All You Need to Know About Mobile App Security

Over the years, there is a surge in the use of mobile phones across nations. Over 5 billion people own mobile phones across the globe. These figures are likely to go up in the coming years.

Spanning the globe, a majority of the digital time and apps are utilized through mobile phones. This makes it imperative for businesses to introduce a mobile app when they launch new services/products.

This makes it convenient for customers to reach them. Whether you aim to develop a new mobile app or upgrade the current app, it is important to approach an experienced team.

We have discussed the primary parameters that highlight the importance of mobile app security in this article –

 A Customized Mobile App Security Checklist

A mobile may pass through several functionality and other screen tests. However, it is important to run it through the fundamental and customized security test. 

Discussed here are significant aspects that one must consider for mobile app security-

Robust Codes

Mobile phones are prone to data thefts and several other malware attacks. To protect your customer’s and your company data, it is important to develop a robust mobile app.

Your experienced developers can enable this with the use of hack-proof and strong codes. Security is the top-most concern and priority in the entire app development cycle.

The implementation of robust codes can save you from vulnerabilities such as buffer overflows and many other code-level errors that can be executed on your mobile app. 

For example, with buffer overflow, a hacker can easily switch an executable code with a malicious code. This may not fulfil the original intent of the programmer and can also affect the user experience. 

An experienced programmer has the ability to fix such codes effectively. Set code patterns for your firm so that it is convenient to read them and decrease such risks. 

A hacker jumps back to the binary code to trace the source code of an app. They can not only trace back the source code but also algorithms, libraries, and other assets. With this improved knowledge, hackers can understand loop-holes and flaws of the app easily.

This reverse engineering technique can eventually result in theft of information, intellectual property, cryptographic servers, backend servers etc. 

To avoid such instances, you must approach professionals who can write complex and obfuscate codes. 

User Authentication

Improved user authentication helps manage bad-session and end users smoothly. Unlike web apps, users are not always online on their mobile apps. This means mobile apps need an additional layer of protection that can trace user identity. 

Absence of or weak user authentication is a free way for hackers. They can carry-out unauthorized practices with ease. But, implementation of a strong user authentication restricts such action and access to any user information.

The basic thing that a skilled developer can provide for data security is a secure login with a username and password/pin. 

Reliable Backend and Third-Party Library

Often, developers make optimal use of codes from third-party libraries. This makes their task convenient but increases the threat to the mobile app. It is therefore wise to use secure third-party codes that are hard to tamper with.

 Security Testing 

The most important security check is to run through quality tests to ensure updated app security. During the development and post-development process, the app goes through several processes.

Vulnerability checks, threat analysis, modelling, and inclusion of app permission are some tests that can help improve mobile app security. 

This makes it important to check that at any given stage, the app hasn’t breached any security norms. Testing ensures that the app clears all the necessary security benchmarks and is safe for use. Timely tests enable that the updated app is also secure.

Improve Data Security 

The primary concern for any mobile app developer is that of data, i.e. how securely the app can manage, validate, and evaluate data.

Poor codes and algorithms can lead to jailbreaking. Therefore, developers prefer using secure and complex codes and algorithms to enhance data security.

A mobile app has the tendency to share data with several servers. The use of correct SSL version, clear text communication, and strong negotiation can ensure secure third-party intervention.

A mobile app is likely to get exposed to highly confidential bank data and details. This demands implementation of robust data privacy laws. A strong and secure mobile app ensures smooth and streamlined communication.

Sterile Background Image

Modern mobile devices possess quick navigation as they allow you to review recently opened apps swiftly. These are simple screen snapshots of what you were recently working on.

A sterile background image ensures that no hacker can obtain a screenshot of your recent apps. Instead, it will simply provide you a logo of the app and you can enjoy the much-needed mobile app security.

Improved Platform Interaction

Developers can introduce the minimum set of permission requests in the app. All the information from internal and external sources can be sanitized with UI, IPC mechanisms, URLs, and other network sources.

Experts can also make provision for sensitive functionality with improved protection. Web views can be configured, which ensures that a minimum set of protocols handlers are required.

Latest Cryptography Techniques

The most generic cryptographic algorithms and protocols are incapable of offering utmost security. Instead, implementation of encryption APIs combined with the right sources can provide modern security standards.

Your developers may recommend penetration tests, threat modelling etc. These tests can help amplify mobile app security.

It is very important to hire a reliable team to develop your mobile app. An experienced team can focus on the prominent facets of mobile app security and develop the app accordingly.

Connect with Brainvire experts to get a better understanding of mobile app security and our overall development process. You can either call us or email us for the same, so let us know.