17 essential tools for ethical mobile hackers

Hacking apps are essential tools for ethical hackers working to secure mobile environments. As mobile threats evolve, so do the techniques used to identify and fix vulnerabilities in Android and iOS applications.

In this article—based on insights from ethical hacking expert Arthusu at our “Secrets of a Hacker” event—we share 17 powerful hacking tools, including phone hack apps like BurpSuite and JaDX, plus certifications to take your skills further.

Essential hacking apps for mobile security

Here are the most recommended tools in the ethical mobile hacker's arsenal:

1. BurpSuite – For intercepting proxies

BurpSuite helps ethical hackers inspect and manipulate communication between a mobile app and its server—crucial for finding vulnerabilities.

2. JaDX – For APK decompilation

JaDX decompiles Android APK files to reveal source code, helping you spot flaws and reverse engineer app behavior.

3. APKTool – For modifying apps

This phone hack app allows you to disassemble and rebuild APKs—ideal for patching and security testing.

4. reFlutter – For bypassing Flutter SSL pinning

Useful for patching Flutter apps that ignore proxy settings, enabling interception via BurpSuite.

5. ABE (Android Backup Extractor)

ABE accesses data from app backups—especially useful when the allowBackup flag is enabled in the app manifest.

6. GDA (Generic DEX Analyzer)

GDA offers detailed APK analysis, making it a go-to tool for source code review and reverse engineering.

7. ADB Shell – Command-line interaction

Enables you to explore exported components and test vulnerabilities directly from your device’s terminal.

8. Objection – Frida-based testing framework

Bypasses root detection, SSL pinning, and retrieves app data on both Android and iOS devices.

9. Frida – Dynamic instrumentation toolkit

Lets you modify app behavior at runtime, with or without device root/jailbreak.

10. cURL – For API testing

This versatile tool builds repeatable queries, ideal for testing how apps interact with servers.

11. SSL Kill Switch – iOS SSL pinning bypass

Decrypts iOS app traffic by bypassing SSL pinning, allowing in-depth traffic analysis.

12. Hopper – iOS reverse engineering

Dissects IPA files to reveal internal logic, secrets, and method flows in iOS binaries.

13. ProxyDroid – Ensures proxy use

For Android apps that ignore system proxy settings, ProxyDroid forces traffic through your desired proxy.

14. OpenSSH – Explore iOS file systems

Provides secure shell access to internal iOS folders for investigation and file manipulation.

15. OpenVPN – SSL pinning workaround

Route HTTPS traffic through a controlled VPN to inspect encrypted communication.

16. Rooted/Jailbroken Devices

Provide deep access for testing app storage, network behavior, and component exposure.

17. Android Studio – For crafting testing apps

Used to create malicious test apps that probe exported components and app responses.

Certifications to support your ethical hacking career

eMAPT for Android

Covers Android app security testing, code analysis, and secure coding principles.

7a Security Mobile Certification (Android & iOS)

Validates expertise across both platforms, with hands-on training in identifying mobile vulnerabilities.

Why hacking apps matter

Whether you're using a phone hack app to analyze traffic or decompile APKs for secure coding review, ethical hacking tools are essential to protecting mobile users.

Want to level up your testing game? Combine these tools with formal certifications to gain both credibility and practical impact. Make sure you check out our ebooks and subscribe to our newsletter to be on the look out for the next hacking webinar.