Today, we all have access to mobile applications, which solve different problems or assist us in completing daily tasks. In addition to tracking parcels, millennial also create grocery shopping lists or use apps to make payments. Statista estimates that mobile applications were downloaded over 200 billion times in the past year and will reach 258 billion by 2022.
Below we have provided some ways for you to ensure that mobile app security is at the highest level possible.
Learn about the limitations of different platforms
You must learn a platform’s security capabilities as well as its limitations before you can develop an app. Also, figure out how the operating system handles passwords, encryption, and geolocation. You will be able to create a perfect app for the platforms you choose.
Before the Launch, a quick check of these practices you should follow to ensure data security include:
- Encrypt sensitive data, be it in a database, API or cache
- Encryption and authorization of users’ access (tokens)
- Session-based token validation – indicating which device should have which token, and what the time limit for that token is.
- A safe communication standard, such as HTTPS certificate pin-pointing, would be implemented properly
A Secured App Code is the First Step
Like any software project, the security of mobile apps should be a top priority right from the start. Because native apps are downloaded to a device once, they are more susceptible to attacks than web apps. Businesses often fail to spend enough money on securing their code.
When developers make errors or fail to test their code, they are likely to cause vulnerabilities in your app that can be exploited by hackers. In order to prevent this, you should use encryption, which is thoroughly checked for vulnerabilities.
Your mobile app may not necessarily be safe after it is approved by the app store. Many unsecured applications are available on the various app stores.
Make sure all data is encrypted as well
The code must be encrypted as well. Hence, all data exchanged between your app and the cloud has to be encrypted as well. With encryption, it’s unlikely that hackers will be able to access your data; it’s just noticeable letters without meaning without a key.
If the app contains sensitive user information, and if it is open to enterprise users, the data should be encrypted so it cannot be used.
Make sure your network connections are secure
Data needs to be protected and unauthorized access prevented on all servers that a mobile app connects to. For the app’s server and database to function, APIs and anyone who accesses them need to be verified.
Secure connections and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) add an additional layer of security. Data and documents are stored securely in encrypted containers as another security measure known as containerization. Data should always be protected in the right way, since network connections can leak information. You can also see other proxy options from here.
Keeping sensitive data as small as possible
In terms of data storage, it is vital that the amount of data kept at the very least to eliminate any possible risks. If possible, never store sensitive user information on your server or in your devices. Risks are only increased by these methods.
Data containers that are encrypted are crucial in the case of storing data. You shall keep them deleted automatically after a certain fixed time intervals.
Prevent Leakage of Data
Users usually don’t realize that they are agreeing to some permission when interacting with an app. Businesses could use them to gather sensitive personal information.
Implement ethical advertising and use secure providers to prevent your users’ data from being leaked. Don’t allow background data collection to be accessed so as not to expose any user data.
Using High-Level of Authentication
One of the major reasons of security breach is the weak authentication provided by the developers. Thus, it is really crucial to use stronger authentication. Here, it generally refers to stronger passwords. Thus, you shall ensure that the app your design accepts stronger passwords, so that the users are compelled to use a difficult password which is not easily hacked.
To enhance the security of your mobile app, one of the best ways is to use Two-factor authentication (2FA). The code will be sent to the user’s phone or email, for example
It is the most secure authentication method to use the latest technology. For example, fingerprints and retinal scans are biometrics. Biometric authentication is already used in some form by 62% of companies. In addition to being more convenient, mobile apps make logins quicker, more secure, and more convenient.
APIs with strong security
APIs (Application Program Interfaces) are a significant part of mobile development, making API security important to app security. Providing APIs with adequate security is essential because they are the major channels for data, content, and functionality.
A well-designed API provides security through identification, authentication, and authorization. It is even possible to tighten app security by integrating an API getaway.
There’s always more testing to do
As this part is relatively slow, many developers skip it. QA is essential for the development of quality code. Mobile apps must be rigorously tested before launching and then periodically thereafter in order to ensure their quality and security.
Regular testing and review of your application code is needed to identify any potential problems and ensure its security. Data breaches can be prevented by avoiding security loopholes.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity threats and data breaches are risks app makers must embrace when building their apps. The above-mentioned strategies will allow them to secure not just the apps, but also the data contained within.
Cybersecurity threats and data breaches pose a number of risks to mobile app developers. Hopefully, the above checklist provides you with a solid starting point for evaluating the security of your app
Before launching an app, consider all factors that could affect its mobile app security. Cybersecurity is really showing improvement in every aspect. As the usability and dependability of mobile applications have increased manifold, security has become one of the significant point of differincaion in them than usability and aesthetic appeal. App developers need to consider all the factors that affect app security and take a global approach when creating apps.
