For Indian businesses, the challenge isn’t just building a great mobile app, it’s keeping it secure. Whether you’re a business owner, CTO, or IT manager, this guide will help you understand exactly what to look for when hiring a Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendor in India, what questions to ask, and how to ensure your app gets tested the right way.
Steps to Hire the Right Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendor in India
This step-by-step guide will help you choose the right mobile application penetration testing vendor in India with confidence.
1. Start With a Clear Understanding of What Needs to Be Tested
Before you reach out to any Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendor, the first and most important step is to understand what exactly needs to be tested in your mobile application.
This clarity will make the entire process smoother, whether you’re comparing vendors, reviewing proposals, or planning timelines. When you know your requirements, you avoid guesswork, prevent cost surprises, and ensure nothing critical gets missed during testing.
Identify the Scope Clearly
Take a moment with your team to list down all the important components of your mobile app that require security assessment. This may include:
- Core user features such as login, signup, password reset, payments, wallets, chat, or profile updates.
- Backend APIs that power your app and handle sensitive data or transactions.
- Operating system versions your customers use (Android 12/13/14, iOS 16/17, etc.).
- Platforms like Android, iOS, or hybrid frameworks (Flutter, React Native, Ionic).
- Third-party integrations including payment gateways, SMS/OTP services, cloud storage, analytics, or map APIs.
- DevOps pipelines (CI/CD) if you want a deeper assessment of your build and deployment process.
- API documentation or SDKs if your app interacts with external tools or services.
This list becomes your foundation for the engagement. With a clear scope, both you and the vendor know exactly what will be tested, how long it will take, and what the expected outcomes are.
Why Does This Step Matters?
A well-defined scope is more than just planning, it directly affects the security of your app. When vendors understand the full picture:
- Pricing remains transparent
- There is no confusion about responsibilities
- High-risk areas don’t get overlooked
- The test results are more accurate and reliable
On the other hand, an unclear scope can lead to half-done assessments where important modules or APIs go untested. This could leave your app exposed to serious vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
By starting with a clear understanding of what needs to be tested, you set the stage for a professional, efficient, and effective penetration testing engagement.
2. Shortlist Vendors with Genuine Mobile Security Expertise
When hiring a vendor for mobile application penetration testing in India, one of the biggest mistakes businesses make is choosing a generic cybersecurity company. Many firms primarily focus on web security and treat mobile app testing as an “extra service.”
But mobile applications are built differently, behave differently, and have entirely different attack surfaces. This means they need specialised skills, dedicated tools, and platform-specific knowledge.
What Should You Look for in a Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendor in India?
Choose a vendor who genuinely understands mobile security, not just general cybersecurity. Your shortlist should include companies that have:
- Relevant cybersecurity certifications such as OSCP, OSWE, CEH, GIAC GMOB, or other mobile-focused credentials
- Hands-on experience in both Android and iOS ecosystems
- Strong reverse engineering and code-level analysis capabilities
- Deep understanding of OWASP MASVS and MSTG standards, which are global benchmarks for mobile app security
- Experience with apps in your specific industry: fintech, SaaS, EdTech, retail, healthcare, logistics, etc.
- Verified reviews, testimonials, or detailed case studies that prove their expertise
One thing to avoid? Choosing purely based on cost. Vendors that offer suspiciously cheap services often rely heavily on automated tools instead of manual, research-driven testing.
Automated scans miss vulnerabilities related to business logic, reverse engineering, and deeper exploitation techniques, risks that could break your entire system.
Why Does This Step Matters?
Mobile apps handle sensitive data, rely on complex backend APIs, and often run in unsecured user environments. An experienced vendor understands how these apps can be exploited through:
- Poor secure storage mechanisms
- Weak authentication and session management
- Deep link manipulation
- Insecure API configurations
- Reverse engineering attacks
A Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendor with genuine expertise won’t just find the obvious issues; they’ll uncover hidden, high-impact vulnerabilities that automated tools cannot detect. This ensures your mobile app is not only compliant but truly secure against real-world attackers.
3. Request a Detailed Proposal Before Making a Decision
After shortlisting Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendors, the next crucial step is to ask each of them for a comprehensive and well-structured proposal. This is where you can clearly differentiate between a vendor who genuinely understands mobile penetration testing and one who is simply offering a generic, copy-paste cybersecurity service.
A strong proposal reflects clarity, expertise, planning, and confidence, qualities you absolutely need in your mobile security partner.
What Your RFP (Request for Proposal) Should Include?
When you reach out to Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendors, your proposal request should cover specific elements that help you assess the depth of their capabilities. Make sure the RFP asks for the following:
1. Testing Methodology: Preferably aligned with OWASP MASVS (Mobile Application Security Verification Standard). This ensures testing covers all critical areas such as secure storage, encryption, authentication, platform interaction, and network communication.
2. Tools and Manual Techniques: Professionals should clearly mention the tools they use along with their manual testing approach. Mobile security cannot be effectively assessed through automated tools alone.
