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7 Ways to Protect Mobile Applications Against Dangerous Cyber Threats

Arslan Hassan
March 15, 2020

As technological advancements completely transform the mini-computers in the palm of our hands, a new wave of cyber threats targets our smartphones and devices.

The explosion of applications on Google Play and Apple Store has made mobile devices susceptible to hundreds of threats and hazards. The mini-computer we carry around is used for everything and everything and you’re probably reading this article on one too.

Most of all, we’re using these devices as mobile wallets as well, which has made them a hot target for hackers.

How serious are these threats?

  • According to reports by RSA, smartphone users are three times more likely to become victims of phishing scams than a desktop or laptop user.
  • Most mobile users download apps without evaluating developer information or reading any reviews.
  • AVG technologies concluded that approximately 89% of smartphone users are unaware that their mobile apps could be transmitting confidential information like credit card details or more, without their consent or knowledge.
  • The majority of mobile users, especially millennials, are careless about mobile security and don’t make use of the proper security protocols.

At the moment, mobile security is every organization and individuals number one priority. Any violation in the safety of mobile applications can be disastrous for the company, its workers, and consumers. Verifying mobile phones and incorporating solid security practices can help protect your personal data from falling into the wrong hands. Therefore, to maintain your app security and safeguard it from hackers, we’ve outlined seven ways you can fend off cybersecurity threats.

The Idea for App Security

When it comes to security you need to consider all possible ways an app could be compromised. The best way to go about it is to think from a hacker’s perspective and theorize how they’d go about such situations.

This will aid you in creating security policies that are robust and fool-proof. Get your team to collaboratively scan the app for any loopholes or areas that could be prone to threats or vulnerabilities. This is specifically important for e-commerce applications that require high-risk data such as bank account details, credit card info, phone numbers, etc.

App Mapping

App wrapping allows enterprises to integrate security protocols into their apps that can protect corporate data and increase credibility.

This way developers can segment and secure enterprise apps with minimal code changes. An extra layer of security can go a long way and such security measures help developers to protect users and make the app visible in different capacities depending on the role of the user.

Checking App Permissions

Most mobile users don’t consider reading the app description before beginning installation. This level of ignorance can often lead us to suffer major consequences by providing access to our personal data.

Users should be cautious about permitting suspicious or unfamiliar apps to perform functions on your phone like syncing your contact lists, location, and accessing messages, etc. Granting the app permission allows them to carry out functions in the background, and access info from both the hardware and software.

Mobile Device Control

Different mobile devices have different operating systems and developers should be able to incorporate distinct strategies for each of these OS.

Developers make use of various encryption techniques to protect information formats and maintain their safety. Depending on the operating system they can tackle significant cyber threats or check areas that could be vulnerable to attacks. If app owners detect any sort of suspicious activity taking place in the app they can stop consumers from installing the app and compromising their phones.

Secure APIs

Hacked APIs are one of the major reasons for data breaches and can expose immense amounts of personal info for public consumption. Using 256-bit encryption can guarantee data security and protection in transit. APIs are meant to ensure data security in any country, this includes transit or static. This way only authorized clients can share content between third-party applications.

Reliable User Authentication

Implementing reliable user authentication on all apps is crucial to the safety of the user accessing the application. It promotes a safe and secure networking framework by allowing only authenticated users on it.

Also, when organizations prioritize authentication protocols on their applications, it helps to raise their credibility and users recognize that they’re ready to take initiatives to provide them maximum security. They must make use of two-factor authentication or multiple-factor authentication to verify user identities before granting access.

Recruit a Professional Developer

This method could be a lifesaver for organizations that have the funds to invest in a quick solution. Enterprises can always recruit an expert developer according to their business requirements to assist you in battling cyber threats. Look for the talent that is not afraid of a challenge and can upgrade security protocols as more developments are employed in the tech industry. This addition might come at a price but its benefits are long term. An expert security specialist can tackle different threats that roam the internet and help businesses monitor prospect threats better.

What once existed as a box with a screen put together with lots of wires, cables, and connectors such as cat 6 connector, can now easily fit in the palm of your hand and the back of your pocket. Currently, technology is spreading its reach from mobile phones to smart home products and wearable technology which has only intensified the need for accurately administered security policies. The pressure is at large on companies, employees, and clients to pay attention to mobile security as risks can emerge from any corner.

Wrapping Up

Businesses and employees must be made aware of the emergence of cybersecurity threats and how their devices can be utilized effectively. It is best to identify which prospective threats you are combating against so you can discover a solution accordingly. Once you have recognized the threat and its impact, addressing the actual danger will be significantly easier for you. If cyber threats are keeping you awake at night, follow these procedures to prevent dangers to mobile security.

About the Author

Arslan Hassan

Arslan Hassan is an electrical engineer with a passion for writing, designing and anything tech-related. His educational background in the technical field has given him the edge to write on many topics. He occasionally writes blog articles for Classic PDF Editor.

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