The usage of the mobile apps has grown tremendously and so does the risk of being attacked. According to a study by Gartner, “75% of mobile applications would fail basic security tests”. Majority of business owners believe that mobile apps are not prone to cyber-attacks. However, hackers are targeting mobile applications with complex attacks and securing a mobile app has become a top priority for stakeholders.
During a research by HPE, over 2000 mobile apps from over 600 companies were tested and the results were as follows:
- 18% of applications sent usernames and passwords over HTTP while 18% implemented SSL/HTTPS correctly.
- 75% of applications didn’t utilize correct encryption methods for storage of data from the mobile device
- 71% of applications failed to incorporate binary hardening protections against cyber-attacks.
Type of Cyber-Security Threats
Before we discuss the ways to secure mobile app from cyber-attacks, let us have a brief overview of common app security threats.
1. Cross-Device Threats
A number of apps allow users to download the app from PC and later add it to mobile devices, which causes cross-device threats.
2. Threats in App Store Security
Platform for mobile application development will have an effect on security. As much as 90% of mobile apps contain vulnerabilities. In case of iOS devices, Apple takes the security issues seriously and accommodate users to access the level of the apps used.
Comparatively, Android devices are more prone to app security issues due to the huge range of device type, app store requirements and operating system.
3. IoT Devices
The purpose of IoT devices is to gather user data and use it to take smart automation decisions. In case of Android devices, IoT devices permit connections with other operating systems. This creates the risk of security for devices, which is hard to control.
4. Mobile Malware
Mobile devices are at high risk of being attacked by malware, Trojans, viruses, and spyware, allowing the hackers to steal data.
5. Unauthorized Access
Unauthorized users can access your social media network, email accounts, and applications.
6. Usage of Single Device
Corporate level apps contain sensitive and private information, which needs to be secured in the best possible way. Employees who use a single device for all purposes can get their data mixed with personal and sensitive information.
How to Protect Your Mobile App from Cyber Attacks?
After viewing the above-related threats to mobile apps, let us have a brief overview of how to deal with it and protect your app in the future.
1. Integrate Security in the Code
While developing your mobile app, make sure to include security frameworks or otherwise, hackers will find the flaws to gain control and access your app. The sensitive and personal information on user’s phone is at risk along with direct attacks on their mobile devices.
In order to prevent and detect attacks in real time, make sure that your app is secured with Runtime Application Protection. Moreover, breach test should be conducted regularly to find if the app is penetrable. Utilizing the third party to hack your app as a test is also one way to know how your app will react to an attack.
2. Integrate Authentication & Identification
APIs authentication and authorization adds security to the login of an app. Ensure that the app APIs only offer access to essential parts of apps which would result in minimizing vulnerability. For instance, you can utilize OAuth for securing API services from untrusted devices and also helps to authenticate mobile users through token authentication.
Similarly, JSON is ideal for encrypted data exchange while OpenID allows re-usage of same credentials within multiple domains. Big enterprises should hunt for tools and offer access to developers to detect and close security vulnerabilities.
3. Secure the App from Backend
To make your app secured, make sure to implement security on servers and prevent unauthorized access to protect confidential data. APIs that access servers should be tested before passing from the client to the database and app’s server.
For this purpose, containerization is an effective way to secure the data and documents. Moreover, penetration testing should be done by referring to a network security specialist to confirm data protection. Encryption using TLS, VPN, and SSL will add additional security.
4. Secure Payment Transactions
Whether you are charging online for offering services or selling some product online, having a secure payment gateway is a must. However, it is necessary to make the payment system and sensitive client transactions secure integrated with multifactor tokenization, encryption, and authentication.
5. Deal with Unknown Threats
With the increase in usage of mobile devices, threats are evolving rapidly and it is not possible to be prepared beforehand. However, you can deal with the mobile threats with the help of Open Web Application Security Project.
In addition, you should also ask users to install an additional mobile security app on their devices. You can waive off the chances of a widespread security breach. Moreover, users can also inform you in case of any security breach occurring on your app.
6. Implement ATS (App Transport Security)
To prevent a mobile app from potential cyber-attacks, make sure to secure connections between the app and the back-end server. By enabling ATS, HTTP connections are bound to use HTTP and attempts to connect to the devices using insecure HTTP will fail.
The majority of enterprise and consumer app work on a single device. However, without the implementation of proper security, data hacking and hidden integrations will surely take place.
Conclusion
The increase in vulnerability of mobile apps on an enterprise level is the biggest concern for stakeholders. The risk of cyber-attacks is not only meant for big enterprises, but also at an individual level. Make sure when developing a mobile app, you take all the necessary steps to protect your app from cyber attack, malware, viruses, and spyware. Follow the above practices and take advice from experts if necessary.
