Mobile App Security Certifications


Mobile app security refers to the measures and practices employed to protect mobile applications from various forms of cyber threats and vulnerabilities. This involves securing the application's code, data, and interaction with other systems to safeguard against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats.

What Mobile App Security Certifications Do:

  1. Validate Expertise: Certifications in mobile app security validate a professional’s expertise in securing mobile applications. They demonstrate that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities in mobile apps.

  2. Career Enhancement: These certifications can enhance a professional's career prospects in the field of cybersecurity, specifically in roles focused on mobile application development and security.

  3. Ensure Industry Standards: Certifications ensure that professionals are up to date with the latest security standards and best practices for mobile app development, making them valuable for maintaining high-quality security standards in the industry.

  4. Encourage Best Practices: By promoting a deeper understanding of security threats and countermeasures in the mobile app domain, these certifications encourage the adoption of best practices in mobile app development and security.

Why They Are Important:

  1. Rising Security Threats: With the increasing use of mobile devices and applications, there is a growing risk of security threats such as data breaches, malware, and hacking attacks. Professionals skilled in mobile app security are essential to address these risks.

  2. Compliance and Data Protection: Many industries have regulatory requirements for data protection and privacy. Certified professionals can help ensure that mobile apps comply with these regulations, like GDPR or HIPAA.

  3. Consumer Trust: Secure mobile applications build consumer trust. Certifications demonstrate a commitment to security, which can be a deciding factor for users and clients when choosing a product or service.

  4. Business Continuity: Security breaches can lead to significant financial loss and damage to reputation. Professionals with mobile app security certifications can play a crucial role in preventing such incidents, thereby aiding in business continuity.

Popular Certifications:

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Offers a comprehensive overview of information security, including mobile security.

  • Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP): Focuses on security in the software development lifecycle, applicable to mobile app development.

  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Includes techniques for penetration testing, which can be applied to mobile app security.

  • GIAC Mobile Device Security Analyst (GMOB): Specifically focuses on securing mobile devices and applications.

While there are no certifications exclusively for "mobile app security," many cybersecurity certifications encompass skills and knowledge applicable to securing mobile applications. These certifications are crucial in the current technology landscape where mobile apps are an integral part of personal and business life, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and the integrity of mobile computing environments.

What Kind of Mobile App Security Certifications Are There?

There is a wide range of mobile app security certifications that demonstrate knowledge of threat modeling for mobile applications, data security and encryption, threat modeling for mobile applications, mobile app compliance and standards, and more. These certifications cover a variety of topics, including routing and switching, security, wireless, and collaboration. Some important mobile app security certifications include:

  • Mobile App Security+

  • Monitoring and Event Response on AWS for DevOps Engineers Skills

  • Network Access and Authentication Skills

  • Network Activity and Packet Analysis with Python Skills

  • Network Basics with Python Skills

  • Network Concepts and Protocols Skills

  • Network Fundamentals and Protocols Skills

  • Network Monitoring and Analysis Skills

  • Network+ (CompTIA Network+)

  • Networking Concepts and Protocols Skills

  • Networking for CompTIA Server+ (SK0-004) Skills

  • Office 365: Introduction to OneDrive for Business Skills - Expanded

  • Operations and Incident Response for CompTIA Security+ Skills

  • Penetrating Networks for CompTIA PenTest+ Skills

  • Pentest+ (CompTIA PenTest+)

  • Performing and Analyzing Network Reconnaissance Skills - Expanded

  • Performing Incident Response and Handling Skills - Expanded

  • Performing Non-Technical Tests for CompTIA PenTest+ Skills

  • Planning and Scoping for CompTIA Pentest+ Skills

  • Play by Play: Discovering PowerShell with Mark Minasi Skills - Expanded

  • Post-Exploit Tasks for CompTIA PenTest+ Skills

  • PowerShell v2 Essentials for IT Admins Parts 1-3 Skills - Expanded

  • PowerShell v3 New Features Deep Dive Parts 1-2 Skills - Expanded

  • PowerShell v3/v4 Essentials for IT Admins Parts 1-3 Skills

  • PowerShell V4 New Features Skills - Expanded

  • Preparing for and Executing Incident Recovery Skills

  • Project 2013, 2016, 2019 Online Essentials and Power Users Skills - Expanded

  • Project+ (CompTIA Project+)

