Mobile Application Security
Discussion of cyber crime frequently focuses on the vulnerabilities of websites and the security systems of servers, networks, desktops and payment services. However, just as much attention should be given to the question of mobile devices and, more specifically, mobile application security. Mobile devices are now the dominant means of interaction between businesses and their customers. Moreover, a great deal of that interaction is not via websites but through apps designed for optimal function on mobile devices. Studies have found that serious vulnerabilities exist in 38% of iOS applications and 43% of Android apps. Most of the main issues are common to both, with insecure storage of data being the most widespread. That means passwords are at risk along with everything they protect, including financial information and personal data.
Furthermore, because of the chain of communication between mobile devices and servers, hackers rarely need to gain access to a smartphone in order to take advantage because most attacks are carried out using malware. At the same time, users are often less vigilant when using mobiles than they would be in other online situations and may fail to terminate secure sessions or neglect to keep their security provisions up to date. This is another compelling reason as to why mobile application security should be treated as a priority. Mobile applications provide a vital channel of commerce for businesses. If consumers lose confidence in them, the whole edifice comes under serious threat.
Mobile application security testing with Gradeon
Resourceful criminals use a wide variety of methods to steal valuable information or compromise transactions. Sometimes they will be used in combination, at other times one method alone is sufficient. Common problems include inadequate storage of data which allows other apps to harvest it, sub-standard authorisation checks which criminals can bypass, poor encryption and unencrypted transmission. Whether you are developing apps in house or commissioning them from a design company, an application security service should be an integral part of every project. Every known or suspected weakness must be the subject of rigorous anticipatory design measures. It can be worth taking this function away from the developer and outsourcing it to someone with a fresh perspective.
Gradeon understands the value of this approach. We place enormous emphasis on the need to carry out mobile application security testing both in development and during the life of the app as conditions change and security measures are potentially rendered weaker. Mobile application security testing includes a thorough exploration of how the app receives, stores and transmits data, decryption of the app’s encrypted elements, examining the source code, employing static analysis to pinpoint vulnerabilities, penetration testing and using all the capabilities of reverse engineering to explore the integrity of the app’s security framework. This is too important to be left to chance. The fact that your apps may not have been compromised in the past does not mean they will always be safe in the future. Let Gradeon give you the assurance that your apps are operating at the highest level of security currently possible.