Download App Protector SDK
App Protector SDK is a mobile security component built into the application's code enabling runtime protection as well as a variety of mobile application hardening techniques, including jailbreak detection.
A recent report cites some alarming contradictions when it comes to developing secure mobile applications. While 91% of surveyed organizations claim they are not releasing unprotected mobile apps, 87% report a mobile application security incident in the past year.
Moreover, 93% of organizations are confident they understand the risks that come with releasing insecure mobile apps. At the same time, 67% state that OS-provided protection (iOS and Android) is enough to make an app secure.
In case these numbers don't make you fidgety as an app owner/developer, maybe the following one will. The average cost of a mobile application security incident in 2024 was $4.97 million.
Is that what it takes to make you rethink your mobile app security strategy and start implementing it from the first stages of development? If you're ready to develop mobile apps responsibly, read on to find out more about the mobile application security best practices and mechanisms that secure your app, its users, your business, and your reputation.
Security testing should be an ongoing process. Utilize static and dynamic analysis tools to detect vulnerabilities early in the development cycle. Automated security testing can identify common issues such as insecure data storage, weak authentication, and API vulnerabilities.
Integrating security shouldn’t slow down development. Use DevSecOps methodologies to ensure security is incorporated from the beginning without hindering deployment speed. Automated security checks can streamline the process.
Hackers frequently exploit vulnerabilities in source code. Minimize risks by encrypting source code, applying code obfuscation techniques, and using secure coding practices to prevent reverse engineering attacks.
Implement end-to-end encryption to secure sensitive data. Even if attackers intercept data, strong encryption ensures actors with unauthorized access cannot use it.
Outdated operating systems and development frameworks contain vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Ensure regular updates and security patches for iOS, Android, and third-party libraries to protect against known exploits.
Plain and simple - weak authentication leads to unauthorized access. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometrics, and/or SSO to enhance security.
Third-party libraries can introduce vulnerabilities if they’re not regularly updated or reviewed. Use only well-vetted, frequently updated libraries, and avoid untrusted sources.
Why? Hackers tend to publish pre-written code on such platforms. This code usually contains some kind of malware that is injected into your app. What happens next is up to the attacker.
Integrity checking ensures that the application's code and critical files have not been altered. Use cryptographic checksums, digital signatures, and hash functions to detect unauthorized modifications. This helps prevent tampering, malware infections, and unauthorized updates.
Check out our webinar to learn more!
Store only essential user data on mobile devices. If storing sensitive information is necessary, use encrypted local storage and implement auto-deletion policies for old data.
App shielding techniques such as runtime application self-protection (RASP) and anti-tampering mechanisms protect mobile apps from reverse engineering and unauthorized modifications.
RASP allows you to keep a constant watch on the mobile app's ins and outs. In case any tampering is detected you can set an appropriate response varying from displaying bogus OTPs to terminating the app immediately.
Integrate anti-tampering technology that detects and prevents debugging, emulation, and root/jailbreak modifications to enhance security.
Implement automatic and encrypted backups to cloud storage or secure servers. In case of data corruption or breaches, backups should enable quick recovery.
Most mobile apps rely on APIs. Use API gateways, enforce authentication, and validate inputs to prevent API-based attacks such as SQL injections, man-in-the-middle attacks, and DDoS threats.
By simulating mobile cyberattacks through ethical hacking and penetration testing you can easily find weak links in your security. This should reveal existing vulnerabilities that can be addressed quickly.
Code obfuscation scrambles the structure of your application, making it harder for attackers to reverse-engineer it. Obfuscation is just another word for complexity, so, basically, you're giving attackers a hard time while trying to figure out your apps code. This technique prevents malware injection and intellectual property theft.
Still willing to risk your app by only relying on OS protection? That's okay – we'll keep updating the article so you can come back to our mobile application security best practices later and start from ground zero.
App Protector SDK is a mobile security component built into the application's code enabling runtime protection as well as a variety of mobile application hardening techniques, including jailbreak detection.
In case you're proactive and want to do things the right way, feel free to contact our mobile app security experts for more advice.
