With an increase in the number of mobile phone users, they have gone on to become an integral part of our lives. But when the question of mobile app security arises, a lot of businesses are still struggling when it comes to securing their mobile apps. Unsecure mobile apps are prone to a wide range of malicious attacks, leaving users at risk of losing out on their personal and professional information. Hence the need of a business is to secure their mobile apps.
The rise in the number of mobile application threats
Based on estimates available the number of cyber-crimes is expected to increase by 600 %. As discussed earlier mobile users have gone on to become an integral part of our lives. A single user has around 40 applications installed on their mobile device. Hence these calls for an increase in the application and adaption of mobile app security.
Below are some of the reasons why you need to secure your mobile app
Unsecured apps may lead to data breaches
Based on recent research 90 % of mobile applications are vulnerable to advanced security sector vectors. This app may be prone to various forms of malicious attacks if you do not take sufficient precautions to secure your app.
The mobile app is a storehouse of valuable information such as user name, password or payment information. If you find that the data is compromised during a data breach it may have harmful results for the users or even the business.
Malicious apps may infect your device with malware
Malicious malware can be used to gain personal information. The apps that are victims of malicious malware could create havoc with your device. This may lead to loss of personal data, financial records or even it be identity theft. Such malware-infused apps can steal or delete important information data from your phone, including passwords, contracts or be it sensitive information.
Susceptibility to unauthorized access
Mobile applications are often susceptible to vulnerability exploitation attacks which pave the way for unauthorized access along with other complications. This tends to occur when a malicious actor gains access to your app via various methods. It can be in the form of exploiting a vulnerability code or cashing in on the power of weak passwords.
An insecure app is prone to exploitation by various third parties. This allows them to gain access to confidential data or may end up manipulating the data for their purposes. If you do not have proper security measures in place hackers can gain access to sensitive data in the form of customer information. At the same time, they could take control over the entire application which is expected to have an impact on your business in numerous ways.
Inherent vulnerabilities
All the mobile applications are not developed keeping the best security practices in mind. Not only it is going to increase the possibility of in-built security flaws or loops It puts the users along with the overall security measures at risk.
Mobile applications require regular monitoring with the assistance of enterprise app security. They are updated to keep in line with the change in the demand of the users and functionality. It is a common practice for many businesses to not pay attention to security practices when they are developing and releasing new features. This may also lead to adversaries’ exploitation zero zero-day flaws.
When it comes to developing secure applications DevSec Ops and baked-in security applications are important.
The ways by which you may secure your mobile apps
In today’s digital era securing your mobile app is important. This is irrespective of the fact whether you are developing a new one or updating your existing one it is necessary that you take steps in protecting your mobile app. This is expected to prevent any form of malicious attacks. Below are a series of ways by which you may secure your mobile apps
Data security
The moment you secure your mobile app this means that the customer data is safe and secure. If there are no security measures in place malicious actors may be able to gain access to customer information or could use the app to attack other systems. The need of the hour is for a business to adopt proper security measures like encryption to maximize data security. This is for your business along with the app users.
User authentication
User authentication restricts access against unauthorized users who attempt to access your application. A couple of things that you can do is to implement two-factor authentication and multiple passwords. Once you request the users to opt for two-factor authentication business can prevent malicious actors from gaining access to the application. It prevents them from gaining access to sensitive data or other malicious actions.
Secure APIs
Most of the mobile apps rely on APIs for communication between the app and the backend devices. It is necessary to secure the API properly so that only authorized users can gain access. Token authentication, implementing encryption along with other security measures can protect against potential threats from malicious attacks.
Reduction of malware threats
Malware threats may be a serious issue for your mobile app. Once you implement proper security measures in the form of anti-virus software, in-built sandboxes, and intrusion detection systems this may reduce the possibility of malware entering the applications.
The advent of the digital age and mobile apps have increasingly become popular for banking accounts, and personal information. However, the benefits of mobile apps may come at a cost if you are not able to secure them.
If the app is not secure it can be prone to malicious attacks, data theft or other attacks. But if you adopt the right approach, you can rest assured that the app is safe and secure. It is important that you are aware that the above-listed measures will secure your mobile apps. Since they are not full proof you need to ensure that they are updated at all times. There are various tools to secure your app.