, data protection and transport behavior still need independent assessment.
Related services
Practical reading
Checklists
Mobile Application Security Checklist
Prepare an Android or iOS review covering the client, platform and supporting APIs.
Read checklistGuides
API Security Best Practices
A practical review of API identity, object authorization, schemas and evidence.
Read article