Abstract:

With the increasing dependence on mobile applications for a wide range of functions—from communication and financial transactions to health monitoring and entertainment—ensuring these apps are secure against vulnerabilities is more critical than ever. Automated security testing has emerged as a vital component in safeguarding mobile applications, offering a structured methodology for detecting and addressing security risks. Unlike manual testing methods, automated security testing provides enhanced efficiency, broader coverage, and greater consistency in identifying potential vulnerabilities. This paper delves into the landscape of automated security testing for mobile applications, focusing on prominent tools such as OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, and Fortify, which are instrumental in evaluating security aspects. The discussion encompasses various testing techniques, including Static Application Security Testing (SAST), which analyzes source code for vulnerabilities; Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), which assesses applications in real-time during runtime; and Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST), which combines elements of both SAST and DAST for comprehensive analysis. Furthermore, the paper underscores best practices for integrating automated security testing into the development lifecycle, addressing common challenges like false positives and the need for continuous updates, and exploring future trends and advancements in the field. By adopting these best practices and leveraging appropriate tools, developers can significantly bolster the security framework of mobile applications, thereby protecting user data from evolving and sophisticated threats.