Mobile Application Security Specialist
Part of the Cybersecurity Career Guide — This article is one deep-dive in our complete guide series.
By HADESS Team | February 28, 2026 | Updated: February 28, 2026 | 5 min read
You are the person who makes sure mobile apps ship securely. While mobile pentesters come in to find bugs after the fact, you work with development teams throughout the build process. You review architecture decisions, set security standards, integrate security tools into CI/CD pipelines, and make sure apps meet compliance requirements before they hit the app stores.
What You Will Do
This role blends security expertise with software development knowledge. You sit between the security team and the mobile development team, translating between both.
Your responsibilities include:
- Reviewing mobile app architecture for security design flaws
- Defining secure coding standards for iOS (Swift/Objective-C) and Android (Kotlin/Java)
- Performing security code reviews on mobile applications
- Integrating SAST and DAST tools into mobile CI/CD pipelines
- Evaluating third-party libraries and SDKs for security risks
- Managing secure key storage and certificate handling strategies
- Testing and implementing app hardening — obfuscation, tamper detection, root/jailbreak checks
- Defining data classification and encryption requirements for mobile data at rest
- Ensuring compliance with platform-specific guidelines (Apple App Store, Google Play)
- Working with backend teams to secure mobile API endpoints
- Training mobile developers on secure coding practices
You need to speak developer language. You are not just filing bugs — you are helping teams build security in from the start.
Skills You Need
This role requires both depth in mobile platforms and breadth in application security.
Build these skills:
- Mobile app development — you need to read and write Swift, Kotlin, or both
- Secure SDLC practices — integrating security into agile development workflows
- Mobile threat modeling — identifying risks before code is written
- OWASP Mobile Top 10 — the standard framework for mobile app security
- Mobile SAST and DAST tools — MobSF, Checkmarx, Fortify for mobile
- Cryptography implementation — proper use of Keychain, Android Keystore, certificate pinning
- API security — OAuth, token management, and backend hardening
- Compliance frameworks — PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR as they apply to mobile
Explore these in the skills library and see how they align with career progression in the career path explorer.
Certifications
A blend of mobile-specific and broader security certifications works best here:
- eMAPT — proves hands-on mobile testing ability
- SEC575 — SANS mobile security course, full coverage
- CISSP — broad security certification that demonstrates enterprise-level understanding
Design your certification plan with the certification roadmap planner.
Salary Range
Mobile application security specialists earn between $30K and $125K. Those who combine strong development skills with security expertise, especially in regulated industries like fintech or healthcare, command the highest compensation. The role also offers strong upward mobility into product security leadership.
See how your compensation compares using the salary calculator.
How to Get Started
1. Learn mobile development — build at least one real app on iOS or Android 2. Study the OWASP Mobile Security Testing Guide — it is the definitive reference 3. Take the skills assessment to identify gaps in your mobile security knowledge 4. Practice security testing on the platform labs using mobile-focused challenges 5. Learn to integrate security tools into mobile CI/CD — Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Fastlane 6. Get eMAPT to prove your testing skills — plan it with the certification planner 7. Build a portfolio showing secure mobile development and code review work — use the resume builder 8. Look for mobile security or application security roles on the job board
If you are a mobile developer looking to move into security, or a security professional wanting to specialize in mobile, the career coach can help you plan the most efficient path.
Related Guides in This Series
Take the Next Step
Start your career assessment. Go to the start your career assessment on HADESS.
Explore career paths. Check out the explore career paths.
Get started free — Create your HADESS account and access all career tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications do I need for this role?
Certification requirements vary by employer and seniority level. Use the certification roadmap planner to build a sequence based on your target role and current qualifications.
What is the salary range for this role?
Salaries vary significantly by location, experience, and employer type. Use the salary calculator for your specific market rate.
How do I transition into this career path?
Take the skills assessment to identify your current strengths and gaps relative to this role. The assessment generates a personalized learning plan to close the gap.
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HADESS Team consists of cybersecurity practitioners, hiring managers, and career strategists who have collectively spent 50+ years in the field.
