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In this day and age, mobile applications are used for absolutely everything. Each of us has dozens of apps on our phones, where we can order our food, shop for goods, stream films and shows, manage our finances, play games, and much more. While the convenience and accessibility of this trend are great, it also comes with a huge responsibility for the app developers – ensuring the privacy and security of their users. With huge amounts of personal data on their hands, a cybersecurity breach could be extremely detrimental to their business as well as the users. So, what can be done to minimise the risks?
Here are Some Useful Tips For Ensuring Mobile App Security
Regular Security Audits
Every new project tends to undergo a thorough mobile application security audit before it even hits the market for users to download. However, the security efforts should not stop here. As the cyber attacks are getting more and more intelligent, the app in question should keep improving and looking for any potential vulnerabilities in their security processes regularly. Getting third-party audits is one of the best ways to get the systems tested on every possible level (including the system architecture, design, code quality, network communication and so on), then finding the weak links in your cybersecurity efforts and the different ways they could be fixed.
Sufficient Cryptography
Cryptography refers to the process of securing certain communication or data transfer techniques, so only the intended parties are able to access it. In app development, there are a variety of processes that can be encrypted to ensure their security. For instance, the source code encryption protects the application’s code from malware and, therefore, unauthorised access to the system. Data and files, stored within the app, can also be encrypted, making sure that all confidential user data remains private and only accessible to the parties that have consent. The technology and methods behind cryptography are always evolving, so the developers of modern apps should opt to use the most efficient techniques available.
Strong Authentication Processes
It is of paramount importance that access to user accounts and personal data is not only protected at the back-end but also in terms of the authentication methods. First of all, the application should require strong passwords that have a sufficient amount of letters, symbols and numbers. Not only that, there should be a multilevel authentication process when first signing up with the application (e.g. through email links or an OTP sent by a text message). The app should also have mandatory requirements for users to change their passwords regularly, in case they previously have been introduced in a security breach. Having a biometrics-based log-in method available (using fingerprints or retina scan) will not be necessary for all apps but will certainly increase the level of protection you are offering.
Raise Awareness
In some cases, even the best data security methods will not protect a user from a cyber attack, if that attack has happened due to a simple human mistake. While educating your users on cybersecurity is not necessarily your job, it is highly recommended that application developers go that extra mile in raising awareness in this area. If you see an unusually high number of attacks happening based on a particular event, warn your customers through a pop-up notification. Remind them about your security protocols as well as the basic precautions they can take to avoid becoming a victim of a cybersecurity threat.
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