Mobile application security assessment (MASA) definition
Mobile application security assessment refers to a structured method for testing mobile apps to identify security vulnerabilities or weaknesses. It helps companies protect user data, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure their apps are secure against attacks. MASA generally follows a step-by-step approach, involving different procedures conducted in an organized sequence.
See also: mobile application security testing, multi-tier application
Mobile application security assessment process
1. Planning
- Clearly define the goals and scope of the assessment.
- Identify the type of mobile applications to be assessed.
- Gather the required tools, access permissions, and documentation.
2. Information gathering and analysis
- Analyze the application’s architecture, functionalities, and data flow.
- Review permissions, data-sharing practices, and encryption mechanisms.
- Understand how the application interacts with APIs, databases, and third-party systems.
3. Security testing and vulnerability scanning
- Conduct static analysis.
- Perform dynamic analysis.
- Simulate penetration testing scenarios to uncover exploitable vulnerabilities.
4. Risk analysis and reporting
- Identify and categorize vulnerabilities based on their criticality.
- Generate comprehensive reports that detail vulnerabilities, mitigation recommendations, and associated risks.
- Highlight business risks caused by the vulnerabilities.
5. Remediation and follow-up
- Provide actionable recommendations to fix identified vulnerabilities.
- Re-test after remediation to ensure that the vulnerabilities have been properly addressed.
- Establish best practices and guidelines for secure mobile app development moving forward.
