5 Security Mistakes Mobile App Developers Commonly Make That Can Compromise Sensitive Data

October 15th 2021 new story

4

Security should be a primary consideration when a software developer builds an app for any platform because it deals with a lot of sensitive information; the same is true with mobile apps too. Security mistakes made by mobile app developers may open paths to the attackers to access your bank accounts, social accounts, emails, other databases, etc. Let's discuss five common security mistakes that mobile app developers make.

0 reactions

Mistake #1 - Saving Sensitive Data in Mobile Device Memory

A common mistake in mobile app development is storing sensitive
and crucial data in the devices' memory without proper or complete encryption. Sensitive data may include customer details, PINs, account details, etc. In this case, when your smartphone or tablet gets into the hands of a third party, they can misuse your sensitive information.

0 reactions

The best development practice is to encrypt crucial and sensitive data if the mobile app stores data in the device or completely refrain from storing such data in the device memory.

0 reactions

The most secure way of using such critical information within a mobile app is to retrieve them from the server when necessary and erase this data after the user logs out.

Mistake #2 - Being Vulnerable to Hacker Attacks

Suppose the mobile applications' security is not set up correctly when coding. In that case, it can be vulnerable to a wide range of hacker attacks that compromise the app and get access to the device and information. Among those attacks, a few major types are SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and zero-day exploits.

0 reactions

SQL injection exposes your database to unauthorized persons due to the vulnerability created by poorly written programming codes with SQL queries. In such cases, these queries can be changed externally and see the restricted data and modify or delete those data. Usually, this happens due to the interfaces which do not validate and sanitize the user inputs and improperly programmed input fields in web forms.

0 reactions

XSS injects malicious JavaScript code into vulnerable websites. When
a user visits those websites, the malicious contents present in users' browsers without proper checking can steal users' cookies, spread malicious content, etc. Zero-day exploit means some hackers study applications and operating systems' vulnerabilities. It gets the maximum use of those vulnerabilities to damage the organizations that use those applications.

0 reactions

There are many types of vulnerability scanning solutions available. Some of them are application scanners, database scanners, host-based scanners, etc.

For instance, DefenseCode ThunderScan SAST (Static Application Security Testing) is used to audit your application's source code and ensure that it's secured.

0 reactions

Mistake #3 - Additions of Advanced Functionalities

To be competitive in the current mobile app market, developers add loads of advanced features to their mobile applications, creating many security threats. Some developers do not think of the security requirement of these advanced features like QR code readers, extensive cross-platform coverage, etc. These features need a higher level of security. This development mistake may lead your mobile app to be exposed to more
potential attacks.

0 reactions

To avoid this threat, developers need to consult a qualified penetration-testing firm like Redbot Security, Rapid7, FireEye, etc. They test the mobile apps' advanced features against different types of hacking.

0 reactions

Mistake #4 - Improper Encryption

When a mobile app functions, it transfers users' data back and forth between the mobile device and the server. Some developers fail to use encryption methods to protect these data or use weak encryption methods that are not sufficient to safeguard transferring data.

0 reactions

These failures expose users' information to a type of hack called 'eavesdropping.' Suppose the developer has not enabled the pop-up alerting. In that case, the problem becomes worse because the app will not alert the user on the risk of 'eavesdropping.'

0 reactions

Mobile app developers must use ideal encryption methods like Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption in their mobile application developments as a security measure for this issue. Also, the developers should test their apps, make sure that they stop functioning, and warn the user when there are efforts of third-party interventions.

0 reactions

Mistake #5 - Trusting and Including Third-party Code Libraries

Most mobile app developers use third-party code libraries to speed up the development and add the expertise of the other developers to their apps. However, this practice opens paths for many security risks. One risk is that these code libraries may add many unwanted functionalities to your app. For instance, they are sending data for many other unknown servers in addition to the regular server. When developers add these third-party libraries to their apps, even the developers don't know what is in their mobile apps on most occasions.

0 reactions

Also, it exposes the apps to loads of vulnerabilities. It's challenging to keep track of security measures for these added libraries. Most developers think of ad libraries for extra revenue from their apps. However, these ad libraries may leak users' information to advertising firms.

0 reactions

As previously mentioned, security mistakes in the software can open vulnerabilities to the attackers to access bank account information, social accounts, emails, and other sensitive information. Avoid these 5 mistakes to reduce your risk of an attack.

0 reactions

4