Cybersecurity in Mobile App Development

Written by Mario Agüero|Posted on August 25, 2023

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The popular conception of malware still conjures up images of laptops and office computer screens locking up or being blitzed by popups, but the fact is that the modern digital world is focused on mobile, and hackers are well aware of this. Our smartphones carry highly sensitive personal information, from relationships to finances to our precise location, all of which can be targeted by the many malicious apps in circulation. The same is true for businesses, which must make their digital products and internal systems secure.

Security risks are also present during the development of an app. For example, insecure data storage and transfer between the stakeholders could result in leaks, or a cybercriminal could hack into the project if its security protocols are not configured properly. Social engineering techniques such as ‘’phishing’’ could also target responsible individuals to trick them into revealing their credentials. Here are some tips on how to address these issues while developing your app:

  1. In-app security measures – The app itself should be secured by modern methods such as biometric and two-factor authentication. If a traditional password is an option, the app should only accept a strong password of mixed numbers and letters. It should also have offline capability to defend against Wi-Fi vulnerabilities and encryption to protect data in transit and storage.
  2. Security during coding – The integrity of the code is crucial to app security. The code should be manually and automatically scanned to identify potential vulnerabilities. Security patches and updates should not be delayed. These checks should start early in the development cycle to catch flaws as soon as possible. Low-code or no-code platforms often come with robust security standards and are a good option for creating mobile apps.
  3. Testing – It is advised to partner with specialist mobile app developers that can test app security and usability throughout the development cycle. During initial talks with the developers, ask for their testing methods and schedule.

For individuals and organizations alike, the consequences of leaking sensitive data can be devastating. The above tips will help you develop an app that poses the minimum risk to users and your company.

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Mario Agüero

Mario Agüero

General Manager

Co-Founder

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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