We rely heavily on our smartphones for everything from communication and socialising to online shopping and banking. With such sensitive information stored in our mobile devices, it has become more important than ever to prioritise security measures for our apps. As technology evolves, so do the threats posed by cyber criminals who constantly seek out vulnerabilities in mobile applications. Therefore, as developers of these apps, it is crucial that we are aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to keep our data safe. In this blog post, we will cover seven ways to keep your mobile application secure.
1. Prioritise Secure Coding Practices
The foundation of any secure mobile app starts with secure coding practices. Writing code with security in mind helps mitigate vulnerabilities from the outset. It’s essential to follow best practices for secure coding and regularly update your coding standards to address new threats. Utilise security frameworks and libraries that are maintained and trusted, and always validate inputs to prevent injection attacks. Obfuscation techniques can also make it harder for attackers to analyse and exploit your app.
2. Implement Strong Authentication and Authorisation Mechanisms
Authentication verifies a user’s identity, while authorisation determines their access level within the app. Implementing strong authentication mechanisms is critical. This could include multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access. Additionally, ensuring robust authorisation protocols are in place will help restrict users from accessing sensitive features or data they shouldn’t have access to.
3. Encrypt Data In Transit and At Rest
Data encryption is vital in safeguarding sensitive information both in transit and at rest. When data is transmitted over the internet, it should be encrypted using secure protocols like TLS (Transport Layer Security). For data stored within the app or on a server, consider implementing encryption methods like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) to protect against data breaches.
4. Regularly Test and Update the Application
Security threats are constantly evolving, making regular testing and updates crucial for maintaining a secure mobile application. Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential security flaws. Address identified vulnerabilities promptly and release updates to patch security holes. Additionally, keep all third-party libraries and frameworks used in the app up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
5. Secure the Backend
The backend systems that your mobile app communicates with need to be secured as well. Ensure servers are hardened against attacks, and that APIs are designed with security in mind. Use techniques such as throttling to protect against denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and ensure that API keys are securely stored and managed.
6. Employ Proper Session Handling
Session hijacking can allow attackers to impersonate legitimate users. To prevent this, secure session management practices should be implemented. This includes using tokens that expire after a certain period or after the user logs out. Also, consider utilising device identifiers to detect and block abnormal session activities.
7. Educate Users About Security
Finally, user education plays a significant role in application security. Educating your users about the significance of strong passwords, recognising and avoiding phishing attempts, and keeping their devices secure can go a long way in preventing security breaches. Providing clear and concise guidelines can help users to contribute to the overall security of the application.
Conclusion
Securing a mobile application requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses everything from secure coding practices to user education. By prioritising security at every stage of the development process and beyond, you can protect your users’ data, maintain their trust, and ensure the longevity and success of your app. For comprehensive security assessments, contact the experts at Appoly today.
