
Mobiles have become a necessity in today’s world. Gone are the days when mobiles were used just to make or receive calls. Nowadays, mobiles can perform all the functions that were earlier possible on desktops or laptops only. No doubt, mobile apps have made life more convenient as work can be done anytime, from anywhere. Be it sending emails, instant messages, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, browsing online shopping sites, or financial transactions; everything is easily done using mobiles.
Users download different applications to do their work or for entertainment and a lot of data gets inevitably stored in these apps. It is therefore essential to secure all applications so that the data doesn’t fall into wrong hands. Developers generally equip their apps with security solutions such as encrypting cache and using runtime application self-protection, so that user information is not compromised in any way.
Mobile app security techniques protect apps from threats like spyware
and malware that can lead to data theft and other associated risks. Hackers try
to access your personal and professional data such as your location, bank details,
credit card details, and many more. This can eventually result in huge losses.
Here are a few areas that are impacted by weak app security:
- IP Theft – Hackers deploy various
techniques to infect the Apps code base illegally and then create their clones.
The apps that are immensely popular with the masses are more prone to such
attacks and need strong security.
- Personal Information –
Sometimes users download unsecure apps which makes it easy for a person
with malicious intent to enter your device. Apps on platforms like Apple
and Android play store are also not secure. Once the app is downloaded
they get information related to the login details of social networking
sites and banking details. Hackers are able to read your contact list,
device location, and all your personal information. They can easily
transfer all the data.
- Financial information –
Instances of theft of credit card details are very common and these may be
used to carry on unauthorized bank transactions. This is easier in cases
where OTP is not used.
Most of these risks and vulnerabilities can be prevented if the
developers focus on these key areas while developing the app.
- Enforcing Session Logout –
Users generally remain logged in the app even after use. This may result
in data theft which can be very harmful to banking and payment apps. To
avoid misuse, payment apps generally end the user session automatically
after it remains inactive for some time. Developers can increase safety by
making it mandatory to log out of the app.
- Multi-Factor Authentication –
Multi-factor authentication is the addition of an extra function during
user login so that the app remains secure even if the current password is
not very strong. During this process, an additional code needs to be
applied besides the password to enter the app. The user receives this code
through different options such as email or message. This makes it
difficult for the hacker to hack the app.
- Penetration Testing –
The apps need regular testing to lessen vulnerabilities that can be exploited
by hackers. This is done by creating a potential attack on the app to
determine if there is any loophole such as weak passwords etc. Regular
penetration testing ensures that old or new threats cannot harm the
device.
- Restriction of User Privileges – Limited
user privilege is another means of safeguarding the app. If the user has
more privileges than necessary, the chances of security being compromised
increase manifold.
- Periodic Tests – Although apps may be
secured at the time of development, new threats keep on emerging, making
it imperative to keep checking and updating them periodically.
- Run-time application self-protection –
RASP security is cloud-based security that is incorporated within the app
and detects any threat in runtime and immediately takes corrective actions
like session shutdown and sending alerts. It exposes even the hidden
risks, thus protecting the data from potential attacks.
- HTTPS Usage - A lot of data is
transported from the server to different users. HTTPS ensures the privacy
of data in transit by using TLS and SSL ensuring its privacy over the
network channels.
- Certificate Pinning –
Apps connected to unsecured networks are vulnerable to MITM attacks. Such
attacks can be avoided by certificate pinning. However, this operating
procedure may not be compatible with all apps.
- Consult Security Experts –
There is no harm in consulting an expert when in doubt over an issue. The
professionals may offer a different perspective on app security thereby
reducing the risk of data theft.
- Code Obfuscation – It is a technique wherein
the code is concealed in a manner that makes it unreadable by hackers.
This is undertaken by encrypting the code partially or removing metadata
that could reveal information regarding APIs.
Final Thoughts
Mobile applications can have multiple areas of vulnerability as users
download and share a lot of content with their friends and colleagues over
various networks that may not be secure. Mobile application security is the
need of the hour as it builds customer trust which goes a long way in
increasing revenue and growth. Today, apps are used for multiple purposes and
customers are becoming increasingly aware of the threat of cyberattacks. They
prefer using safe applications that have been tested so that the chances of
misuse of their data are minimized. The right strategy employed at the time of
development can ensure a hassle-free experience for the end-user.
Appsealing’s no-code deployment ensures smooth integration of security solutions such as RASP within the app to monitor and protect it from malicious intentions. RASP does not just monitor the threats in real-time but takes necessary corrective measures to stop them too.
If hackers can devise methods
to illegally access the apps, developers have the ability and the means to
employ robust methods of security that prevent any such intentions. Appsealing has numerous effective solutions that secure the
apps while enhancing their performance. So, go ahead! Look for the best
security option and enhance your brand value by implementing them.
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