Application Penetration Testing

Application Penetration Testing for Web, Mobile, API and AI-Powered Apps

Apps are constantly evolving. New features, integrations and releases can all introduce security risks that are easy to miss. Application penetration testing helps uncover vulnerabilities, access control weaknesses and business logic flaws before attackers do.

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Why perform application testing?

Find vulnerabilities before they’re exploited
Identify security weaknesses that could expose sensitive data, user accounts or critical functionality.

Validate security controls
Test authentication, authorisation and access controls under real-world conditions.

Support compliance requirements
Generate independent assurance for standards such as ISO 27001, PCI DSS, SOC 2, NIS2 and more.

Release with confidence
Use penetration testing as a final quality gate before major launches, migrations and feature releases.

What can we test?

Behind every login screen, dashboard or mobile app sits a network of APIs, integrations and services that need protecting.

Web Application Testing

From customer portals and SaaS platforms to e-commerce websites and internal systems, we assess web applications for vulnerabilities that could impact users, data or critical business processes.

API Testing

Many modern applications rely on APIs to exchange data and communicate with other systems. We assess APIs and web services for authentication weaknesses, authorisation flaws, data exposure risks and insecure business logic.

LLM & GenAI Testing

AI-powered applications introduce entirely new attack paths. We assess chatbots, assistants, agents and AI-powered services for prompt injection, information disclosure, model manipulation and insecure integrations.

Mobile Application Testing

Mobile applications handle everything from authentication and payments to sensitive user data. We assess iOS and Android applications, alongside their supporting APIs and backend services, to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Why Protos?

Not all penetration testing is created equal.

CREST accredited penetration testing specialists

Real-world testing techniques aligned to industry standards

Clear reporting for technical and non-technical audiences

Practical remediation guidance

Expertise across web, mobile, API and AI-powered applications

Testing aligned with recognised OWASP industry standards

Planning a release, migration or major update?

Application penetration testing provides independent assurance before vulnerabilities become incidents.
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FAQs

  • What's the difference between vulnerability scanning and application penetration testing?

    Vulnerability scans identify known issues, but penetration testing goes further. We combine automated tools with manual testing techniques to uncover access control weaknesses, business logic flaws and complex attack paths that automated scanners often miss.

  • What types of applications can you test?

    We assess a wide range of applications, including web applications, customer portals, SaaS platforms, APIs, mobile applications and AI-powered services. During scoping, we’ll work with you to understand your environment and determine the most appropriate testing approach.

  • We host our application in the cloud. Do we still need penetration testing?

    Usually, yes. While cloud providers are responsible for securing the underlying infrastructure, you’re still responsible for how your application is designed, configured and accessed. Testing helps identify vulnerabilities that could expose users, data or critical functionality.

  • Can penetration testing be performed against live applications?

    Yes. Most application penetration testing is performed against live environments, although we may recommend testing against a staging environment in some circumstances. We’ll work with you to minimise disruption and make sure testing is carried out safely.

  • How often should application penetration testing be performed?

    Most organisations test applications annually, or following significant changes such as new features, major releases, migrations or infrastructure changes. Regular testing helps ensure new vulnerabilities aren’t introduced as applications evolve.

  • How long does an application penetration test take?

    The time needed depends on the size, complexity and functionality of the application being assessed. Smaller applications may take a few days to test, while larger or more complex environments may require longer. We’ll agree scope and timelines before testing begins.