Hacking Mobile Platforms

Introduction & Mobile Platform Fundamentals

Mobile devices have become one of the most targeted technologies in modern cybersecurity because they store sensitive information such as credentials, authentication tokens, banking details and enterprise data.

This section introduces the architecture of mobile platforms and explains how Android and iOS applications interact with operating systems, APIs, local storage and cloud environments.

Participants learn how mobile applications are structured, how permissions work, and how insecure configurations can expose sensitive information.

The section also introduces common mobile communication methods and application behavior inside modern mobile ecosystems.

Core Areas

• Android and iOS Architecture
• Application Components
• Permissions &ing
• Mobile Storage Mechanisms
• API & Network Communication
• Session & Authentication Handling

Common Risks

Mobile applications may expose sensitive data because of insecure implementations and weak configurations.

• Insecure Local Storage
• Credential Exposure
• Weak Permission Management
• Sensitive Data Leakage
• Improper API Communication

Tools & Technologies

Security professionals use multiple tools to analyze, test and monitor mobile applications.

• Android Studio
• ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
• Genymotion Emulator
• Android Emulator
• SQLite Browser

Learning Outcome

Participants develop a strong understanding of mobile operating systems, application structures, storage mechanisms and communication processes required for mobile security testing.

Mobile Security Testing & Exploitation Concepts

This section focuses on practical mobile penetration testing methodologies used to identify vulnerabilities in mobile applications and backend services.

Participants learn how attackers inspect applications, intercept traffic, analyze runtime behavior, and exploit weak security implementations.

The lab introduces static and dynamic analysis techniques along with reverse engineering concepts commonly used during mobile security assessments.

Participants also explore insecure APIs, weak authentication systems, and runtime manipulation techniques.

Testing Areas

• Static & Dynamic Analysis
• APK Reverse Engineering
• Runtime Monitoring
• Mobile Traffic Interception
• API Testing & Manipulation
• Authentication Testing
• Session Analysis
• SSL Pinning Concepts
• Runtime Instrumentation

Exploitation Areas

Weak security implementations inside mobile applications may expose sensitive information and backend services.

• Insecure Data Storage
• Broken Authentication
• Weak Authorization
• Exported Components
• Certificate Validation Issues
• Sensitive Information Disclosure

Tools & Technologies

Mobile security professionals use multiple tools to analyze applications, intercept communication and identify vulnerabilities.

• JADX
• APKTool
• Burp Suite
• Frida
• MobSF
• Wireshark
• Objection

Impact of Vulnerabilities

• Unauthorized Account Access
• Session Hijacking
• Credential Theft
• API Abuse
• Sensitive Data Exposure
• Backend System Compromise

Learning Outcome

Participants gain practical experience in mobile penetration testing, application analysis, traffic interception, reverse engineering, and vulnerability identification within mobile environments.

Defense, Detection & Best Practices

This section focuses on defensive mobile security techniques used to protect applications against reverse engineering, unauthorized access and data theft.

Participants learn how organizations secure mobile applications, monitor suspicious activity, and implement strong security controls.

The lab also explains how secure development practices, application hardening, and monitoring solutions improve the overall security posture of mobile environments.

Defensive Areas

• Secure Mobile Development
• Secure API Implementation
• Session Protection
• Encryption Mechanisms
• Application Hardening
• Runtime Protection
• Threat Monitoring
• Enterprise Mobile Security
• Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Protection Mechanisms

Modern mobile applications implement multiple defensive controls to reduce exploitation risks and strengthen security.

• Code Obfuscation
• Anti-Debugging
• Root Detection
• Integrity Verification
• Secure Authentication
• Access Control Enforcement
• Secure Logging

Tools & Technologies

Organizations use multiple technologies to strengthen mobile application security and monitor enterprise environments.

• Firebase Security Rules
• OWASP MASVS
• MDM Platforms
• Android Keystore
• SIEM Solutions
• VPN Security Controls

Security Impact

• Reduced Reverse Engineering Risks
• Improved Data Protection
• Stronger Authentication Security
• Reduced API Abuse
• Faster Threat Detection
• Better Enterprise Security

Learning Outcome

Participants develop an understanding of secure mobile application development, defensive security controls, application hardening techniques, monitoring systems, and enterprise mobile security practices used in real-world environments.