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Startups and large brands are creating more applications using the latest technologies and innovations. Business leaders are now more concerned about mobile app security due to digitalization.
What can you do to prevent your app from being attacked? This article discusses the threats to mobile app security and best practices.
What Is Mobile Application Security?
A mobile app strategy enforces security measures to prevent hackers and malware. Mobile device security has become an absolute necessity.
You must follow a security checklist before publishing an app online. Hackers could also access personal information, bank information, and other details.
The Real Stats About Mobile App Security
Security concerns have become a daily challenge for businesses due to global pandemics. Recent research found that many companies must protect their data or have better cybersecurity practices.
This leaves them vulnerable to data breaches.
These surprising statistics show why mobile app security is essential for businesses:
- Apps are used by 90 percent of the world's 5,19 million smartphone owners. The economy is the primary source of revenue for organizations. Many organizations need to take adequate security measures.
- After an unprecedented year in IT and security, remote access will become more commonplace by 2020. In two-thirds, sensitive files are publicly accessible in 1,000 or more companies. A financial services employee has access to over 11 million documents.
- In past year, almost half of the organizations sacrificed their mobile security. Their apps became vulnerable because they prioritized market time over safety.
- The FBI has warned consumers of mobile app fraud. Mobile banking has boomed since the Coronavirus lockdown. Trojan horses, fake applications, and other financial vulnerabilities in apps have increased by 50%.
- Researchers predict the global market for information security will reach $170.4 Billion approx.
- A growing number of businesses consider cybersecurity a risk. The advancement of technology has led to a 68% increase in security risks.
Statisticians show that implementing incorrect technologies can lead to severe losses in business. You should figure out how secure your app is before hiring an app development company.
Tips For Securing Mobile Applications
BYOD (bring your device) is a growing concern in the mobile app world. On their mobile devices, workers combine personal and professional interests.
These eight tips can help you create a mobile app that is hacker-proof:
Encryption Of Source Code
The majority of code in native mobile apps is on the client side. Mobile malware can therefore find bugs and vulnerabilities in the code.
Hackers compromise popular apps by reverse engineering them into rogue apps. These apps are then uploaded to third-party stores to lure unsuspecting customers.
The reputation of your company can be damaged by this type of threat. Developers should be aware of security vulnerabilities when creating apps.
Ensure your mobile app is secure against attacks such as reverse engineering, tampering, and eavesdropping. By encrypting the code, you can prevent these attacks and ensure that your data is protected.
Penetration Testing
Finding vulnerabilities is easier when you test from the hacker's perspective. You can now identify the possible weakness that an attacker could exploit.
Testing for penetration includes:
- Checking password policies.
- Data that is not encrypted.
- Access to applications from third parties.
- Passwords do not expire.
Regular penetration testing will ensure that hackers cannot exploit any loopholes. Loopholes can become vulnerabilities, allowing hackers to access services and data.
Authentication At A High Level
The absence of solid authentication leads to security breaches. Apps should only accept alphanumeric passwords. Users must also change their passwords frequently.
You can protect sensitive apps with fingerprint or biometric authentication. Encourage users to authenticate to prevent security breaches.
Protect Data In Transit
It is vital to prevent security breaches that sensitive information be transmitted securely. It is highly recommended to use a VPN or SSL tunnel.
To protect user data, stricter security measures have been implemented.
Backend Security
Client-server is used by most mobile applications. To prevent malicious attacks, a secure backend is essential. The APIs, according to developers, are usually only accessible to apps that have been specifically designed to use them.
It would be best to run API checks on each API you plan to use. Platforms may have different authentication and transport mechanisms.
Reduce Sensitive Data Storage
Dedicated mobile app developer store sensitive data in devices' memory to protect it from users.
Due to security concerns, sensitive data is not recommended to be stored. If you can't keep your data in any other way, use encrypted data containers or key chains. Use the auto-delete function to minimize the log.
The log will be deleted after a certain period.
Developers are concerned about the security of mobile apps because they fear malicious behavior. Users are reluctant to install unreliable applications.
The above best practices should help you develop secure mobile apps.
Take Advantage Of The Most Advanced Cryptographic Techniques
Despite their popularity, MD5 and SHA1 still need to meet security requirements. To ensure security, staying up-to-date on the latest encryption techniques is essential.
Encrypt sensitive information using AES 512-bit, 256-bit, and SHA256 hashing. Manual penetration and threat modeling can help you ensure your application's security.
Encrypt Your Database And Files
To ensure confidentiality, unstructured data will be stored on a local server. The data in the Sandbox needs to be appropriately encrypted.
