With each passing day there is an enormous usage when it comes to mobile apps. More than the number of human beings in the world there are more internet enabled devices. Even the mobile apps are available through various platforms which provide quality content and a tinge of value to the mobile users worldwide. Even the organizations have gone on to opt for mobile apps so as to enhance their work productivity when they are dealing with a younger workforce.
Mobile app protection- Something that is not possible to avoid
Putting things in a simple context people are not thinking of mobile security if they are paying for coffee at Starbucks or it could be even when they undertake transactions on an online platform. There are some alarming statistics that may turn out to be a cause of worry
Close to 100 % top apps on Google play store have been hacked till date.
The presence of mobile malicious infections has increased by a whopping 163 % in the last couple of years.
Such numbers would really send shockwaves and still a number of companies are following the bring your own device to work module. An example is 84 % of the work force in USA have their own device when it comes to personal or professional work.
Being an application developer the most important question that emerges is how to deal with app protection. What are the things that I should do at my end to prevent any form of malicious content. You can incorporate a few mobile security tips that is going to provide you with a framework on how to address these security challenges. All of them would be applied during the creation and development of a mobile app.
Tips for mobile application security
The manner by which a mobile app is delivered to an end user would be different from a normal software development cycle. The mobile security apps have been formulated by seasoned app developers and ensures that the mobile apps provides a quality user experience to the users.
Provisions for data security- the moment a mobile application accessing confidential or enterprise data, as part of the device storage unstructured data would be stored. By mobile data encryption in a sand box it can effectively secure the data.
The data in transit is secured- there may be sensitive information that may be sent from the client to the backend servers to be protected so that it leads to zero data thefts. A developer makes sure that the data would be under strict measure where they employ SSL tunnel or VPN. This protects the data from theft or eavesdropping
Prevent unwanted data leakage- the moment an user would interact with your app, they would be seeking some permissions. This would allow the brands along with business to capture your personal information. The moment you implement secure analytics providers and advertising methods, you make it a point that there is no scope of data leakage to hackers or malicious business vendors.
Securing the backend- the various backend APIs assume that only an app that has access to it may interact with it. But the reality presents a different picture. A backend server needs to have security measures in place. Hence make sure that all APIs tend to be verified based on the mobile platform that you are planning to code for. The reason being it tends to differ from one platform to another platform.
Try to minimize the storage of sensitive data- if it is possible you need to make sure that the user data is never stored on the servers or in your device. This is because if you are storing data on your mobile device you increase the risk levels. Suppose if you are planning to store data and there is no way around it you may use encrypted key chains or data containers. For stored passwords you may use cookies. In addition it is better if you limit your references on logs and make it a point that they are automatically deleted after a certain point of time.
Be aware of platform centric specifications- if you are planning to develop an app for multiple operating system, then it is necessary to understand the limitations along with the security features. You may also take into account the various scenarios like geo- location or encryption support.
Encryption at source code- the mobile malware is known to tap the necessary bugs or vulnerabilities within the design or the source code of the mobile application. Recent reports suggest that the malicious code is known to have an impact on 12 million devices at any given point of time. The manner by which an attacker tends to do it is be repacking the rogue apps into the real apps as it would be the same. For this reason you may have to encrypt the source code. JavaScript is an example that is easy to read and the obfuscation can would make it difficult to understand. But when you encrypt things tend to be easy.
Undertaking a proper security and QA check- one of the vital tips coming to mobile apps, is to never hesitate to check your apps against any random threats. This should be before their actual deployment. If you have the budget you may avail the services of a hacker who would give you an idea about the security breakdowns within an application that you may thought to be full proof. Some of the top notch companies like Google or Microsoft conduct regular hackathons where numerous hackers try to work out a mechanism to detect hacks.
If you happen to be an independent developer then go through the documentation procedure. Platforms like Appsealing will guide you on how to take the process ahead. Take note of the fact that a stable and significant app can lead to an increase in the satisfaction levels of the customers.
