Worldwide mobile network is complex, interrelated and sought-after target. When formulating a B2C or B2B mobile strategy enterprises must deal with probable security issues. The security details differ extensively. It depends on the kind of app being created. The IT experts have to make sure that user suitability never outranks the security of your business data.
Insecure data storage
Data accumulation is a common function of both browser based and mobile platforms. Therefore, it is necessary to secure mobile app during its development stage. What happens if your phone is misplaced or stolen and falls in the wrong hands?
In a recent report, a popular mobile payment app widely used in US verified that its software was storing passwords, usernames and e-mail addresses in clear text. Customers just need to put in their passwords once on activation.
Subsequently, use it repeatedly to make boundless purchases without re-entering their username or password. Clear text allows anyone with phone access connected to PC view the usernames and passwords. It even displays the phone user’s geographical location. Unauthorized people can easily misuse this information.
Developers must take precautions to design apps and take steps to securely store vital data like credit card numbers and passwords. For iOS platform, passwords need to be stored in an encrypted data segment in iOS keychain. In Androids, they must dwell within the in-app encrypted portion (data directory) and it must be coded to forbid backups.
Vulnerable server-side handling
While designing their first mobile app businesses expose that segment of their system, which was previously inaccessible from outside their network. Generally, these previously secluded systems are not entirely scrutinized against security defects.
Plenty of back-end providers take for granted that the app alone will allow access to the data, which is a wrong assumption. However, unauthorized users can breach in through the server-end, so security measures must be tough by the back-end providers against malevolent attackers.
APIs must be verified and firm security steps should be applied to make certain that only authorized individuals have access. You could read more about this info by visiting some of the reputed websites.
Accidental data seepage
Brands desire to gather personal data that several mobile apps glean. With this, they personalize their marketing offers towards customers, but they also want to be sure that while collecting personal information they do not hinder customer’s privacy.
For example – National Security Agency has tapped popular gaming apps gathering vast personal data like age, gender, location and more. This is the real meaning of a ‘seepage or discharging’ app.
Not only customers app are at risk, but also a healthcare app, which is used to monitor particular patients. If that app includes analytics, that reports how frequently the same segment of app was viewed then someone with analytic access can surely determine the particular user’s medical condition. This in turn can place the health insurance provider in encroachment of HIPAA compliance.
Therefore, carefully select analytics provider for your marketing campaign. Monitoring what, how, where and when information moves give malicious minds a treasure chest of data. Track before bad guys detect it and conceal wherever necessary.
Insufficient cryptography
Several widely used cryptographic protocols and algorithms have proven inadequate for today’s modern security needs. Organizations have to create their personal encryption codes to ruin mobile encryption.
Always apply fresh algorithms that are acknowledged as strong and wherever possible use updated encryption APIs in mobile platforms. If you are skeptical about cryptography spend in manual analysis like threat modeling, penetration testing and interactive tools.
Creating a user friendly app is not enough, if your customers or company data is at risk.
Eliza Cullen usually writes articles related to using latest technology to increase the productivity and revenue for several types of companies. To read more about building secured mobile apps for your business, you could visit their website.
