Despite the new technologies behind mobile websites, native mobiles apps are still very popular among users. The fluid user experience that mobile apps can deliver is still unrivalled. On top of that, mobile apps can utilize hardware and OS-specific functions without annoying users too much (i.e. by asking for too many permissions) along the way.
However, developing a mobile app for your brand or the service you want to deliver is not without its challenges. One of those challenges is making sure that your mobile app is secure enough for your users. Fortunately, there are some simple tips and tricks that you can follow if you want to get started with securing your mobile app.
Know Your Risk
The first thing you want to do is a comprehensive risk assessment. You can’t really understand the security risks that threaten your mobile app and its users without completing this step. A risk assessment is the process of identifying potential risks, spotting parts of the app that needs extra security measures, and identifying other challenges beyond the app itself.
The security assessment will also help you understand the kind of information you gather from the app and its users. When storing personal details of your users, for instance, you know that you have more risks of information theft to deal with. This way, you can take a more proactive approach and add security measures for maximum protection.
Secure Your Source Code
Security threats and potential risks may materialise even before you release the apps to their respective app stores. You may have bugs and security holes that aren’t caught by conventional testing methods. The entire source code may be compromised too; this is a real possibility if you don’t have sufficient security policies in place.
Securing your source code is a crucial part of securing your mobile app. Aside from limiting access to certain parts of the source code, you also want the development project to be as compartmentalised as possible. To further secure your app, make sure source codes are reviewed and monitored for changes. This makes tracing the source of a vulnerability easier to do.
Use Encryption
Encryption must always be a part of your mobile app, especially if it is designed to capture and store user information. You want all sensitive data to be encrypted using a valid encryption key. You also want to make sure that only nodes with the correct encryption key can access data stored within the app. You even have the option to utilize the mobile operating system’s encryption features.
Aside from encryption, you also want to have a comprehensive identity and access management policies. Rather than letting admins and support officers access everything, you can define and limit access to certain parts of the app’s ecosystem based on user roles and other parameters. This increases app security by a substantial margin.
These security measures aren’t perfect, but the tips and tricks you can find in this article will help you preserve maximum mobile application security without the usual hassle. All you have to do next is work towards improving your mobile app security by going into the details and fine-tuning existing security measures.
