Mobile app security is an increasingly important concern as the number of mobile users and apps continues to grow. With the proliferation of new technologies, the future of mobile app development will rely heavily on innovation in security.
Google Play Store and the Apple App Store have about 6.63 million apps. How would you ensure that your app is secure? The truth is that you can only once keep up with the most recent trends in mobile app development and understand how to use them to produce powerful, feature-rich apps with security for users.
Cyber Security Asean showed that 27.36% of users in the top 10 nations in the world were targeted by mobile malware in 2019, and Malaysia came in at number ten. In 2020, it fell to 19.68%, and in 2021, it fell even more, to 12.43%.
The frequency of attacks on mobile users globally has been falling, according to Kaspersky's yearly survey of mobile risks, but experts argue that it is still too soon to start taking things easy.
You need to familiarise yourself with the shifting mobile app security trends to survive and thrive in this digital transformation era because the market for developing mobile applications is growing quickly.
To make your mobile app successful, the first step is to keep up with upcoming developments in mobile app security innovation. Let's go into more detail below:
6 trends in Mobile App Security for 2023
1. Data protection
Future mobile app development needs data protection. Before collaborating with or investing in applications for business operations, you will need more extensive proof of security.
Customers will also uninstall apps more quickly if they encounter breaches or have significant, widely known vulnerabilities. These increased needs should encourage developers to prioritise security above-rushed releases and a large feature set.
Further, these security needs can also be codified into law. Developers that don't adopt more secure processes and technologies risk facing steep fines and other legal repercussions as data protection rules increase.
2. OTA security update
Though mobile apps regularly improve their security, in 2023 these changes will be subject to even more scrutiny.
It's obvious that over-the-air (OTA) updates require better methods of confirming their integrity in the wake of incidents like the SolarWinds attack. If not, attackers can use them to spread malicious software to tens of thousands of devices.
Encrypting and authenticating OTA updates is the first step towards securing them. Man-in-the-middle attacks can be avoided by using the most recent encryption standards. Before installing updates, verification tools like cryptography make sure they are coming from reliable sources.
Manufacturers of mobile devices share some of the blame for this development. These businesses should only allow downloads of apps that can comply with these criteria, using cryptography, encryption, and related technologies for all downloads in their app stores.
3. Data storage
One article from HBR showed that due to growing consumer scepticism and the introduction or passage of more than 27 online privacy bills by state legislatures, data standards, and privacy laws will continue to evolve. However, a lot of engineers continue to underestimate the need for safe data storage.
Remember that no sensitive information should be shared with you when developing your data storage systems.
- A log for the application
- Third parties
- Keyboard cache
- The inter-process communication (IPC) system
- The user's gadget when interacting
The code and data for your mobile app should be kept locally rather than on another web application. However, high caution is needed when storing any sensitive data to minimise security risks.
4. Solid API strategy
Application Program Interfaces (APIs) are the primary channels for content and data flow between applications, cloud spaces, and various users. Hence, protecting your API is crucial for the security of your web and mobile applications.
If the functioning of your app depends on another party's API, proceed with caution. This implies that you are depending on the security of their code. To reduce vulnerability, make sure the APIs your app utilises give access to only the components of your app that are required.
5. Code encryption
Code encryption is going to be an innovative trend for mobile app security. Although you are skilled at writing source code for mobile or web apps, a small coding mistake or a failure in testing the code can result in bugs or weak spots in your app.
By possessing a public app copy, hackers can use this security flaw to alter or reverse engineer your code.
You can turn your code text into a jumble of random letters and numbers that is meaningless to anyone who doesn't have the key by using encryption. As a result, even if data is taken, the thief won't be able to use it for anything else, protecting your program code.
6. BYOD policies
It may be challenging for the IT team to manage data transfers and control data access if the employees can't bring their own devices for work-related purposes when using your app. That's why the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy is crucial to make sure the IT team can work with ease.
You may decide to allow your team to work from home as remote work is the newest trend. To help maintain your app security in that circumstance, you can spend money on Mobile Device Management (MDM) products.
Use anti-spam software, antivirus, and a firewall, to authorise the devices of your team. Make users' devices “risk-aware” to prevent apps from attempting to make specific transactions or changes. Also, VPN use is important.
Further, turn on “remote wipe” capabilities to erase private information from a lost or stolen device that belongs to someone who is no longer employed by the company.
Hire mobile app development agencies for security
Users and app developers alike are becoming more concerned about mobile app security, and an app that isn't properly protected or is vulnerable to data leaks runs the risk of being uninstalled or ignored by users.
You may feel more at ease employing a qualified professional to assist you in making your mobile application secure if you're an app developer who is concerned about the security of both your own and the app users' data online. You may rapidly and affordably secure your mobile apps by hiring highly-skilled developer teams for application security through VirtualSpirit. Book a call now!
