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Mobile apps have become extremely popular over the last couple of years. No wonder the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store feature more than 3.5 million and 1.6 million apps, respectively. Thanks to the increasing internet penetration and affordable mobile devices.
As the use of mobile apps continues to skyrocket, so does their exposure to malicious cyberattacks. Hackers are taking advantage of any vulnerabilities in app security and gaining access to confidential user data, which can be used for nefarious purposes or sold on the dark web.
Does that mean you should stop using mobile apps? Well, of course not. All you need is some understanding of the common mobile app security threats. This way, you can be aware of these risks and avoid them at your level.
This blog intends to tell you more about common mobile app security threats and how to mitigate them. Whether you’re a general app user or a mobile app developer, this blog will help you effectively mitigate mobile app security threats.
Common Mobile App Security Threats
Let’s learn about some common mobile app security threats:
1) Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering is an impeccable process that helps software developers dismantle a digital product to understand how it works. This way, software developers can study a successful product, draw inspiration and create better products in less time using fewer resources.
However, reverse engineering also has a darker side. Hackers often reverse engineer mobile apps, tweak the code, and create & release applications that bypass security. And when these types of applications are installed, they make users vulnerable to data theft and other types of online fraud.
How to Mitigate
As a Developer:
- Use Code Obfuscation: Code obfuscation is an effective process wherein you tweak the code to make it hard to decompile or read. This way, even if the hacker gets access to the code, they won’t be able to understand it, which will make reverse engineering hard for hackers. For code obfuscation, you can rename the variables and method names, compress the code, inserts dummy code, etc.
Bonus: Code Obfuscation: Techniques, Tools, and Pitfalls to Avoid.
- Storing Important Code on the Server Side: Firstly, developers must not store any sensitive information on the application. Any sensitive code or consumer information must be stored on a secure server. And all the information should be encrypted while at rest and in motion. This will further make it hard for hackers to use reverse engineering in their favor.
- Prefer C/C++ for Sensitive Code: When decompiling the code, it becomes easy if the code is written in Java. However, writing the code in C/C++ becomes much more time-consuming for hackers.
As a User: You must download applications from trusted app developers and app stores. Steer clear of any suspicious websites – it’s better to be safe than sorry!
2) Rooting
You have limited access to certain OS files and functions as a regular user on your iPhone or Android devices. OS developers do this so their platform can stay bloatware and temper free.
However, certain users try to root their Android devices, which is equivalent to jailbreaking in iOS. By doing this, users can tweak the operating system and delete pre-installed apps that cannot be otherwise deleted.
While it may sound lucrative, users can make their apps more vulnerable to hackers by rooting or jailbreaking their devices and making unnecessary modifications.
Good Read: Everything You Need to Know about iOS Jailbreak Detection Bypass
How to Mitigate
As a Developer:
- Use SafetyNet: SafetyNet is a tool from Google using which developers can detect if their app is running on a rooted device. You can also determine if the user is modifying any critical files. This way, you can take the necessary steps and protect the app from being tempered.
As a User:
- Verified Sources: Refrain from downloading or installing apps from unverified sources. Often, apps downloaded from such sources ask you to root your device, which can make you vulnerable.
- Don’t Root or Jailbreak: Don’t try to root or jailbreak your device; it’ll do more harm than good.
3) Insecure Data Storage & Poor Authentication/Authorization
Another significant security risk that makes the apps vulnerable is insecure data storage. Several times, the data is either not encrypted properly or is stored in local storage, making the data vulnerable to attacks.
In addition, numerous apps lack high-level authentication and allow users to sign up without strict password validations. While this makes the onboarding experience seamless for the customers, it compromises the app’s security.
How to Mitigate
As a Developer:
- Secure Data Storage: As a developer, you must opt for secure data storage techniques. For instance, you can ensure no confidential data is stored on the user’s device. And if the situation demands, store the data in the phone’s memory (which is nonremovable) and add the required encryption.
Also, when the data is traversing, it should be encrypted using the latest encryption protocols for added security.
- Better Authentication Techniques: As a developer, you must ensure there are enough password validations to be followed by the user. This will compel users to create tougher passwords and force biometric authentication for apps wherein banking, or financial information is at risk of being stolen.
As a User: Again, avoid downloading apps from unverified sources and refrain from rooting /jailbreaking your mobile device.
Final Thoughts
While mobile app developers need to use security best practices for developing apps, the contribution of general users is also required. After all, no matter how secure an application is, if users download them from shady websites or root/jailbreak their device, it will become vulnerable to attacks.
In a nutshell, its mobile app security is a collaborative effort wherein mobile development companies focus on creating secure apps, and users focus on using them securely. This way, apps can be made more secure and resilient to attacks.
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