The mobile revolution is at its peak today! Myriad mobile apps are being uploaded on the Google Play and App Store daily and the mobile application development market is expanding across the globe like never before.Yet, it is shocking to know that almost 75% of the apps fail in the basic security test. Well, security is one of the most crucial factors in the app which is often taken for granted.
This article will provide you a glimpse of the essential security measures to be taken during and after the mobile application development process is completed. Before we dive deeper into the article, let’s run through the top security lapses that could occur due to time constraints while building mobile apps
Common Security lapses in the Mobile Application Development Process
- Leaving the cache unchecked and not utilizing a cache cleaning cycle
- Applying weak or no encryption algorithms at all
- Accidentally picking up a code written by hackers
- Not using a reliable data storage system
- Ignoring the Binary protection
- Not securing the transport layer
- Neglecting the server-side security
- Not testing the mobile app thoroughly
Best Practices for Assuring Top-level
Security in the Mobile Apps
Secured
app code:
It is a primary and essential step to spend time on encrypting
the code and thoroughly testing it for vulnerabilities during the development
process. The mobile app
developers should thoroughly
review the code from security aspect before launching the app. It is essential to
ensure security coding for the detection of jailbreaks, debugger detection
control, checksum controls, etc.
Strong
Authentication:
Weak authentication leads to several data breaches;
hence, it is imperative to apply high-level authentication in the apps. Ensure
that your app allows only strong passwords for this. Also, use two-factor
authentication in the apps. Biometric authentication like fingerprints or
retina scans is also being used nowadays in a host of apps to make it more
secured.
Data
Encryption:
Along with encrypting the code, all the data that is
exchanged over the app must be well encrypted. In case the data is stolen, the
hackers should not be able to access the data unless the security key is
available. Different data encryption algorithms can be used like Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES), RSA technique, Triple data integration standard,
etc.
Security
of Servers and Network Connections:
All the servers and networks accessed by mobile apps are the foremost target of hackers. To ensure their security, the use of an HTTPS connection is advised. APIs have to be verified thoroughly to avoid spying of data which is transferred from the client to servers . Also, the mobile apps must be scanned using the automated scanners from time-to-time. Extended security can be provided through encrypted connections or VPN (a virtual private network).
Safeguarding
the Binary Files:
Ignoring the binary protection can enable hackers to
induce malware in apps,can cause severe data thefts, etc. and ultimately lead
to revenue losses in the long term. So, binary hardening procedures should be applied
to protect the binary files against security threats.Different hardening techniques
like Buffer overflow protection, Binary Stirring, etc can be used to combat
this threat.
Having
Secured API:
API is an integral part of Mobile app development
which makes it all the more important to focus on securing them. Authorization,
authentication, and identification are the vital security measures that create
a robust and secured API. An API gateway can be integrated to increase the
security of mobile apps. For secure communication between APIs, different
authentications like OAuth and OAuth2 can be used.
Code
Signing Certificates:
These certificates facilitate making the mobile code
more secured. It is the process of digitally signing the scripts and
executables by the certificate authority. It is for authentication of the
author and ensuring that the code has not been modified or tampered by anyone
else since the certificate was signed. For every mobile
app developer or publisher, a Code
Signing Certificate is a must.
Exhaustive
Testing and Updating the Apps:
Rigorous Security testing before launching the apps
and also after it is launched is advisable to avoid security loopholes in the
apps. Thus, potential security issues can be identified proactively and worked
upon. Also, updating the apps at regular intervals helps to remove the bugs
that arise in the apps after launching.
Wrap-up:
An unprotected
mobile app can pose a threat to the entire system. On the other hand, a secured
app can be highly reliable and lucrative. Ultimately, mobile app security should not be taken for granted as hackers and
fraudsters are continually looking for opportunities to hack critical data and
destroy the security of the apps. So, to develop a robust, powerful, and
flawless mobile app with top-level security, all the factors mentioned in this
article should be considered and applied accordingly.
If you are looking for a reliable technology
partner, or you want to upgrade the security of your ongoing projects, contact
Biz4Solutions now!
Biz4Solutions is an established mobile app development company, based in Texas.
The company has a team of experts and experienced technical nerds who develop
highly secure, user-centric, and robust mobile apps.
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