Complete Guide to Security Testing for E-commerce Websites and Mobile Apps

Security is the crucial consideration for any business that wants to establish its presence virtually. In 2025, the worldwide retail e-commerce market hit US$6.419 trillion. The adoption rate of mobile apps is on the rise, which causes e-commerce businesses to witness growth. The 2025 report said that people collaboratively spent almost 4.2 trillion hours on their mobile phones.

Well, it’s not surprising because currently we use apps for managing finances, monitoring health, and even ordering groceries. The e-commerce growth is further accelerated by the worldwide pandemic. But the thing is, growth comes with a cost- an increased level of cyber attack. Mobile apps frequently hold crucial information about users, such as login details, banking information, etc. Malicious actors are frequently looking for security gaps in apps and can steal data and cause fraud. That’s when security testing services are introduced.

Based on the market study report, 98% of merchants reported experiencing more than one fraud in the past year. Trust is a crucial element for success, and it can be broken when the e-commerce site’s security is threatened. Therefore, the site owners have to make efforts to secure their sites. Security testing for an e-commerce site is the sword for e-commerce owners.

Security testing services are necessary for safeguarding the customer data, brand reputation, and financial information. The e-commerce website security testing offers protection against potential threats and vulnerabilities. Various types of security testing techniques are utilized, such as reviewing code, vulnerability testing, penetration scanning, etc. It’s a strategic and comprehensive process that supports and recovers vulnerabilities in your system.

Mobile app security testing helps to detect & recover vulnerabilities such as poor authentication and ineffective session management. The common mobile app security risk involves malware attacks, insecure communication, and data leakage. For secure mobile app testing practices, it is necessary to focus on strong data encryption, secure coding standards, and authorization. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the basics of mobile app security testing, including its types, components, and approaches.

Understanding Security Testing in E-commerce

✦ What is Security Testing?

Security testing is the procedure by which vulnerabilities are discovered. It is mostly performed by the team of QA experts who are independent of the development process. The main aim of security testing is to discover areas where vulnerabilities are found and can be fixed without damaging the app’s performance.

Security testing for an e-commerce site validates that all the necessary components of the e-commerce site, like the shopping cart and payment gateway, are performing in the right condition. The e-commerce site requires complete security testing to ensure no data breaches are possible. With the support of the security QA team, the business can identify vulnerabilities and measure security controls. The primary goal of security testing includes:

➥ Detecting & resolving breaches within e-commerce systems like web apps, databases, and payment gateways.

➥ Measure access control to avoid unauthorized access to customer data.

➥ Verify the secure processing of the payment gateway to avoid theft.

➥ Validate the encryption of sensitive data to safeguard against threats.

In functional software security testing, you can test the features and functionalities of software. It ensures the software performs as per its specification. However, in security testing, the team detects weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and potential threats to safeguard the system from unauthorized access & data breaches.

✦ Why It’s Critical for E-commerce?

Software security testing in e-commerce is the method of identification, evaluation, and mitigation of errors that could compromise the online store’s data. The e-commerce platform manages customer information, manages payment, and 3rd party integration. So, constant exposure can raise the risk of cyber threats.

With security testing, businesses can ensure the security controls like authentication, encryption, and authorization, and session management. By conducting security testing, organizations can ensure a safe online shopping experience by avoiding data breaches.

➞ High-value targets for cybercriminals

E-commerce platforms manage large transaction volumes, and that’s why they are the top-most target for hackers. Attacks can lead to financial loss, downtime, and brand damage. Frequent security testing software supports errors before attackers damage them, ensuring uninterrupted operation and customer trust.

➞ Sensitive customer data

Online e-commerce platforms store and process highly sensitive data, including addresses, personal details, and login credentials. A single breach can reveal hidden information about a customer, lead to the detection of theft, and result in legal consequences. Security testing validates encryption, secure payment processing, access control, and limits data leaks.

➞ Compliance and regulatory requirements

E-commerce organizations must fulfill strict security & regulatory practices. Failing to follow these rules may cause heavy fines, legal action, and loss of confidence. Security testing verifies the app should meet regulatory standards, support compliance as the system scales and evolves with industry demands.

Common Security Threats in E-commerce Platforms

➥ Web-Based Threats

◈ SQL Injection- When hackers modify input fields to run malicious database queries, this is known as SQL injection. This can reveal banking information, order details, and customer data. Attackers may even be able to change inventory and prices. Common causes include unsafe database queries and poor input validation. Parameterized queries, stringent input validation, and frequent security testing to find susceptible endpoints are all necessary to prevent SQL injection.