  • Protocol Deep Dive: EIGRP, OSPF Skills

  • Recovering from Trouble Skills

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Storage Fundamentals Skills

  • Reporting and Communication for CompTIA Pentest+ Skills

  • Research and Analysis for CASP (CAS-002) Skills - Expanded

  • Results and Reporting for CompTIA PenTest+ Skills

  • Risk Management and Incident Response for CASP (CAS-002) Skills - Expanded

  • Risk Management for CompTIA Security+ Skills

  • Securing Windows Server 2019

  • Security Analysis for CompTIA CySA+ Skills

  • Security Architecture for CompTIA Security+ Skills - Expanded

  • Security Event Triage: Leveraging Existing Security Device Alerts, Monitoring Assets and Topology Skills

  • Security for CompTIA Server+ (SK0-004) Skills

  • Security in the Cloud Skills

  • Security Operations and Monitoring for CompTIA CySA+ Skills

  • Security Solutions for Infrastructure Management for CompTIA CySA+ Skills

  • Security+ (CompTIA Security+)

  • Server Administration for CompTIA Server+ (SK0-004) Skills

  • Server Architecture for CompTIA Server+ (SK0-004) Skills

  • Server Management:

  • Server+ (CompTIA Server+)

  • SharePoint 2013 Fundamentals for Business Professionals Skills - Expanded

  • Software and Systems Security for CompTIA CySA+ Skills

  • Specialized Attacks: Hardware Product Testing, OT and ICS, Wireless Skills

  • Specialized Engineering: Enterprise Hybrid Cloud Skills

  • Storage for CompTIA Server+ (SK0-004)

  • System Center 2012 Configuration Manager: Initial Configuration, Managing Clients, Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud Parts 1-3 Skills - Expanded

  • System Services and Activity Monitoring with Python Skills

  • TCP/IP and Networking Fundamentals for IT Pros Skills - Expanded

  • Technical Integration of Enterprise Components for CASP (CAS-002) Skills - Expanded

  • Technologies and Tools for CompTIA Security+ Skills

  • Testing Applications for CompTIA PenTest+ Skills

  • The Art and Practice of Information Architecture Skills - Expanded

  • Threat and Vulnerability Management for CompTIA CySA+ Skills

  • Tools and Code Analysis for CompTIA Pentest+ Skills

  • Troubleshooting ACLs with Wireshark Skills - Expanded

  • Troubleshooting for CompTIA Server+ (SK0-004) Skills

  • Using Visio (2016) Skills

  • Viewing and Manipulating Data in Excel 2016 Skills

  • Visio 2013, 2019 Essentials Skills - Expanded             

  • VMware Workstation 9 for the IT Admin Skills - Expanded

  • VPNs and Wireless Networks Skills

  • What's New in Office 2016 Skills

  • Windows 10 Creators Update, Fall Creators Update 2017, for Power Users, Foundations, Getting Started Skills - Expanded

  • Windows 8 Configuring (70-687) Part 2: Network Configuration, Part 3: Security Configuration,  Managing and Maintaining Parts 1-4 Skills - Expanded

  • Windows Operating System Fundamentals: Install and Configure, Managing and Maintaining Skills - Expanded

  • Windows Server 2008 Active Directory (70-640) Parts 1-6, Admin with PowerShell Management Essentials, Performance Monitoring, Services & File Systems, Applications Infrastructure (70-643) Parts 1-3, Enterprise Administrator (70-647) Parts 1-2, Network Infrastructure (70-642) Parts 1-3, Server Administrator (70-646) Parts 1-4 Skills - Expanded

  • Windows Server 2012 Advanced Infrastructure Management, Designing Virtualization Infrastructure, High Availability: Hyper-V, Hyper-V Essentials, Remote Desktop Infrastructure Skills - Expanded

  • Windows Server Administration Concepts: Performance Management Skills

Mobile App Security FAQs

What is the best security for a mobile app?