3. Timelines and Phases: Request a breakdown of testing phases, milestones, and expected completion date. This gives you visibility into how structured and systematic the vendor is.
4. Pricing Model and Payment Structure: The proposal should clearly explain whether pricing is based on:
- App complexity
- Number of platforms (Android/iOS)
- Testing depth (basic vs. advanced)
There should be no hidden costs.
5. Retesting Policy: A good vendor offers free retesting after you fix vulnerabilities. This is essential to confirm that patches have been implemented correctly.
6. Deliverables: Your vendor should commit to high-quality deliverables such as:
- Detailed vulnerability reports
- Proof-of-Concept (PoC) videos
- Screenshots and logs
- Priority-based remediation guidance
- Executive summary for management
7. Support Window: Post-report support (typically 15–30 days) is important for developers who may have follow-up questions.
8. Additional Requests You Must Make
To evaluate credibility, also ask Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendors for:
- A sample report from previous projects
- Profiles of the security testers assigned to your app
- Case studies or experience in your industry (fintech, health tech, SaaS, ecommerce, EdTech, etc.)
These items help you understand the vendor’s style, technical depth, and real-world experience.
Why Does This Proposal Stage Matters?
A detailed proposal can reveal more about a Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendor in India than a sales call ever will.
- If their methodology is vague, generic, or looks like a copy-paste template, it’s a clear red flag.
- If they cannot explain their testing process in simple terms, they may lack hands-on experience.
- A good vendor will walk you through the entire approach: step-by-step, clearly, confidently, and without hesitation.
Ultimately, a well-written proposal demonstrates that the vendor is organized, knowledgeable, and serious about delivering high-quality mobile app penetration testing.
4. Carefully Review Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendor’s Sample Reports
This is one of the most important steps in choosing the right mobile app penetration testing vendor and surprisingly, it’s also one of the most overlooked. Many businesses focus on price, timelines, and certifications, but forget to analyze the one document that determines the actual value of the pentest: the sample report.
A penetration testing report is the final outcome of the entire engagement. It is the only document your developers will refer to while fixing security flaws. If the report is unclear, shallow, or poorly written, even the best testing effort becomes useless. This is why reviewing sample reports should never be skipped.
What to Check in the Sample Report?
A high-quality report reflects a vendor’s skill, experience, and attention to detail. Here’s what you should examine closely:
1. Clear, Human-Readable Explanations: A good report explains vulnerabilities in simple, understandable language. Even non-technical business leaders should be able to understand the risks without getting lost in jargon.
2. Executive Summary for Management: The report should include a high-level summary outlining:
- The number of vulnerabilities
- Their severity levels
- Overall risk to the business
- Recommendations on what to fix first
This helps leadership take informed decisions quickly.
3. Technical Depth for Developers: While the summary should be simple, the technical section must be detailed enough for developers. It should include:
- Exact steps to reproduce the issue
- Parameters and request/response details
- Tools used
- Expected vs. actual behaviour
This level of detail ensures developers can fix issues without guesswork.
4. Screenshots and Real Exploitation Examples: Screenshots and practical examples show that the Mobile Application Penetration Tester actually executed the vulnerability instead of relying only on automated scans. This adds authenticity and clarity.
5. Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Videos: For high-risk or complex issues, short videos demonstrating the flaw help teams understand the severity instantly.
6. Actionable Remediation Recommendations: A strong Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendor doesn’t just identify problems; they guide you on how to fix them. Recommendations should be specific, practical, and aligned with industry best practices.
7. Severity Ratings Based on Business Impact: The report should classify vulnerabilities such as Critical, High, Medium, or Low. More importantly, it should justify these ratings based on the actual impact on your users and business workflows.
8. Coverage of Both App-Level and API-Level Issues: Mobile vulnerabilities often come from insecure backend APIs. The report should include findings from both:
- The mobile app
- The connected APIs (authentication, payments, data fetch, etc.)
Vendors that ignore API security are not thorough.
9. Compare Reports Side-by-Side: A smart way to evaluate vendors is to compare two sample reports side-by-side. You will instantly see who:
- Goes deeper
- Explains better
- Finds more meaningful vulnerabilities
- Provides clearer guidance
This comparison often reveals the real difference between a professional mobile security vendor and a generic pentesting company.
Why Does This Step Matters?
A great report helps your developers fix vulnerabilities quickly and accurately, reducing security risks and saving time. A poor or unclear report, on the other hand:
- Slows down development
- Causes misunderstandings
- Creates unnecessary back-and-forth
- Increases overall costs
- Leaves critical vulnerabilities unfixed
The report is the heart of your pentesting investment, so reviewing it carefully is essential.
5. Finalize Deliverables, Timelines, and Compliance Requirements
Once you’re confident about the Mobile Application Penetration Testing Vendor’s expertise and reporting quality, the next step is to define the terms of engagement clearly.
This stage is crucial because it sets expectations for both sides. Many businesses make the mistake of rushing into the project without clarifying the finer details- leading to delays, hidden costs, and miscommunication later.