◈ Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)- XSS attacks insert malicious scripts into user-viewed webpages. Attackers can change product content, access session cookies, and reroute customers to misleading checkout pages on e-commerce websites. To reduce XSS risks, proper output encoding, content security regulations, and user-generated content validation are essential.

◈ Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)- CSRF attacks deceive authenticated users into taking undesirable activities, like altering account information or placing fraudulent orders. When apps are unable to confirm the legitimacy of user requests, this happens. Using same-site cookies, anti-CSRF tokens, and appropriate request validation helps guarantee that actions come from authorized users, safeguarding accounts and transactions.

◈ Broken authentication and session management- Attackers may be able to take control of user accounts due to inadequate session management and weak authentication procedures. Weak passwords, predictable session IDs, and insecure cookies are common problems. This may result in data theft and illegal transactions on e-commerce platforms. Crucial defenses include secure session tokens, robust authentication procedures, and automatic session expiration.

➥ Mobile App Threats

◈ Insecure data storage- Sensitive data, including tokens, login passwords, and personal information, may be locally stored on mobile devices. Attackers may obtain this data through malware or device breach if it is stored insecurely. To minimize risk, e-commerce apps must employ safe storage methods, refrain from storing sensitive data needlessly, and encrypt any locally stored data.

◈ Unsecured APIs- Backend APIs are crucial for data interchange in mobile e-commerce applications. Order manipulation, client data access, and authentication circumvention are all possible with inadequately secured APIs. Lack of a rate limiter and incomplete authorization checks are frequent problems. Strong authentication, encryption, and ongoing monitoring are essential components of API security.

◈ Reverse engineering- In order to comprehend the logic of mobile apps, find hardcoded passwords, or spot security holes, attackers can examine them. This may result in fraud or abuse of APIs. Reverse engineering risk reduction strategies include code encryption and managing secure keys and runtime safety.

◈ Lack of proper encryption- Data sent between mobile apps and servers may be intercepted by hackers in the absence of adequate encryption. Personal information, financial information, and login passwords are all exposed. Data confidentiality and integrity are guaranteed during transmission by using HTTPS, SSL, and strong encryption methods.

➥ Social Engineering & Insider Threats

◈ Phishing attacks- Phishing is the practice of using fraudulent emails, texts, or websites to mislead users or staff into exposing login credentials or payment information. Phishing can result in fraudulent transactions and account takeovers in e-commerce. Phishing risks are decreased by multi-factor authentication, email screening, and user awareness training.

◈ Misconfigured admin access- Critical system controls may be exposed by improperly configured admin panels or excessive rights. These flaws could be used by insiders or attackers to obtain consumer information or interfere with business operations. To reduce this risk, regular access reviews and secure admin authentication are crucial.

◈ Human error and poor security hygiene- Vulnerabilities can be accidentally created by mistakes like sharing credentials, using weak passwords, or ignoring security updates. Human error can result in operational disruptions and data breaches in e-commerce systems. Risks caused by inadequate security procedures can be decreased with the use of automated security controls.

Also Read : How to Choose the Right Software Testing Outsourcing Partner

Key Components of Security Testing for E-commerce

• Authentication & Authorization Testing

By confirming users’ identities, authentication makes sure that only those with permission can access the system. A few of the methods used are biometric scan & MFA. Application security testing services assess how well various authentication methods prevent unwanted access.
Authorization testing is used to measure which data or resources can be accessed by an authenticated user. Sensitive data and resources are protected by security testing, which confirms that these authorization policies are appropriately implemented and enforced.

• Data Protection Testing

The risks of online fraud and data breaches are increasing along with the global expansion of e-commerce. Over 40% of firms worldwide have been the victim of a cyberattack, and hackers frequently target online stores. Data protection application security testing services allow proactive approaches required to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive data. In addition to protecting sensitive data, the major objective of data protection is to maintain its dependability and accessibility.

• API Security Testing

In order to find and fix possible security flaws in APIs, API security testing is an essential procedure. APIs are necessary for application collaboration, automation, and integration. They may, however, also be vulnerable to different security threats. Organizations can put precautions in place to guard against illegal access, data breaches, injection attacks, and other security threats by methodically evaluating APIs for any vulnerabilities.

• Input Validation Testing

Problems can arise when we don’t thoroughly verify the data we enter into websites or computer programs. Similar to uncontrolled data, invalid inputs might lead to issues. In software development, input validation security testing software is a procedure used to verify that user-provided data is accurate, secure, and helpful. Removing inaccurate or dangerous data before it is handled helps shield programs from mistakes and security threats.