This creates a severe security hole. You can use SQLite Database encryption modules to encrypt data from mobile apps in a sandbox. You can also implement file-level cryptography between platforms.
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The Critical Stages Of The App Development Process
Step 1: Confirming The Idea
Answering these questions will help you determine if you're marrying the right idea and if it is worth your time and effort.
- App Goal: What is the purpose of your mobile app? Does it have a real need in your business? Does your idea fit the needs of your business or target audience? Can you devote enough resources to its promotion?
- Your Target Audience: who is your target? Who are your potential users?
- App USP: What are the key features? What is your app's core appeal? Why should your audience download your app? What will make you stand out?
- Analysis Of Your Competitors: Who is your competition? Are they using a similar app? Is your solution to the problem better than theirs?
- App Investment: Any application development will require you to invest money, time, and effort. Are you prepared?
- App Marketing: When and How will you market your application? What is your marketing strategy for the first 500 users?
Step 2: Market Research
It's time to start the most critical phase of your journey. Market research will show you the market's genuine interest or demand.
You can then modify your idea and use the research to list requirements that can help you prioritize the work. The question is, how do you conduct market research correctly?
Market research has many other benefits:
- You can maintain a better understanding of your customers.
- Find out what your competitors are doing.
- Assess your product before launch.
- How can you reach your audience?
- Business opportunities are identified.
- Discover the features and needs of users.
Step 3: Create Your App's Wireframe
After you have a list of ideas, it is time to give your idea a form. Wireframes. A wireframe can be viewed as the blueprint for your application.
The wireframe will show the functionality and design of your application. It will also help you to understand how the app looks and works. App wireframes are a way for the team members to understand the concept.
It is also a good guide for developers. Here are some suggestions to help you build your app's Wireframe.
Diagram The User Flow: The user flow map should be created at the start of the project because the app must reach a specific goal.
You want to know the entire process. Check them out:
- Create A Mobile Frame
Select a frame with dimensions that match the device you are designing. The structure will act as a constraint and prevent you from putting too many elements on one screen.
A frame should create the illusion of a natural edge. We recommend that you start with a device of mid-screen size. As an iOS App Development Company, we use the XS Framework of the iPhone.
- Use Design Patterns
The most crucial factor in UX design is familiarity. Users can use their previous experience to interact with a product when they see familiar User Interface components.
Native design patterns are available on iOS and Android, which can help designers create a friendly user experience. Design patterns are reusable blocks of content that can be used to solve everyday problems.
- Ensure Your Content Scales Well
Does your design work on the iPhone XS screen? That's great! It will look good on all screen sizes. It doesn't matter if your design is great on a phone with a medium screen size, like the iPhone XS.
This does not mean iPhone 5 or iPhone XS Max owners will experience the same thing. It is ok to wireframe with a middle-sized screen, but it's also essential to test how the content looks in different sizes.
Check out these wireframe tools if you need help building your mobile app.
- InVision: InVision brings screens to life, mirrors Studio files, and more. All of this is available anywhere, in real-time.
- UXPin: UXPin mirror makes it easy to preview your prototypes using real devices. Viewing mobile prototypes in real time on actual devices is as easy as a few taps.
- Using Balsamiq: you can create and edit sketch-quality wireframes in Drive and G Suite (Docs Sheets and Slides).
- Fluid UI: The Fluid UI player is a free companion app to Fluid UI. Install the Player and view full-screen mockups created with your FluidUI.com Account. Scan the QR code in the FluidUI.com preview to iterate app designs faster and easier.
- Create hHigh-Fidelity: Create high-fidelity, interactive prototypes using Proto.io HTML0. No coding is required.
- JustinMind: The Justinmind is a prototype viewer that works offline for Justinmind prototypes. The prototypes are imported directly from your Justinmind account.
- Prottis: Prottis an easy-to-use prototyping software that transforms your first sketches into interactive prototypes that work like real apps in seconds. Prott's intuitive interface and collaboration features make it the perfect design and communication tool to help you work better with others, wherever and whenever.
- Figma Mirror: Figma Mirror lets you view all your Android devices simultaneously and your designs created with the Figma desktop application in real time.
Design Sprints Bring Order To The Design Chaos: You will not know if you have made the right decisions during wireframing.
One layout is better than another, or some features should be added. Design Sprints are a scientific, collaborative process that helps to determine which parts should be built first and which to eliminate.
Establishing concepts, wireframing, and designing the foundation for development can save time and money.