To avoid these issues, make sure every aspect of the project is documented, agreed upon, and transparent before signing the contract.
Discuss Every Detail Before You Sign
Here are the key areas you must cover in your discussions:
1. Project Timelines: Confirm the start date, end date, and when you can expect the final and retesting reports. A reliable vendor will give you a realistic timeline instead of rushing or overpromising.
2. Communication Frequency and Channels: Decide how often the vendor will share updates and through which platform: email, Slack, Teams, or weekly review calls. Clear communication keeps you informed and avoids last-minute surprises.
3. Compliance Requirements
If your business must follow regulations such as:
- PCI-DSS
- HIPAA
- ISO 27001
- GDPR
- RBI Guidelines
- SOC 2
…ensure the vendor can produce compliance-ready reports. This is especially important for fintech, healthcare, insurance, and SaaS businesses in India.
4. Retesting Policy: Many top-tier vendors provide one free retest after you fix vulnerabilities. Confirm whether the retest is:
- Free
- Limited to a certain number of vulnerabilities
- Or charged separately
This detail can significantly affect your budget.
5. Mode of Testing: Decide whether the engagement will be:
- Black-box (no code or internal access)
- Grey-box (partial access)
- White-box (full access, faster and deeper testing)
Your choice will impact the depth of the results.
6. Reporting Format: Confirm whether you’ll receive:
- A PDF report
- An interactive dashboard
- Or both
Dashboards are helpful for tracking vulnerabilities over time, especially for large teams.
7. Confidentiality, Liability & Data Protection
Review all clauses related to:
- Code security
- Data handling
- Intellectual property
- Legal liability
- Confidentiality commitments
This ensures your sensitive app data is fully protected.
Why This Step Matters?
This is the point where clarity replaces guesswork. By finalizing and documenting all deliverables, timelines, and obligations, you ensure:
- No unexpected charges
- No skipped testing areas
- No confusion about who is responsible for what
- No last-minute disputes
- A smoother and faster engagement
In short, this step protects your business from delays, hidden costs, and misalignment. It ensures the vendor understands exactly what you need—and you know exactly what you’re paying for.
6. Sign the NDA and Begin the Engagement
Once you and the vendor have agreed on the scope, timelines, and deliverables, the next step is to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This may feel like a formality, but it’s actually one of the most important parts of the engagement.
A mobile app penetration test requires the vendor to access sensitive information: including your app’s code, user data flows, architecture, APIs, staging environments, and sometimes even internal dashboards. Without a strong NDA, your intellectual property and business data may be at risk.
The NDA ensures complete confidentiality, protects your proprietary information, and creates a legally binding commitment that your data will not be misused or shared.
After the NDA is signed, it’s time to start the actual engagement. A smooth kickoff ensures the vendor has everything they need to conduct effective and accurate testing.
Here’s what you should share securely:
- APK/IPA files or access to your mobile app builds
- Test accounts with different permission levels
- Staging or UAT environment URLs
- API documentation, SDKs, and integration details
- Access to backend servers, if required for grey-box or white-box testing
- Communication channels, such as Slack, Teams, or email
- Weekly update schedule or milestone review meetings
Preparing these items in advance eliminates delays and helps testers start their work quickly.
A kickoff call is an important part of the engagement. It gives your team and the vendor a chance to align expectations and clarify any requirements before testing begins.
Use this call to:
- Walk the vendor through your mobile app
- Discuss critical user journeys like login, payments, or onboarding
- Explain important business logic
- Highlight high-risk areas or past security issues
- Clarify any restrictions (e.g., no load testing on production)
This context helps testers understand how your app works in real-world scenarios, which leads to more accurate and deeper vulnerability findings.
Why This Step Matters?
A well-executed onboarding process directly impacts the quality of the penetration test. When done right, it ensures:
- More accurate testing, because the vendor understands your app thoroughly
- Faster progress, as all required access and documentation is available from day one
- No disruption to your production environment or live users
- Better vulnerability detection, especially in complex workflows and backend systems
In simple terms: the smoother your engagement begins, the stronger and more reliable the test results will be.
About Peneto Labs
If you’re looking for a trusted partner who delivers expert-level testing, clear reports, free retesting, and end-to-end support, Peneto Labs is one of the best mobile application penetration testing vendors in India.
With deep expertise in Android, iOS, APIs, and secure mobile architectures, we help businesses strengthen their security posture with accuracy and professionalism.
Conclusion
The mobile application penetration testing vendor you select will determine how effectively your app is protected against threats, how quickly vulnerabilities are fixed, and how confidently your users can trust your platform.
By following the steps in this guide: defining your scope, shortlisting qualified vendors, reviewing proposals, analysing sample reports, clarifying deliverables, and ensuring a smooth onboarding, you set your business up for long-term security and success. If you’re ready to secure your mobile application the right way, partnering with Peneto Labs is a smart and reliable next step.