Mobile App Security: Know the rules now!

Mobile App Security: Know the rules now!


According to a Veracode study, there are over 2,400 insecure apps on the mobile devices of employees in average global companies. This goes on to show how important it is to make apps secure, and prevent the entry of hackers into sensitive data and corporate network system. If you are concerned about improving mobile app security, here are some of the best practices that can assist you in ensuring full security.
Use Application layer security
At the application layer, you should implement various security measures. It rests upon the manufacturers of devices to create stronger security settings. This will allow users to adjust security settings according to their preferences and needs. Enterprise managers and users have to make sure that the features are properly used.
Use Behavioral analysis tools
It is not enough to use just anti-malware programs. You should also use Behavioral analysis tools for proper detection and removal. Such tools are generally low-cost or free, and can scan iPad or iPhone for the apps that have been installed. The tools can filter then in a listed order based on different types of behavior such as battery drain, checking out the address book and location tracking. Clueful is an app from Bitdefender, available on iTunes, which can inform whether the apps make you an anonymous user or whether your data has become encrypted. There are various low-cost or free tools for the Android OS.
Use binary static analysis
With binary static analysis, flaws in application codes and malicious codes can be quickly spotted and dealt with. Security can be maximized and the risks of exposure can be minimized when both binary static analysis and behavioral analysis are combined and used. Behavioral analysis can assist in real time assessment of codes and allow the action of each app to be evaluated in a sandbox or some other controlled environment. The risk is generally evaluated through the comparison of behavioral analysis results along with behavioral patterns associated to malicious and legitimate apps.
Rely on trusted apps
You should download apps only from enterprise app stores that are trusted. Even these are not completely safe. In no case should unknown mobile apps from 3rd party sources be trusted. Enterprises have to limit the usage of different synchronization services and then distribute company-specific mobile apps from a completely dedicated mobile app store.
No saved passwords
Make sure that no passwords are saved by the app. Apps that run over mobile phones should prompt users to submit their passwords each time they log into the system. When it comes to desktop apps, users can be provided the feature of using saved passwords as it can accelerate the speed of log-ins in future – but it can be a security risk. The risk is greater in mobile apps.
Data encryption in transit
Encrypting data while in transit happens to be a basic step, but it is ignored often by enterprises. Developers are always in a hurry to come out with more and more mobile apps, but data encryption is an area where they are being lackadaisical – just like it was the case with the initial online apps.
Analyze the traffic
You should also evaluate the traffic that flows between the Web server and the mobile app. Tools that allow checking of online traffic are excellent for improving the security of mobile apps. It is important to analyze the traffic manually and search method calls that can be easily manipulated. Proper traffic analysis is one of the keys to mobile app security.
Contain vital corporate information                                                                                                      


As an enterprise user, you should also use container methods that can ensure full security for mobile apps. This can be done by downloading highly sensitive corporate enterprise data into an isolated container in the mobile device app. This will allow apps to view corporate data as information of a more sensitive nature than other types of data, like your vacation photos.
Secure the services
App security can be effectively improved by securing all the services to which mobile apps are found to connect. Service providers and developers often fail hugely in ensuring this. An inherent security deficiency by design along with sub-par programming practices used by developers of apps tend to expose mobile device users to Heartbleed and various other nightmarish vulnerabilities in TLS or SSL.
Avoiding Jailbreaking devices
In every industry, Mobile device adoption happens to be very important. However, some underlying security risks cannot be undervalued.  Many companies use mobile platforms to provide staffs with access to internal systems. Due to this reason, it is essential to have a BYOD (bring your own device) policy which can particularly handle mobile app security.
On their part, mobile users also have some responsibility. They need to avoid rooting or Jailbreaking devices. They should avoid downloading mobile apps from unofficial app stores or unreliable 3rd party sources that do not come with high security approval rating. It is essential to have all mobile apps completely updated. Overall risks of security problems can also be minimized when companies with BYOD policies include training on the main cyber threats and the best security policy practices.
Following best coding practices
From the point of developers, it is important to develop every app carefully by following the best practices of coding. It should be assessed constantly in order to detect the potential flaws that could be exploited by hackers or malicious users. Sadly, most developers fail to address the security issues of mobile apps, despite the knowledge of the accompanying risks. Only a few developers and companies are actually serious on this end. The increased rush to release new apps to garner maximum visibility for businesses is hurting the security aspect of mobile apps.
With mobile devices coming out in greater numbers and being all-pervasive, and being used for everything from shopping, banking and editing sensitive documents, mobile app security has become more important than ever. It is important to depend on a security expert and follow the best practices in order to keep mobile apps safe in a changing digital landscape.
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Comments

TechinGenious said…
Nice tips for mobile app security . The information is very useful for app developers.

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