One of the most vital aspects that users look for in any app, be it gaming, finance, shopping or entertainment, would be the effectiveness and extent of its security features. With security and cyber threats looming large, mobile app developers have enormous responsibility to deliver apps that are safe for use and protects against external threats. Not only does heightened security ensure protection of identity and data of users, but it also boosts your brand value and reputation in the long and short run. But the question remains - how can you ensure that your app is safe for users?
Before we get to that, let us shed some light on what the so-called threats are. Some of the most common issues face when it comes to mobile app security:
Phishing Apps: Apps that are disguised to conceal phishing attempts at obtaining your data and credentials
Malware: Apps that contain malware like viruses to infect your mobile device from the inside
Misleading Subscriptions: Subscriptions that are difficult to cancel and continue to deduct money from your account or apps that mislead the user into subscribing to other services automatically without consent
All such security threats can tank the credibility of your brand and your app and therefore, must be unequivocally avoided. This brings us back to the question, how can you make sure your app is safe for users? Here are a few measures you can take in this regard:
Protecting the Code
The source code of the app is its most important part. Protecting your app against security threats should start from day one of building the code. As a first measure of defense, you should encrypt the code of the app. Additionally, you should also ensure the code passes all quality assurance checks to find logic flaws, security gaps or buffer overflows, if any, and take necessary steps to rectify the same at the earliest.
Security Checks
Regular mobile app security checks need to be conducted, especially before you launch your app to the public. These checks are vital to ensure that the app is working properly, does not leak user’s information and is well protected against threats such as - phishing attacks, infrastructure exposure or scams, to name a few. Periodic check on vulnerabilities must be done.
Testing
You need to conduct both internal and external testing on a regular basis to rule out bugs, find security gaps, and other inconsistencies in the app from time to time. Testing is one area where you cannot compromise on, irrespective of time or budgetary constraints. It is recommended to hire an external expert to conduct testing and offer better insights from a third party’s point of view. These tests should be as critical and ruthless as possible, simulating real-life hacking, which can help identify vulnerable areas and prepare you to take corrective action. Such measures are also invaluable in helping you provide better assurance to your users.
Better Authentication
One of the most common security lapses are due to password breaches. There are a few ways to ensure there is better password protection. From your side, adopt more stringent authentication measures for users. And from the users’ side, you can make them aware of the importance of setting stronger passwords that are not easy to guess by hackers. The use of alphanumeric elements along with symbols and caps lock is one of the easiest ways to set a unique and strong password for better security authentication.
Encryption
Encryption can be used in many forms to ensure better data protection and security in mobile apps. You need to ensure user credentials are encrypted on your app in such a way that passwords are not automatically saved but user credentials are protected. Also, you can deploy encryption on transmitted data and information to ensure that any such data is not found within a hacker’s reach.
Setting Security Standards
Having security standards in place is one of the measures you can take internally within the company to ensure that all employees who are working on the app follow the best practices while developing the app.
Also Read: Best Mobile App UI Design Tools for Beginners
Avoiding Leaks
Data leaks are an avoidable yet potential threat to any app. The biggest problem with data leaks is that it is usually identified only after the leak happens. In such a scenario, it becomes imperative to take immediate action instead of playing the blame game for the lack of proactive measures. If a data leak occurs, pay close attention to encrypting the sensitive data and be accountable for the leak by informing users firsthand. This can help them be prepared and adds trust and value to your company as well.
Security Audit
Last but not least, you can conduct security audits on a timely basis by an independent third party to identify areas prone to threats and to take proactive and remedial action. Security audits can help you in reducing false positives, correcting security issues, maintain access privileges only to authenticated users, identify vulnerabilities and be prepared.
Building an app requires skills and knowledge that goes beyond technical capabilities and strengths. It also requires a robust and updated knowledge base on mobile app security and safety as well. You need to ensure your app is not compromised in any way when it comes to security to ensure better acceptance and higher value among users. This can be made possible by engaging only the most trusted and experienced app developers to build your mobile apps.
If you are in search of an app development company in India who can build the most secure and risk free mobile app for you, look no further than Zartek Technologies. We are the leading mobile app development company in India who has earned a reputation for building apps that can withstand security threats and vulnerabilities of any kind and nature. Connect with us to build the mobile app of your dreams.