The mobile money attack surface
Standard web testing isn't enough when your core functionality runs on feature phones, POS devices, and complex telco integrations. We test the specific vulnerabilities that threaten mobile money operators in Nigeria.
Agent privilege escalation
Agent accounts are powerful holding points. We test whether an attacker can upgrade a standard user to an agent, or bypass limits on agent cash-in/cash-out operations.
Wallet logic & race conditions
High-volume transaction environments are vulnerable to race conditions. We test concurrent withdrawal requests, transfer manipulation, and decimal-rounding exploits.
USSD session hijacking
USSD is fundamentally different from HTTPS. We test session timeout enforcement, state management between steps, and PIN validation within USSD gateways.
Telco & bank integrations
The boundaries where your platform talks to NIBSS, telecom billers, and partner banks. We test webhook validation, failed-state handling, and reconciliation gaps.
Concurrent withdrawal race condition
Initiating multiple wallet-to-bank transfers in the exact same millisecond bypassed the balance check lock. The user could withdraw 5x their total wallet balance before the database updated the state. Fix priority: immediate.
CBN Compliance & Risk Mitigation
Mobile money operators are under strict CBN oversight. Our security reviews are designed not just to find technical flaws, but to satisfy regulatory requirements for independent security testing and data protection standard compliance (including NDPR).
Find the flaws before they become a CBN incident report.
Get a Quick Security CheckRelated services and resources
Mobile money security testing typically combines penetration testing of the application layer with focused API security testing on USSD gateway and telco integration endpoints. For regulatory preparation, see our CBN compliance guide. Other industry-specific testing includes payment gateways and digital banking.
Frequently asked questions
How often should mobile money operators do penetration testing?
The CBN requires at least annual penetration testing for licensed mobile money operators. However, given the frequency of product updates to USSD flows, agent management, and wallet logic, we recommend quarterly assessments — especially after major feature releases or integration changes.
Can you test USSD flows without disrupting live transactions?
Yes. We coordinate with your engineering team to test on staging environments or during low-traffic windows. For USSD gateway testing specifically, we use controlled sessions that don't interfere with production transaction routing.
What makes mobile money security different from regular app security?
Mobile money platforms operate across multiple channels — USSD, mobile apps, POS terminals, and agent networks — each with distinct attack surfaces. Standard web app testing misses USSD session hijacking, agent privilege escalation, and telco integration boundary vulnerabilities that are specific to this ecosystem.
Do you test agent network security?
Yes. Agent accounts are high-value targets because they handle cash-in and cash-out operations. We test for agent privilege escalation, unauthorized float manipulation, and whether a compromised agent device can access other agents' or customers' data.