Increase the security of your Mobile app and secure data loss

We use apps on our smartphones for everything from booking tickets to banking to paying bills to buy commodities. As smartphones are becoming more affordable and data prices all across the world are at an all-time low, the number of users is moving to double over the following few years. Our homes, workplaces, everything is interconnected with each other forming a network of networks. This software is moreover connected to APIs, servers throughout the globe to deliver data and assistance to users.

But with cybercrime occurrences growing every moment and systems being attacked by threats every second, this entire network must be achieved by a robust and well-engineered system. Without mobile app security features, companies are at risk of not only endangering their apps and products but also their customer’s delicate and private information which could create huge economic loss and privacy violations thus destroying their credit.

What can you do to improve your mobile app security features?

Security for an app is not direct. It is multilayered and the security of each layer represents a fundamental role in the overall security of the app. The software code, the back-end network linking the client’s specifications, the databases, OS, APIs all have to be protected.

Here are some valuable tips on how to execute mobile app security features:

1. Secure your App’s Code

The security of the core infrastructure of an app i.e. the code should be the highest precedence of an organization. While web applications exist securely on extremely complicated servers and the browser is just an interface, native apps endure solely on the user’s smartphone, delivering the code more exposed to attacks.

Such vulnerabilities can occur either due to human failure in coding by the developer, inappropriate testing of the code, or maybe you are the unfortunate one that has been targeted by hackers with wicked intent.

• The app code should be encrypted, making it difficult to understand.
• Through testing of the app code along with the source code additionally reduces the possibility of vulnerabilities.
• The code should be flexible as that users don’t get updates after their app has been attacked. The secure app code should be transferable across devices and operating systems.
• The code should be simple to mend and renew.
• While adding more and more bands of security is necessary, it will increase the size of the app and may limit its performance. So information like file size, runtime memory, data loss, battery usage, performance should be kept in memory.
• Though now stores only allow authorized apps, that doesn’t inevitably mean that the app is protected. It’s best not to rely on that and keep transforming your code to thwart data breaches.

2. Secure Back End

Be it your own or a third-party server that your app’s API is obtaining, it should have strong security standards in place to avert a data breach and unlawful access. The APIs should be confirmed to prevent any eavesdropping that could be taking position thus jeopardizing the client’s delicate data.

• Create encrypted containers to save critical data. This method is termed Containerization
• Hiring a network security professional to conduct periodic penetration testing and vulnerability analysis to secure smooth and secure functioning of the app.
• Extra sheets of security like VPN, SSL, TLS, etc. append to database encryption.
• Next-level security standards like Federation where sources are scattered out across servers so that they aren’t in the same place guarantees minimum loss in circumstances of high-level breaches.

3. Solid API Strategy

A large part of your app is defending its API. API’s flow data between different applications, the cloud servers, and various users concurrently sanctioning and proving who can access the data. They are the foremost ways for content, data, and functionality, the purpose why securing API is so valuable. Moreover, Identification, Authentication & Authorization are the chief security stratagems that lead to the settlement of a well-engineered API.

4. Good Mobile Encryption

Native apps want to store data locally to improve performance due to changing bandwidth and performance over devices. This makes them more exposed to data breaks. Many third-party apps are there in the market which trade your data to other companies thus seating your privacy and integrity in danger.

• File-level encryption is a great way to encrypt data so that it can’t be understood even if hackers got their fingers on it. This process guarantees the security of data on a file-to-file basis.
• Encrypting local databases utilizing software like Appcelerator Platform which allows encrypted SQLite modules so that data that is saved locally is protected.
• Key management should be a preference. A strong algorithm won’t mean if the app’s keys & certificates are exposed. Any encryption is problematic if the key is transmitted with the app’s byte code.
• If your apps store the delicate private information of users like their passwords, banking details, etc. make certain that it is not stored locally on the device and saved someplace in a secure server to override any misuse by hackers.

5. Device Protection

Not every mobile app's security features are up to the developers. If your device on which you are reaching the app is settled then there are high uncertainties of a security breach and information stealing.

• Avoid accepting jailbroken IOS or rooted Android devices as they tamper with the built-in security protocols making your smartphone/device more visible to security warnings. Additionally, they also eliminate the warranty of the device, so that’s something to hold in memory.
• Download apps only from esteemed sources and see reviews. Use a good anti-virus for your smartphone to examine each app.

6. Multiple App Testing

Testing various times is a critical part of an overall app development process. With apps being offered at such a speedy rate, this process is often ignored by developers. Testing is done to discover any vulnerabilities in the code or any mistakes in the code to secure an error-free ultimate version.

• Penetration testing allows examining a system for any vulnerability.
• Authentication, authorization, data security issues, and session management should be fully tested.
• Emulators and virtual boxes allow testing in several simulated environments to assure smooth and secure functioning in any potential situation.

Conclusion

These are some mobile app security features that you can perform to ensure safety beyond all tiers of your app for worry-free rich user involvement. As a user, he/she will have calmness of mind that their private data is harmless with you and as a company, you will create a strong perception of security and accountability. If you want to consult a mobile app development company in India, then get in touch with iROID Technologies, over a cup of coffee we will discuss how to develop your app with utmost security ensured.

Naufiya Mohamed July 14, 2021