Every day, more and more of the devices we use on a daily basis are connected to some form of the operating system. Nowadays, you can’t go without your phone, tablet, or laptop. With this in mind, it is also important to design these systems with security in mind. Any breach in these technologies will likely be exploited by cybercriminals. So, whether you’re looking to develop mobile apps yourself, or just want to know what the market has in store for us, we’ll take a look at some of the mobile app security threats that might be lurking out there as well as how your business can prevent them from happening.
Enterprises need mobile applications that go beyond the mobile browser. This mobile app security infographic takes a look at mobile application security issues and how to protect mobile assets.
Mobile App Security Threats
With over 6.1 billion mobile devices in the world, mobile apps are big business for developers, publishers, carriers, and advertisers alike. As more users embrace this technology, cybercriminals are finding new mobile app security threats to exploit mobile devices.
After all, mobile users are increasingly stored, shared, and transmitted through mobile apps. This includes financial data, personal information, privacy settings, and more. Plus mobile device usage is increasing while traditional PC usage is decreasing. That’s why it’s important for developers to recognize mobile app security threats and prevent mobile security issues before they happen.
We’ve put together a top-five list of mobile app security threats so you can stay on top of mobile security.
1. Data Leakage
Data leakage is one of the most common mobile app security threats facing mobile users today, especially when it comes to mobile banking apps. There are many different ways in which mobile app security threats can leak data, but the main issues include unencrypted communication channels, insecure mobile browsers and unprotected backend servers.
The use of SSL certificates for mobile applications is not only recommended but essential to ensure that financial transactions remain safe and secure. This also applies to any other mobile app security threats that include mobile banking apps.
2. Data Theft
Data theft is another mobile app security threat mobile users are faced with today, especially when it comes to mobile banking apps. With the increase in mobile payment processing for mobile transactions, data theft has become a very real mobile app security threat for both users and enterprises.
Mobile app security threats involving mobile banking apps usually include unencrypted mobile browsers, weak server-side protection, and SSL certificates that do not include mobile platforms. This poses a risk of malware attacks on mobile devices, which can lead to data theft.
3. Malware Attacks
Not only are mobile device users faced with mobile app security threats like mobile banking threats, mobile browser-based threats, and mobile content sharing threats, but mobile devices are increasingly being used as a vehicle for mobile malware. Mobile malware is an increasingly mobile app security threat that many mobile device users today face.
The best way to defend against mobile malware is to recognize the signs in advance. Look out for strange SMS messages or emails you might receive. Look for mobile app security threats like mobile malware and mobile spyware. If you suspect mobile malware, use an unregistered mobile device to visit your mobile website and check for any strange behavior on the mobile site.
4. Insecure Mobile Apps
With mobile apps becoming a big business in today’s society, it’s no surprise mobile app security threats are increasing rapidly. Many mobile apps do not include secure mobile coding practices, which can lead to mobile app security threats that compromise data on mobile devices. Mobile application security is essential for any mobile developer creating native mobile applications or mobile web applications. Without application security the integrity of the mobile app cannot be trusted. This can lead to mobile app security threats on mobile devices.
5. Over-Privileged Mobile Apps
One of the most overlooked mobile app security threats today is mobile apps that are over privileged, especially when it comes to mobile banking apps. Most mobile apps only need the minimum privileges required to perform their function. One way this is done is mobile app sandboxing.
Mobile app sandboxing allows mobile apps to be limited in what they can access on mobile devices, limiting the mobile app security threats that mobile apps are faced with today.
5 mobile application security best practices
– In order to prevent mobile app security threats from plaguing your mobile applications, it’s best to do the following:
1. Verify mobile app security certificates
2. Use mobile web platforms for mobile apps where possible
3. Monitor mobile app behaviors
4. Keep mobile apps updated
5. Design mobile app security in at all stages of mobile application development
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