The best security for a mobile app combines multiple layers of protection. This includes implementing secure coding practices, using encryption for data transmission, securing APIs, and performing regular security testing such as penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. For sensitive apps, adding biometric authentication and multi-factor authentication enhances security. Regularly updating the app to patch any security vulnerabilities is also crucial.

How do I keep my mobile apps secure?

As a developer, secure your apps by following best practices in coding, regularly updating libraries and frameworks, and conducting thorough security testing. As a user, keep apps secure by regularly updating them, downloading apps from trusted sources, being cautious about app permissions, and using security software on your device.

How do I know if my mobile app is secure?

To evaluate the security of a mobile app, check if the app uses encryption for data transmission, see if it's regularly updated, and review its privacy policy. Look for any security certifications or seals. Utilizing mobile security assessment tools or services can also help determine the app’s security status.

Are mobile apps safer than websites?

Mobile apps can be safer than websites as they often have better control over the data and are not as exposed to browser-based threats. However, the level of security largely depends on the specific app or website and how well security practices are implemented.

Do cell phones need antivirus?

While mobile operating systems are generally more secure than desktop systems, using antivirus software on a cell phone can add an extra layer of protection, especially against malware and phishing attacks. It's more critical for Android devices than for iOS, due to the open nature of the Android ecosystem.

What are the security options for apps?

Security options for apps include implementing strong encryption, secure authentication mechanisms, secure communication protocols, regular security patches, and using application shielding techniques. For sensitive apps, incorporating features like biometric authentication can enhance security.

Can apps see everything on your phone?

Apps can access data and features on your phone based on the permissions granted. It's important to review an app's permissions to understand what data and features it can access. Operating systems like iOS and Android provide controls to manage app permissions.

What are two of the mobile app security risks?

Two common risks include data leakage due to insufficient security measures and malicious software (malware) which can be introduced through third-party app stores or phishing attempts. Another risk is weak authentication which can lead to unauthorized access.

What do you dial to see if your phone is hacked?

There isn’t a specific number to dial to check if a phone is hacked. Signs of hacking include unusual activity like unexplained charges, rapidly draining battery, or strange texts and calls. Using a trusted security application is recommended for a more accurate assessment.

Which bank is most secure for online banking?

The security of online banking varies among institutions. Look for banks that offer robust security measures like two-factor authentication, fraud monitoring, secure messaging, and encrypted transactions. It's also wise to research and compare the security features and customer reviews of different banks.

Is it safer to do banking on phone or laptop?

Both can be safe if proper security measures are in place. However, mobile banking apps on phones may have an edge in security due to the inherent security features of modern smartphones. Ensure that the device, whether phone or laptop, is secure with updated software, antivirus protection, and secure Wi-Fi connections.

Can apps access your photos?

Apps can access your photos if you grant them permission. It’s important to be cautious about which apps you give such permissions to. Regularly review and manage app permissions in your device settings.

What are three steps you should take to ensure your security when using apps?

Regularly update your apps and mobile OS, be cautious about app permissions, and download apps only from trusted sources like official app stores. Additionally, using a reputable mobile security solution can add an extra layer of protection.

Can hackers access your banking app?

While banking apps generally have strong security measures, they are not immune to hacking. Using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, falling for phishing scams, or having malware on your device can increase the risk. It's crucial to follow good security practices like using strong, unique passwords and keeping your device and apps updated.

Is it safer to use browser or app?

It often depends on the specific app or website and the security measures each has in place. In general, well-developed mobile apps tend to be safer than using a browser, as they can have more direct control over security. However, always ensure that you’re using the latest version of the app or browser for the best security.