What Are the Top 5 Security Best Practices for Mobile Apps?

by Zill Davis Civil Lawyer

Cyber threats are posing a danger to the security of mobile applications. Hacker attacks are becoming more sophisticated which has led to an urgent need to tighten security measures for uncompromised mobile app security. Most apps suffer from weak security as developers are in a hurry to quickly release apps before their competitors do. But the resultant losses might have irreversible repercussions for the business.

Five Essential Security Measures

OWASP mobile top 10has listed ten most common threats to create awareness among app developers. Implementing the below security measures is a right step towards tackling many of the prevalent cyber threats.

Principle of Least Privilege

The application should ask permissions to access data that are absolutely necessary for the smooth running of the app. This ensures app security to a great extent. Requesting access to several sets of data puts the application in danger. For example, there are apps that request access to contacts, photos etc even if it is not necessary. Unnecessary network connections must be avoided at all costs.

Choose a Reliable Backend

If the security of backend systems is compromised, the application is in danger. Hackers can target backend systems too and damage the application. App developers need to be cautious while selecting backend systems just how they do with frontend systems. Backend systems should be put through rigorous testing before deployment for mobile app security.

Data Security Through Transit and Storage

Mobile apps may have to connect with external networks constantly. These external networks include WiFi, VPN, cellular networks and other non-encrypted networks. Hence, data should be encrypted at rest as well as transit.

Only encrypted data containers must be used to store data. Storing data in the phone memory is not at all recommended for app developers. App security should be the priority from the initial stage of application development. Login details, passwords and personal information should not be allowed to be exchanged without proper encryption in place.

Rigorous Testing

Continuous testing is the best way to secure applications. Testing detects loopholes, bugs and flaws in the application. One breach can cost millions of dollars for businesses. Securing apps is a never ending process as new threats emerge constantly. Repealed testing helps fix issues with new updates and installation of security patches. Pen testing, threat modelling and emulators can effectively test apps for vulnerabilities.

Utilize Cryptography Techniques

App developers who use hardcoded keys are putting security at risk. Encryption will not be successful if they rely on outdated cryptographic protocols like MD5 and SHA1. These protocols don’t help achieve the desired security. It is recommended to use 256-bit AES encryption with SHA-256 for hashing for app security.

Also Read:Five Reasons You Need RASP for Applications

Conclusion

Appsealing is a top-notch security solution provider for mobile app developers who develop applications for both iOS and Android. With proven expertise in securing fintech, gaming, O2O, movies and public sector apps, it specializes in a variety of advanced protection techniques like app shielding and hardening among others to help apps withstand intrusions and attacks without compromising on the app performance.