Mobile application security involves implementing technical measures, corporate best practices, and keeping up with the latest threats. Simply put, our mobile app development in New York security is about protecting your app from external threats. Later, we’ll discuss how to protect apps that cover many of the threats above.
What is mobile app security?
App security is the process of protecting mobile applications and digital identities from vulnerabilities that lead to data loss, identity, and intellectual property theft by compromising the intended behavior of the app.
Why does Mobile App Security Matter?
If your app is a target, customer data is compromised, customer accounts are compromised, or your app becomes inoperable, your business reputation is at risk. Customers may perceive your app as unreliable and switch to a competitor who promises more robust app security, resulting in significant lost revenue.
According to a report by Osterman Research, two out of five companies have weak mobile app and API security processes for third-party and in-house development approaches.
A recent analysis of the top 400 mobile financial apps found that 70% failed to meet basic privacy and security standards. The table below shows the percentage of fintech, health, retail, and lifestyle apps by platform, data, and code protection rate and the number of apps using weak cryptographic algorithms. Security is more important than mobile app marketing, and protecting your app from external threats is essential.
How can you make your apps more secure?
Did you know that 43% of companies rushing to market their apps overlook app security? If you’re in the early stages of app development, consider these tips to ensure your app is secure.
Protect your source code
Best of all, it encrypts your app’s source code end-to-end. Many developers today use cost-effective open source code. However, open source code can prove dangerous if not properly protected, as flaws can be detected and exploited by hackers. B. Create a clone app using reverse engineering.
If your app is closed source, take steps to protect your code further. Also, consider implementing a robust obfuscation layer that hides your app’s code from hackers. If you have the resources to create your first app, you can hire an app developer to create the source code for your app under copyright.
Use advanced authentication
Strong authentication reduces the risk of unauthorized access and password hacking. Design your app to accept only strong passwords for user accounts. Also, implement multi-factor authentication that doesn’t significantly impact the user experience. Consider using a combination of SMS codes, biometrics, PINs, and security questions as needed. At Adjust, we use SDK signing, part of our Fraud Prevention Suite, to help our customers combat in-app fraud.
Don’t expose your API
Most apps today rely on APIs to enable third-party services to enhance app functionality. However, API authorization keys are often a weak gateway to your security system if hackers gain access to your code. Don’t hard-code sensitive API keys into your app.
When thinking about data exchanges between apps and APIs, it’s important to ensure that data encrypts in transit. It is possible by using symmetric encryption with a certificate or a specified session key or asymmetric encryption to protect the session key exchange. Also, consider implementing Transport Layer Security (TSL) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These cryptographic protocols authenticate data transfers between systems and prevent unauthorized access.
Be careful with cached data
Data is typically stored on mobile devices to improve app performance. Hackers can then decrypt the app’s cached data and steal user data. Set up an automated process to clear cached data from the app and set a password to log in to the app.
Make sure your data storage is secure:
Where your app’s data is stores and processes depend on your app’s ability to comply with user data regulations and overall security. Whenever possible, sensitive user data should not be there on the user’s mobile device or server.
Endnote:
If you store data in a database, our mobile app development in New York encrypt the database and back it up regularly. If a hacker breaks into your database and deletes it, it is your protection.