• Business Logic Testing

Custom rules or algorithms that manage data exchange, processing, and management within an application are referred to as business logic. It establishes the fundamental features of a software system, outlining how it functions in different situations to meet particular business needs. Business logic is in charge of carrying out a company’s operational policies within its software programs.

Security Testing Approaches and Tools

➥ Manual Testing

In order to investigate application behavior and find vulnerabilities that tools might overlook, manual security testing depends on qualified testers. Advantages include realistic attack simulations, business logic defect detection, and comprehensive contextual analysis. Cons include increased expense, time commitment, and reliance on tester knowledge. Manual testing is still essential for comprehensive software security testing, despite its drawbacks. It allows testers to mimic complicated real-world risks.

➥ Automated Scanning Tools

◈ OWASP ZAP- An open-source web application security scanner called OWASP ZAP is frequently used to find common vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, XSS, and insecure setups. It is perfect for continuous security testing in agile e-commerce development settings, connects with CI/CD pipelines, and enables both automated and manual testing.

◈ Burp Suite- Burp Suite is an effective web security testing tool that can intercept, examine, and alter HTTP/S data. It assists in locating weaknesses in input validation, session problems, and authentication. It is widely used by security experts and offers both automated vulnerability screening and sophisticated manual testing.

◈ Snyk / Nessus- In order to stop supply-chain attacks, Snyk focuses on finding flaws in open-source dependencies, containers, and code. Nessus is a powerful network and system vulnerability scanner. When combined, they offer extensive protection against security vulnerabilities at the application, infrastructure, and dependency levels.

◈ Mobile-specific- Specialized tools for checking the security of mobile applications are MobSF and QARK. They check iOS and Android apps for misconfigurations, insufficient encryption, exposed APIs, and unsafe storage. These solutions ensure safer mobile commerce experiences by assisting in the early detection of mobile-specific vulnerabilities.

➥ Penetration Testing

External penetration testers provide objective knowledge and viewpoints from the attacker’s point of view. Employing them is essential prior to big launches, following big changes, or in order to comply with regulations. Pen security testing software assists organizations in improving overall software security testing procedures.

➥ Static & Dynamic Application Security Testing (SAST/DAST)

While DAST checks running apps for runtime problems, SAST examines source code to find vulnerabilities early in development. While DAST verifies exposure in the actual world, SAST is best suited for early detection and developer remediation. When both are used, the entire development lifecycle is covered. This shift-left software security testing strategy lowers remediation expenses, boosts release trust, and guarantees security keeps pace with quick development cycles.

E-commerce Security Testing Checklist

1.  Input validation- All user-provided data is thoroughly examined, maintained, and verified prior to processing, thanks to input validation. This stops typical threats like command injection, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting (XSS). Security testing should confirm that dangerous inputs are rejected by forms, search fields, checkout pages, and URL parameters. In addition to client-side checks, proper server-side validation helps preserve data integrity and guards against exploitation of backend services.

2. Secure user authentication- The goal of authentication security testing software is to prevent unwanted access to user accounts. Strong password policies, multi-factor authentication (MFA), safe login procedures, and defense against brute-force and credential-stuffing attacks should all be tested. It also involves employing hashing and salting methods to confirm safe password storage. Strong authentication testing lowers the risk of fraud and allows only authorized users to access.

3. Session management- This testing measures the creation and maintenance of user sessions. Session timeouts, secure cookie properties, session ID randomness, and defense against session fixation and hijacking are all included in this. In order to protect client accounts during browsing and checkout, proper session handling makes sure that users are automatically logged out after inactivity and that sensitive sessions cannot be reused or intercepted.

4. Secure API calls- APIs play a major role in e-commerce companies’ payment, inventory, shipping, and integration processes. APIs should utilize appropriate authentication, authorization, and rate restriction, according to security testing. In addition to preventing excessive data exposure and safeguarding against attacks like API abuse and injection, it must validate input and output data. Secure APIs support system stability and data confidentiality across linked services.

5. Encryption practices- Testing for encryption ensures that private information is safe while it’s in transit and at rest. For secure communication, appropriate certificate management, and robust encryption methods, this involves confirming SSL/TLS implementation. Additionally, it guarantees that databases encrypt important payment and client information. Effective encryption helps preserve confidence and adherence to industry laws while reducing the consequences of data breaches.

6. Permissions and access controls- Security testing for e-commerce application access control guarantees that users can only access information and functionality that are relevant to their roles. This entails limiting administrative functions, prohibiting privilege escalation, and verifying role-based access control (RBAC). To lower the possibility of internal abuse or unauthorized access to vital systems, security testing should verify that administrators, vendors, and customers have distinct rights.

