We now live in a digital-first world, where users are increasingly relying on mobile apps for everything from banking to shopping and social networking. Mobile apps offer businesses numerous benefits, including a user-friendly platform for engaging with customers on the go, the ability to send push notifications, and opportunities to enhance brand loyalty through exclusive in-app offerings.
However, organisations must remain vigilant about potential security threats, as attackers continuously seek ways to exploit vulnerabilities and breach customer data. To safeguard your customers’ information, it is crucial to adhere to best practices for mobile app security.
In this blog, we explore key practices developers can adopt to minimise security vulnerabilities and safeguard your mobile app against potential breaches.
What is Mobile App Security?
Mobile app security is the practice of securing mobile applications against cyber attacks and fraudulent activities.
What Actions Can You Perform to Keep Your Mobile Apps Secure?
There are a few key actions which developers can take to help safeguard your applications from malicious activity.
Secure Code
By performing Code Obfuscation, you can modify the source code, making it difficult for a computer or human to understand and therefore helping to prevent reverse engineer. To do this, utilise tools like ProGuard (for Android) or secure your code during the compilation process for iOS.
Regular Updates
It is important to always keep your app up to date with the latest software updates to stop attackers for exploiting app vulnerabilities to access your mobile app data. Adopt a continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline to facilitate regular updates and patches.
App Multi-Factor Authentication
To help prevent unauthorised access to your mobile app, implement Multifactor Authentication, which requires users to perform multiple forms of verification before granting access.
Encrypt Data
Prevent attacks intercepting and stealing sensitive data by encrypting the data both when it is stored and when it is transmitted over networks through the use of HTTPS/TLS for data in transit and AES for data at rest.
Permissions Management
By only granting permissions to users who require access to upkeep the application, you are limiting the number of access points and potential vulnerabilities. Review access permissions regularly to keep them up to line with organisational structure.
Secure the Backend
Securing your API’s is important due as the app uses API’s to communicate with backend servers. To do this, use API gateways, rate limiting, and ensure proper authentication and authorisation for API access.
Regular Security Testing
The user of attack simulations performed on your app allows you to identify any vulnerabilities and take action to secure these so that they are not exploited in the future.
Risks Associated with Mobile App Security
Unstable Data Storage
Storing sensitive data without proper encryption makes it vulnerable to theft if the device is compromised.
Poor Authentication
The lack of strong passwords and two-factor authentication can lead to unauthorised access.
Weak Encryption
Using old/weak encryption algorithms can expose your sensitive data during transmission.
Improper Session Handling
Not properly shutting down and ending user sessions can give attackers an advantage to hijack an active session.
Inadequate Platform Usage
Misusing platform features, like insecure use of APIs can expose vulnerabilities specific to mobile platforms.
Communication Channels
Failing to secure a connection between the server and the application leaves data vulnerable to ‘man-in-the-middle’ style attacks.
Malware Software
Mobile apps can be targets of malware attacks that aim to steal data or damage the device.
Insufficient Security Testing
Failure to conduct regular security audits or penetration tests can leave apps vulnerable to undiscovered threats.
Lack of App Security Compliance
Failing to meet app store security requirements can lead to apps being banned or exploited by malicious actors.
Contact CWSI for Mobile App Security
Mobile app security is an ongoing process that requires vigilance, regular updates, and adherence to best practices. By securing your code, using strong authentication, encrypting data, minimising permissions, securing the backend, conducting regular testing, vetting third-party components, and educating users, you can create a secure environment that protects both your app and its users.
At CWSI, we help organisations implement best practices for mobile security by providing guidance and solutions to their specific needs. With an understanding of the ever-evolving mobile threats, CWSI offers detailed security assessments, ensuring that apps and devices are properly secured against risks such as data breaches, malware, and unauthorised access.
Contact us today, our team will be happy to aid in your security inquiries today.
