Most Effective Tips for Your Mobile App Security

The number of smartphone users has been increasing every year across the globe. As a result, every business has to launch mobile applications to bring more convenience to their customers. Apart from delivering goods and services, companies also use mobile apps to promote their brand, increase brand awareness and provide better customer services.

Billions of people use different mobile apps for various purposes daily. Most mobile applications are accessible through the internet, which increases cyber risks companies need to take mobile app security seriously.

 A recent report shows a significant growth in mobile app data breaches, and top organizations such as Amazon, Slack, and US Customs have been victims of data theft. As a business owner, you need to know how to secure your application. This article discusses the best tips to ensure mobile application security.

Let us dive in!

7 best tips to ensure mobile app security

1.  Source code encryption

Malicious code has been one of the top reasons for cyber-attacks on mobile applications. Securing your application’s source code is necessary for your mobile app security checklist. 

Mobile malware can track vulnerabilities within the application source code and design. Cybercriminals take advantage of it. A Cyber Security Hub report indicates malware infects about 25 million Android phones. 

Attackers generally use reverse-engineering techniques to modify the original apps into malicious ones. They hide malware within the apps and upload them to application stores; such threats are common and can damage your company’s reputation.

Software developers should not ignore these threats and ensure that the applications are secure enough to prevent reverse engineering attacks. Code encryption can help them prevent these attacks.

2.  Penetration testing

Testing your mobile application for any vulnerability is essential to secure your mobile application. Hire a professional cyber security expert to test your mobile app against random security scenarios.

It will help you understand if there are any loopholes in the application security. You may not be aware of a minor issue, but it could result in a security incident. Assessing security threats may help you take the necessary steps to prevent a potential threat.

3.  Use a Code Signing certificate

Developers use digital certificates that digitally sign software programs, applications, and drivers. They act as a way for end-users to verify that no third party has altered the code.

These certificates also remove the security warnings like “Unknown Publisher” or “Unknown Source” when a user tries downloading any application. When you use a Code Signing certificate, a timestamp is also recorded, which ensures the code will remain valid even after the digital certificate expires.

4.  Make strong passwords mandatory

It is another mobile app security feature, and as a business owner, you must ensure strong authentication on your app. Most security breaches happen due to weak passwords and PINs. Many people use random passwords like 123456, abcdef, or QWERTY.

These passwords are highly vulnerable and increase the chances of a security breach. The password should have at least ten characters, including an upper- and lower-case alphabet, a number, and a special character. 

5.  Secure the data-in-transit

Google is pushing for “HTTPS in every website,” as they encrypt users’ data. Therefore, these certificates are equally important for mobile app security. If you are collecting users’ details like name, address, or payment details, you must ensure criminals cannot access them.

SSL certificates created a secure connection between the app and the server preventing miscreants from accessing the information. It helps you build trust among the users, which is essential for any business.

6.  Secure the servers

Most mobile applications work on a client-server framework, and the app connects to the server to download user data. Moreover, many developers assume that only the app programmed to access the API can interact with it; however, that is not true. It is crucial to secure backend servers. Therefore, safeguarding your server against malicious attacks is essential for mobile app security. 

You need to verify all your APIs based on the mobile platform you aim to code for because transport mechanisms and API authentication can vary from one platform to another. However, a well-integrated career development plan opens the door for growth prospects for employees and helps to retain them in the company.

7.  Utilize the latest cryptography techniques

Cybercriminals use the latest technologies to hack mobile apps and websites. In such a situation, you are inviting trouble if you use cryptography algorithms like MD5 and SHA1. Even though these techniques are popular, they are insufficient to meet the increasing security requirements.

It is essential to use the latest security algorithm. Modern encryption methods like 512-bit encryption and AES effectively deal with the latest security threats. 

Conclusion:

Mobile app security is a major concern to businesses. It not only damages the reputation of a business but also can cause significant financial loss. Securing the mobile app is essential for any business, but many challenges exist. You need to adopt a robust security strategy to deal with new threats.

We have discussed the seven most effective ways to secure your mobile app. Moreover, ensure you use the latest mobile app security features to boost your app security.