The use of mobile devices is still increasing. There may be more Internet-capable mobile gadgets in use now than there are people on the planet. It is anticipated that the market for mobile applications would expand in tandem with Internet-enabled mobile devices, reflecting the growing consumer demand brought on by constantly advancing technology. In fact, more than half of American adults who use cell phones have numerous apps installed on their devices. And while there is a “Wild West” of mobile applications available, the number keeps rising.
Not only is the use of dedicated mobile applications increasing, but they are also taking over the mobile internet industry. A five-year analysis by Flurry indicates that, on average, American mobile users spend roughly 86 percent of their time on mobile applications—more than two hours a day. An app development agency that specializes in digital architecture creates creative solutions by combining technical know-how with creativity to navigate the ever changing technological world.
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Furthermore, a significant portion of Internet consumers are switching to mobile first. By 2023, more than half of Internet users would prioritize using smartphones and tablets for their online activities, according to a December 2019 Gartner report. Even though 2023 is not yet here, a new comScore analysis shows that the number of Americans who exclusively use mobile devices for Internet access has surpassed that of those who only use desktop computers.
All of this is excellent, with the exception that as more and more people use the Internet via mobile devices, security issues become more pressing. Is it really safe to utilize these mobile apps? is another issue that many are voicing. Are they adequately shielded from malevolent hackers?
Smartphone Apps and the Increasing Security Concerns
Arxan’s new study sheds light on this security risk. The study discovered that:
• There were hacks into all 100 of the most popular paid Android apps on Google Play Store, 73% of the most popular free apps on Google Play Store, 56% of the most popular paid iOS apps on Apple Store, and 53% of the most popular free iOS apps on Apple Store.
Indeed, the Arnax research’s conclusions are concerning. The corporate world is even more terrified since a lot of businesses are quickly implementing BYOD (bring-your-own-device) rules, which let staff members take advantage of mobile experiences while at work. Furthermore, 84 percent of smartphone users utilize a single device for both personal and professional functions, according to a Ponemon Institute report. This raises the possibility of corporate data hacking even more as it is harder for IT departments to safeguard data access to enterprise networks.
Therefore, protecting the mobile workforce is essential. Since it also jeopardizes their image, mobile app development companies—particularly those involved in workplace mobility—need to exercise more vigilance in order to safeguard their products.
The four strategies listed below will help you become more knowledgeable about mobile app security and will enable you to develop, implement, and use safe mobile applications.
1. Increase Your Knowledge of Common Application Attacks
There are several studies and publications on the state of mobile security, and you may find out more about the sectors of businesses that are most susceptible to mobile security threats. Find out what initiatives companies are working on to improve mobile security. In what areas do they fall short? How are the funds for mobile security? How should investments in mobile security be prioritized? You may get the answers to these and other questions by researching the mobile security environment.
You may also read well-known blog entries on mobile security, such as this one by IBM’s Paul Ionescu, the head of the Ethical Hacking Team, in which he lists the top 10 vulnerabilities that the Open Web Application Security Project, or OWASP, is vulnerable to.
There are several such resources on the Internet. For instance, you may learn about mobile application security via webinars. The objective is to become as knowledgeable as you can about security flaws and vulnerabilities, paying particular attention to those that might affect your company.
2. Safeguard Your Code to Create a Mobile Application That Is Secure
Mobile virus often takes advantage of flaws in the code and design of your mobile application. According to a Kindsight study from 2013, there are already over 11.6 million mobile devices with malicious programs on them, and the number is rapidly rising.
The severity of this problem is such that, even before you are able to take use of the vulnerability, hackers may simply get a public copy of your applications and reverse engineer them. As the Arnax study has previously shown, dangerous code is currently present in a large number of widely used applications. Hackers are putting what are known as “rogue apps” on different third-party app stores in an attempt to lure gullible consumers into installing these maliciously coded programs. Because of this, a lot of innocent mobile users are unintentionally jeopardizing their devices and data.
In order to combat these concerning problems, mobile app development businesses must provide their developers strong tools so they can identify security flaws and take the appropriate precautions to shield their apps’ code from manipulation and reverse engineering. Such hardening procedures are necessary even for consumer applications in order to protect user data and devices. A wearable app development company focuses in developing digital experiences that blend in seamlessly with everyday routines, bringing convenience and innovation together to improve connection in the ever changing field of technology.
3. Examine Large Organization Case Studies
Examining case studies may assist you in comprehending how major corporations are enhancing their security measures. Even better, concentrate on case studies that discuss how developers of mobile and Web applications find and address security flaws in their software development life cycles.
To demonstrate how this IBM client enhanced their app security protection, let’s use them as an example. This case study describes how IBM’s product Security AppScan enables app developers to quickly and simply scan code for malicious code and other vulnerabilities. IBM Security AppScan will identify and highlight the susceptible code shortly as it is recorded, allowing developers to take the necessary precautions. In order to provide comfort to their engineers, executives, and clients, this specific client used this program to test their application early in the software development life cycle.
Additionally, this IBM customer regularly tested their program to find and address security flaws that appeared later in the product development process. The company was able to cut its security protection expenses by up to 95 times thanks to the whole strategy.
Additional reading materials which assist you identify and correct security holes in smartphone applications additionally available. As an instance, you might handle asset security risk and optimize the advertising budget for your freshly developed smartphone app with the help of IBM Security for Applications on Cloud. Search for tools that help you find bugs in the application and provide comprehensive analyses that point forth the deficiencies and advise fixes to address the security vulnerabilities.
4. Put mobile phone authentication into practice
One of the greatest methods to safeguard your application is to use multi-factor authentication, or MFA. Essentially, users may get entry to computers through offering authentication factors such as credentials, fingerprints, or other unique items which may fit into various groups. This approach is used for network control. The same method is also employed for mobile devices and frequently goes by the name “mobile cellphone authenticating.”
Two-factor identification frequently needs a password and an authorized mobile device or address when it comes to mobile devices. This assures the reliability of the user as well as enables a reliable and secure connection between the cellphone and the app.
This technique would be especially useful for apps that store or require access to sensitive data, such credit card numbers, and passwords for bank accounts, personal documents, etc. Buyers find it easier to follow cell phone authentication processes, thus app makers stand to gain a great deal by recognizing and employing them.
To be acknowledged, the user has to input the PIN-code or a single password (OTP) that they were given by SMS or voicemail into the app they are using. The owner of the mobile phone number receives access to the password via the app in return, permitting them to log in and use the PIN or OTP to verify what they are. As a result, the user, the program in question, and the mobile device serial number establish a verified connection with another individual.
To improve the security of the app, you may also put in place a number of other extra precautions. To stop hackers from automatically creating an adequate number of PIN-code or OTP combinations, you might, for instance, establish expiry dates for the codes. This is an excellent method of guarding against unwanted access to the program. Even the use of virtual numbers, such as Skype numbers, to confirm a user’s identity may be blocked.
Furthermore, mobile phone authentication can be used at a number of different times, including when a user signs up, resets their password, modifies their account settings, logs in later, notices any unusual or suspicious transactional activity, and/or logs in using a new device or location. Your application will become even safer with the inclusion of these extra security layers, and if done correctly, it will also boost user trust and loyalty to your product and brand overall.
In summary
We are entering the age of BYOD and portability. Criminals and hackers must be kept out of the market for mobile apps in order to decrease the risk profile. Mobile app development businesses need to have an increased understanding regarding mobile security for apps and implement the necessary safeguards that keep personally identifiable information at ease.
