Learn how to identify and mitigate mobile application security risks with best practices and tools. Create a more secure and trustworthy app for your users.

Here are the secure coding practices for mobile app development Data Security User Authentication Authorization Controls Input Validation Secure Data Storage Code Protection Patch Management Session Management Error Handling File Upload Security Secure Network Communication API Security WebView Security Code Reviews and Testing AppPermissions Secure Key Management Data Minimization Secure Third-Party Libraries Security Updates Security Awareness

How can you ensure mobile application security?

Mobile applications are becoming more popular and powerful, but also more vulnerable to cyberattacks. As a mobile developer or tester, you need to ensure that your app is secure and protects the data and privacy of your users. In this article, we will explore some of the common mobile application security risks and how you can mitigate them with best practices and tools.

1 Identify threats and risks

To ensure mobile application security, it's essential to identify the potential threats and risks that your app may face. This includes considering the type and sensitivity of data your app collects, stores, and transmits; the platforms and devices it supports and their security features; the network and server environments it interacts with and their security protocols; as well as any regulatory and compliance requirements that must be adhered to. Frameworks such as STRIDE or OWASP Mobile Top 10 can help you identify and categorize the threats and risks that your app may encounter.

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2 Implement secure coding practices

Secure coding practices are essential for mobile application security. Encryption and hashing techniques should be used to protect data at rest and in transit, while user input and output should be validated and sanitized to prevent injection attacks. Authentication and authorization mechanisms should be implemented to restrict access to sensitive data and functions, while secure libraries and frameworks should be used to avoid common vulnerabilities and bugs. Additionally, code reviews and audits should be conducted to detect and fix security flaws, while static and dynamic analysis tools should be utilized to scan and test your code for security issues.

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Piyush Kumawat

Freelancer | Senior Product Security Engineer @ Harness | Secure SDLC | SAST,DAST,SCA | DevSecOps
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Here are the secure coding practices for mobile app development Data Security User Authentication Authorization Controls Input Validation Secure Data Storage Code Protection Patch Management Session Management Error Handling File Upload Security Secure Network Communication API Security WebView Security Code Reviews and Testing AppPermissions Secure Key Management Data Minimization Secure Third-Party Libraries Security Updates Security Awareness

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3 Test on real devices and networks

The third step to ensure mobile application security is to test your app on real devices and networks. Emulators and simulators can help you test the functionality and usability of your app, but they cannot replicate the real-world conditions and scenarios that your app may face. Therefore, you need to test your app on various device models, operating systems, network types, locations, and regions. Additionally, it's important to consider different attack vectors and scenarios that your app may be exposed to. To do this effectively, you can use cloud-based testing platforms or device farms to access a variety of real devices and networks and perform security testing on your app.

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Andreas Helland

Principal Consultant at Innofactor
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It is common knowledge that bandwidth and coverage may vary on mobile networks, and tooling exists for simulating sub-optimal conditions. But what about relying on sending SMS to a mobile app if you implement a forgotten password feature? Did you know that SMS usually is a best effort delivery? And did you know that actual delivery depends on the agreements between the SMS Gateway/provider you use and the mobile operators? It is of course not feasible to test all possible combinations for a global service. It is however an example of an issue you are very unlikely to experience if not using real services, networks and providers. (The resolution would probably point to having a "plan B" for failover if the SMS is not delivered.)

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4 Update and patch regularly

The fourth step to ensure mobile application security is to update and patch your app regularly. As new vulnerabilities and threats emerge, it is essential to keep your app current with the latest security fixes and enhancements. This includes monitoring and responding to security alerts and reports from users, platforms, and third-party sources. Additionally, you should release security updates and patches as soon as possible, while also notifying your users. Version control and rollback mechanisms are also important for managing your updates and patches, as they should be tested for compatibility and functionality before deployment.

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5 Educate and engage your users

The fifth step to ensure mobile application security is to educate and engage your users. Your users are the first line of defense against cyberattacks, but they may also be the weakest link if they are not aware or careful. As such, it is important to provide clear and concise privacy policies and terms of service for your app, inform your users about the data and permissions that your app requires and why, offer tips and guidance on how to use your app securely and avoid phishing, malware, and other threats, encourage users to update your app and their devices regularly, and solicit feedback and suggestions from your users on how to improve your app's security. Doing so will help ensure that your users are well-equipped to protect themselves from cyberattacks.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Hansa Upadhyay

IT Team Lead Asia
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Encryption can be used to protect sensitive data in transit and at rest. Developers should use encryption algorithms such as AES or RSA to encrypt data. Also, APIs are often used to communicate between mobile applications and servers. Developers should ensure that APIs are secured using techniques such as authentication, authorisation, and encryption. Only authorised users should have access to the sensitive code and servers. This will also help to secure your mobile app.

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How can you ensure mobile application security?

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1 Identify threats and risks

2 Implement secure coding practices

3 Test on real devices and networks

4 Update and patch regularly

5 Educate and engage your users

6 Here’s what else to consider

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