7. Mobile-specific checks- Vulnerabilities specific to mobile apps and responsive websites are the subject of mobile security testing. This covers safe handling of authentication tokens, secure data storage on devices, defense against reverse engineering, and safe use of APIs. Platform-specific threats on iOS and Android should also be tested. Secure shopping experiences on all devices are guaranteed by mobile-specific inspections.

8. Third-party integrations- Third-party services like payment gateways, analytics tools, and CRM systems are essential to e-commerce platforms. The implementation of these linkages, including data exchange, API key management, and permission scopes, should be evaluated through security testing. It’s crucial to evaluate integrations and make sure partners adhere to security standards because weak third-party connections can present risks.

9. Logging and monitoring- The accurate recording and real-time monitoring of security-related events is guaranteed by logging and monitoring tests. This security testing for an e-commerce application detects system faults, suspicious activity, payment failures, and login attempts. Tamper-proof logs should be kept under observation with alarms for irregularities. Good logging facilitates incident response, forensic investigations, and early breach detection.

10. Compliance with data protection laws- Compliance security testing for e-commerce confirms compliance with local data protection legislation, PCI-DSS, and GDPR standards. Consent management, data minimization, safe data storage, and appropriate customer rights management are all included in this. Frequent compliance inspections show a dedication to safeguarding consumer information and privacy, lower legal risks, and avoiding fines.

Best Practices for Continuous Security

✦ Integrate security into DevOps (DevSecOps)

Instead of seeing security checks as a last step, DevSecOps incorporates them throughout the development lifecycle. In CI/CD pipelines, automated security testing, code evaluation, and enforced policies improve the early detection of vulnerabilities, lower repair costs, and guarantee quicker, more secure releases.

✦ Train developers and QA on secure coding

Developers and QA security testing for the e-commerce team can find and stop vulnerabilities during design and testing when they receive regular security training. Human error is decreased, and the general security quality of e-commerce applications is enhanced by secure coding techniques, knowledge of typical sources of attack, and practical exercises.

✦ Regular vulnerability assessments

Regular vulnerability assessments assist in locating new threats brought about by updates, integrations, or configuration modifications. Security flaws are identified early, efficiently prioritized, and fixed before attackers can take advantage of them thanks to ongoing scanning and recurring manual reviews.

✦ Keep libraries and platforms up-to-date

Third-party libraries, out-of-date frameworks, and plugins frequently have known vulnerabilities. Patch management and routine updates lessen vulnerability to supply-chain threats and exploits. Updating platforms guarantees performance, compatibility, and a more robust overall security posture.

✦ Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)

Web application firewalls analyze harmful traffic in real time to safeguard e-commerce platforms. WAFs provide an extra security layer and lessen the impact of zero-day vulnerabilities by assisting in the blocking of typical attacks like SQL injection, XSS, and bots.

✦ Monitor for suspicious activity and anomalies

Unexpected behaviors like frequent login failures, traffic surges, or fraudulent transactions are detected via continuous monitoring. Faster incident response is made possible by real-time alerts and analytics, which also increase overall security resilience.

Also Read : The Future of Software Delivery AI-Driven Automation Testing Processes

Compliance Considerations

➥ PCI-DSS: This compliance is necessary for an e-commerce platform that processes and stores data. It allows secure payment processing through access control, encryption, and monitoring. Following this compliance rule helps to limit the chances of fraudulent activities.

➥ GDPR: It governs how e-commerce stores collect, process & store personal data. This compliance emphasizes user consent, breach reporting, and the right to access data.

➥ CCPA: It allows California residents rights over personal data, including access, deletion, and data selling. E-commerce businesses should implement these practices for security & privacy.

➥ SOC 2, ISO 27001: It focuses on information security management & operational controls. This certification builds user trust and brand growth.

Ready to Strengthen Your E-commerce Security? Let’s Start Now

In the current environment, when regulations are frequently evolving and new security threats are being introduced, it’s necessary to take necessary measures for safeguarding e-commerce websites. E-commerce businesses are the easiest platform where cyber criminals can enter. Understanding security testing for an e-commerce business is a strategy to detect errors and gaps.

Failure to protect the user’s data can result in financial & reputational damage. It’s necessary for e-commerce sites to take cybersecurity practices seriously. By prioritizing security testing practices, organizations can detect and resolve the gaps before they are exploited by attackers.

As the user base is growing and industry compliances are evolving, it’s necessary for every business to maintain its professionalism and trustworthiness. If you want to optimize your security, hire a QA team for application security testing services that can offer a robust and secure site. Audit your current system and start implementing security practices from now!