Top Security Issues which Arise during Mobile App Development Process

While using mobile apps, most users fail to identify the presence of malware or the security risk associated with simple transactions. Hence, it becomes easier for cyber criminals to take control of the entire mobile device through specially-written malware. Likewise, many cyber criminals even use mobile apps as an efficient medium to distribute malware. That is why; businesses nowadays focus extensively on security testing to make the app popular and profitable in the longer run.

Also, comprehensive security testing is essential to protect the goodwill and reputation of the business and retain customer trust. A number of studies have highlighted that an enterprise can reap a number of benefits by performing security testing early and repeatedly throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). The developers can further build secure mobile apps by becoming more proactive, and addressing common security issues throughout the mobile app development process.

Understanding Important Security Risks in Mobile App Development

Data Storage

There are many instances when the mobile apps launched by reputable companies failed to protect sensitive user information despite thorough security testing. When the sensitive user information like credit card numbers, personal identification information, and passwords are stored in plain text format, it becomes easier for the cyber criminals to access the valuable data. Many users even use the same username and password for multiple accounts. Hence, developers need to ensure that the mobile app is effective in keeping all user information safe and secure. They must use latest encryption techniques to keep the user data 100% secure. Likewise, they must not allow the app to store any user information on the mobile device, along with preventing the app from allowing data backup.

Data Leakage

To deliver personalized experience, modern mobile apps require users to submit a variety of personal information like age, location, profession, and preferences. The Internet of Things further enables various apps to interact with each other, and share the user information efficiently. But often the security of personal data of users is impacted due to the low grade advertising APIs and analytics providers used by the application. The low grade advertising APIs and analytics providers further make the personal information of users accessible for hackers through data leaks. So the developers must check the entire data flow thoroughly, and eliminate all factors causing data leaks.

Weak or Ineffective Encryption Algorithm

As noted earlier, the developers need to ensure that all user data are stored in an encrypted data section of the mobile app. The developers have option to choose from several encryption techniques and tools to keep the user data secure. But the advanced tools used by cyber criminals often make conventional encryption algorithms ineffective. The poor quality encryption further makes it easier for hackers to access personal and sensitive data of users. That is why; the developers must use the latest encryption techniques, and assess the encryption algorithm thoroughly to make the app secure.

Un-trusted Inputs

Nowadays developers need to build mobile apps with features to accept information from many sources. Hence, each mobile app receives information from both trusted and unknown sources. The feature makes it easier for hackers to manipulate cookies, environment variables, and similar user inputs. The developers cannot secure the mobile app adequately by validating user input through authentication and authorization. They must use advanced encryption techniques to preventing the hackers from bypassing the security restrictions. It is also important for developers to focus on input validation, encoding the data send to users, and user input data conversion.

Third-Party Code Snippets

It is a common practice among mobile app developers to reduce the coding time by using the free third-party code snippets available on the web. Many hackers nowadays write and share malicious code snippets with the intention to execute cyber criminals. The malicious code snippets help hackers to take control of the mobile device fully and access all user information stored on it. There are always chances that a developer may use such malicious code snippets uploaded by hackers. While using third-party code snippets, the developers must not forget to check the credibility of the person uploading it. Also, they must review the code thoroughly to ensure that the security of the mobile app is not compromised.

Data Caching Vulnerability

Often developers try to improve the mobile app’s performance and speed through caching techniques. They rely on caching to store temporary user information for a longer amount of time. When the user information is cached by the mobile app, it becomes easier for hackers to access the data. The developer can overcome the security issues by asking users to enter password each time he uses the app. But the option will have an adverse impact on the mobile app’s user experience. That is why; the developers have to write additional code to overcome the data caching vulnerabilities. The code will wipe out all cached user information each time the user reboots his mobile device.

Server Communications

Most apps nowadays communicate with the server frequently to store and access user data. But the quality and security of internet connection used by individual users differ. The quality of network connectivity can often impact the security of the mobile apps. So the developers must secure all communication between the mobile app and the server using SSL certificates and effective encryption. They must choose and use the latest SSL libraries to keep the user information secure and inaccessible. Also, they need to focus on transport layer protection extensively to prevent the hacker from accessing user information.

Server Side Controls

Often cyber criminals try to access business data through the back-end services used by its mobile applications. There are many instances where enterprises ignore the significance of protecting the back-end services from hackers. As the back-end APIs normally assume that the app is connecting, and exchanging information with the server exclusively, it becomes essential for app developers to ensure that the web server is accessible only to authorized users. They must implement all security measures required to prevent any authorized user from accessing the server. Also, they must strengthen the backend services to protect the application from targeted malware attacks.

On the whole, the mobile app developers must address many security issues while developing a mobile app. The early detection of security risks and loopholes further help businesses to reduce the application’s time to market significantly. However, it is always important for the developers to keep track of the evolving security issues and risks to make the app secure over a longer period of time.