With the recent security lapses at both Facebook and Google, it has never been more apparent that app security is crucial to the smartphone app user. The theft of pertinent information can lead to massive financial and identification loss as well as the cost of litigation and recovery.
Mobile apps have many of the same threats that you would find on a desktop app. They both use a network, go through a server and have an operating system with smartphones using either Android or iOS.
Businesses nowadays need to partner with a solid app development company that is on top of security breach data, staying one step ahead of the digital thieves who never rest in their attacks. A company like Guarana Technologies has years of experience and will bring a number of added security features to any app they design. According to their security experts, mobile apps may be susceptible to:
Keylogging: A common attack method by hackers is keylogging, where keystrokes such as logins and passwords are stolen and recorded.
Screenshots: App screenshots can sometimes be used to access personal, sensitive information that is then extracted and used for possible ID theft.
Android only Overlay attacks: A digital attacker can use an overlay window to cover a legitimate app on the smartphone. When the app is used, the information is instead sent to the hacker rather than the intended destination and data is stolen.
This, of course, begs the question: what tools are available to combat attacks on mobile apps?
A competent app development company will utilize tools to create a more secure product, partnering with the client to create a safe, secure app for their customers or employees. Here are some of the ways mobile app security has evolved to block the actions of nefarious data thieves.
- Version management: the continuous monitoring and updating of the app version that is installed
- Authorized user controls: the ability to allow only authorized user access to the app
- Time frame use: disabling the app after a certain time frame, such as a date or span of time (30 days for example)
- Communication stop: Only allowing the app to run when it is able to connect to the server provided by the app developer
- Data wipe: Certain criteria must be met in order for the app to work correctly. Data can be wiped if these are not met
- Geolocation parameters: Location parameters can be set geographically so the app will not work outside those areas. The app will not work or will simply shut down or wipe the data outside of the parameters.
- Unique PIN codes: Authorized users will have their own predesignated PIN codes to access the app which can be reset and authenticated through email.
Business apps in this day and age must have a solid partner when it comes to app development — a partner who recognizes the threats that are emerging on a daily basis. The recent security lapses at both Facebook and Google are a sign that now, more than ever, app security is an ongoing problem. Be sure your developer understands these threats and can provide security solutions you can trust.
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