The Importance Of Design Sprint: Every stage of a project can benefit from design sprints. Let's explore:
- Create a new service or product.
- Redesigning an existing product/service.
- Add new features to existing products/services.
Let's look at the steps involved in a design sprint to understand it better:
- Understand: Dig deeper into the design problem.
- Define key strategy and focus.
- Diverge: Develop as many Mobile app development solution as you can as quickly as possible.
- Decide: Select the best ideas that you have so far.
- Prototype: Build Something Quick and Dirty.
- User feedback: Learn what works and what doesn't.
Step 4 - Platform Selection
We will help you choose the best platform for your mobile app development. There are three options available for the development sector:
- Native App: Developers can create applications for specific platforms, such as Android and iOS, with the help of tools and development languages.
- Cross Platform App/ Hybrid app: One mobile application built using HTML5 and runs on multiple platforms. These apps can be downloaded from any app store, like native applications.
- HTML5 App: HTML5 is a mobile website that looks like an application but runs on a mobile browser. This web app is platform-independent and has a superior user interface and functionality. This web application is most useful in cases where the respective app store does not allow the app, or the end user will not be motivated to install the app.
Read More:
How custom mobile app development can empower your business growth?
Step 5 - Development
It's time to structure your project if your mobile app design has passed the usability test. This process covers If your mobile application design passes the usability test, it's time to give your dream project a proper structure.
This process includes the actual implementation of your app and the coding portion. The stages of mobile app development include multiple activities, such as establishing an appropriate development environment and developing different parts.
They also involve preliminary testing and the creation of the mobile application. Android's ok http interceptor is used to rewrite network calls and retry them during development centrally.
Programming and configuring a development environment are part of a development project. Any app usually has three features: the back end, the APIs, and the front end.
The development is done in phases. You can expect to receive interim builds from your developer that you can run directly on your device.
Server/Backend Technology: Connecting your mobile app to a network makes it necessary to use database and server-side objects.
If you're using an existing backend, it may be required to make changes and configure the app to achieve the desired functionality. The server-side components developed in this phase must be tested and configured with other app components.
Application Programming Interface: APIs are tools, protocols, and practices for creating software applications.
It defines how software components will interact. This programming interface is also used to program GUI components.
Mobile App Front-End: It is the front-end programming, also known as "client-side," that your app users will interact with.
It is responsible for the structure, design, and animation on your screen when you launch a website, mobile app, or web application.
Step 6: Test And Improve Your App
A code review process is a great way to ensure no significant bugs are left after development. This is how we align our development process with code reviews as part of everyday code.
It's essential to test the usability of your application with colleagues after you've created a fully functional and visually appealing app. You may discover bugs you missed, but you can also make the final tweaks to your application.
Mobile Application Testing Stages: We can help you learn about the different stages of mobile app testing.
Here is the list.
- Documentation Testing: Documentation tests are performed first at the beginning of a mobile app. It is also called the preparatory phase. The strategy for mobile app development begins with screen layouts, nautical charts, and other aspects of importance that need to be visible in the design. It would be best to verify that all features are complete and there are no discrepancies at this stage. During this phase, developers will find and fix any discrepancies before app development starts.
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Functional Testing: You can test the app's responses following industry standards. Remember the following elements when performing functional testing on your mobile app.
- Business Functionality: It can be used for Net Banking, social networks, order and delivery of goods, tickets, the game industry, etc.
- Target Audience: entrepreneurs, companies, students, etc.
- Distribution Channels: App Store, Google Play, direct delivery, etc.
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Tests Of Usability: This test ensures your app is easy to use for all your customers and generates a user-friendly interface that adheres to industry standards. It provides fast, easy-to-use apps that attract users. Three criteria are used to judge the usability of an app:
- Satisfaction.
- Efficiency.
- Effectiveness.
- User Interface (UI) Testing: Test your application's user interface to ensure that it meets all specifications.
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Compatibility Testing: Compatibility/Configuration testing provides the optimal performance of your mobile app according to the device size, version, screen resolution, hardware, etc. Compatibility testing also takes care of the following:
- OS Configuration.
- Browser Configuration.
- Database Configuration.
- Device Configuration.
- Network Configuration.
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Performance Testing: Performance testing is a great way to test the consistency and reaction of your mobile app under varying workloads. We will now show you different types of performance testing.
- Load testing.
- Stress Test.
- Stability Testing.
- Volume Testing.
- Concurrency Testing.
- Security Testing: This process is used to validate the security concerns of your application. It also checks for the risk of hackers and viruses in mobile apps and protection from unauthorized access.
