Mobile Application Security
Mobile Application Security
Security
BY
Mobile application security refers to the technologies and security procedures that
protect mobile applications against cyberattacks and data theft. An all-in-one mobile
app security framework automates mobile application security testing on platforms
like iOS, Android, and others.
Mobile device usage has been steadily increasing in recent years. Recent statistics
note that about 90% of the global internet population uses a mobile device to go
online. For hackers, this means more people to victimize, making
endpoint security for mobile devices increasingly vital.
Why application security is important
Mobile app security can guard against a variety of harmful consequences, including:
Personal and Login Data Theft
Losing sensitive data, such as client information and login passwords, typically stem
from inadequate mobile app security, which hackers leverage to obtain access to
sensitive information.
Stolen Financial Data
Mobile banking applications may contain customer financial information, including
credit and debit card details. If a hacker successfully hijacks a banking app, they may
also take control of the user's phone and perform a transaction without the victim's
knowledge.
Intellectual Property Theft
Without adequate mobile app security, copyrights, patents, and other forms of
intellectual property can fall into malicious hands. For example, every mobile
application is built on a foundational piece of code. To develop copies of popular
apps, which are intended to deceive users into downloading a fake version of the real
software, hackers will attempt to steal the source codes. On mobile devices, these
fake apps can be used to spread malware.
Reputational Damage
Security flaws in a mobile application can put a company's reputation at risk. User
data being made public will destroy customers' faith in the app developer and damage
the brand’s reputation.
Types Of Application Security
Database Security
Email Security
Internet
E-Commerce Security
Database Security
Database security involves protecting sensitive data stored within a database from
unauthorized access, misuse, or breaches.
Threats to databases include
i. unauthorized access
ii. data breaches
iii. data corruption
iv. SQL injection attacks.
Security control in database
Data Backup: Regularly creating copies of current data to restore in case of loss
or disaster.
Data Archiving: Organizing and storing inactive data for historical purposes or
compliance.
Spam: Spam refers to unsolicited, bulk emails sent indiscriminately to a large number of
recipients, often for advertising or malicious purposes. Prevention includes
implementing spam filters, using email authentication mechanisms like SPF, DKIM, and
DMARC, and educating users about identifying and avoiding spam emails.
Phishing: Phishing involves fraudulent emails that appear to be from legitimate sources,
aiming to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information such as passwords,
financial details, or login credentials. Prevention strategies include user education on
recognizing phishing attempts, implementing email authentication techniques, and
deploying anti-phishing solutions like link scanners and email validation tools.
Internet
Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads across networks and devices without
human intervention. It can exploit vulnerabilities in mobile operating systems or apps to
propagate.
Trojan Horse: Malware disguised as legitimate software, tricking users into installing it.
Once installed, it can steal data, spy on users, or damage the device. Trojans often spread
through fake app stores or malicious websites.
E-Commerce Security
E-commerce security involves safeguarding online transactions and sensitive data exchanged during
electronic commerce activities. This includes protecting payment information, preventing fraud, and
ensuring the integrity of online transactions.
Electronic Payment System: Digital systems that facilitate online payments, such as PayPal,
Stripe, or digital wallets like Google Pay. To secure electronic payment systems, encryption,
tokenization, and secure authentication methods are implemented to protect financial data during
transactions.
Credit/Debit Card: Commonly used for online purchases, credit/debit card transactions require
secure handling to prevent fraud and unauthorized access. Prevention measures include using secure
payment gateways, and tokenization to replace sensitive card data with non-sensitive equivalents.
Conclusion