- Certification Testing: Certification testing is a process that analyzes whether your app meets industry standards, licensing agreements, terms of usage, and requirements for stores such as the Google Play Store, App Store, or Windows Phone.
Check Out Popular Mobile Application Testing Tools:
- To Manage Functionality Testing: Selendroid, Appium, Robotium, Ranorex.
- To Test Usability: User zoom, Reflector, Loop.
- To Test The App Interface: FitNesse (for iOS), Jubula (for Android), LoadUI (for Windows), and Coded UI.
- To Test Compatibility: BrowserStack (for testing), Browsera, CrossBrowserTesting (for testing across browsers), Litmus, Ghostlab, and Rational ClearCase.
- For Performance Testing: NeoLoad, Apteligent, New Relic.
- To Test Security: Retina CS community, OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (Zed Attack Proxy), Veracode, Google Nogotofail, and SQL Map.
Step 7: Launch A Beta Version Of Your App
Early adopters can be attracted by a beta version, and this is a crucial step to bringing your app mainstream. Early adopters can provide valuable feedback on the pros and cons of your app.
Their experience and rating will help you understand the demand and acceptance of your app. This type of Word-of-Mouth Marketing will help your mobile app's reputation and allow the admin to gain more users.
Step 8: Launch Your App
Now that you have developed and tested your application, launching it in the Google Play Store or Apple Store is time.
It is now time to upload it to the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
How Can You Submit Your App To The App Store And Google Play Store?
We will highlight the basic submission process to give you an idea of how the Apple Store works.
- Create an iOS profile and distribution certificate.
- Create an iTunes Connect record for your app.
- Archive & Upload your Mobile App by Xcode
- Configure your mobile app's metadata and other details in iTunes Connect's record.
- Submit your application to be reviewed.
- Check the status of your app.
Learn about the Google Play Store submission process:
- Get your mobile app information ready
- Download the APK files or mobile application bundles for your application.
- You can set the content rating of your mobile application.
- Set the app's price and
- Set a distribution plan.
- Publication of your application
Step 9: Post-Launch Activity
The next step after launching your app is to market it. You can only expect people to download your app if they know about it.
Consider making informative and attractive videos to show the app's features and spread awareness. Remember to use social media and all digital platforms to reach people around the globe. This will give people a quick glimpse at your app and highlight its key features.
How Can You Hire The Best App Developer For Your Project?
It can be challenging to hire an app developer. You have many options available to you, and they are all appealing.
Let us guide you in the hiring process of an app developer. Do you need the services of an app developer or agency first? It would be best if you started there. A freelance app developer is the best choice for your project if you are starting and have a limited budget.
Suppose you need to create an enterprise-level application. In that case, however, you will either have to hire a team of developers or work with an app developer company. It would be best if you made sure that the app developer you choose is reliable and trustworthy, whether you are looking for a freelancer, a full-time employee, or you hire an app development company.
Here are five tips for choosing the right business partner.
- Doing Research Is Important: You must know the intricacies of your industry before you can trust it to someone else. Consult with professionals to learn the basics if you are new to app development. Find out about the most popular programming languages, average costs, and the best countries for outsourcing. You can use this information to help you choose the best technology partner.
- Check Out Their Previous Experience: Find out about their app-development expertise. Ask if they've ever developed an app similar to yours or any other concept. You will better understand what you can expect from the app developer if you learn more about them.
- Check Their Communication Skills: Communication is only sometimes the most crucial factor to consider, but it's still worth a look. Your technology partner can only meet your needs if they fully understand them. Knowing how well your technology partner can communicate and understand your ideas is essential.
- Set Clear Goals: In the early sessions of the project, ensure that you understand your requirements. You will avoid conflict and speed up the development process. Communicate with them first, and make sure you communicate your goals.
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Conduct A Thorough Interview: Conduct a complete job interview before hiring someone. You can Hire app developer to assist you in the discussion if necessary. There are other things you should consider before working with someone else.
- References and reviews.
- Exposure to the Industry in General.
- Expertise.
- Programming Technologies.
- Development Approach.
- Contracts and legal procedures.
- Project management is a crucial element of project management.
- Communication.
Clarify these essential points during your first discussions. You can use this guide to determine if an iOS app developer or Android app designer is the right fit for your project.
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Final Thought
Mobile application security has increased in recent years. Application security compromises can have disastrous consequences for users and application developers.
There are several ways to ensure secure application development. One of the best techniques is to train the team on security. The development process will be advanced by effective team communication and penetration tests.
