You’re concerned about mobile app security for your business. How do you know if you’re protected?

Few line items related to Secure App development are - 1. Code should not have any hardcoded credentials like Google API keys, private keys, Salt used in hash generation , sensitive user information. 2. All the PII and SPDI data stored in local App storage should be encrypted. For ex. adding a card to the list of Saved cards can be risky if 16 digit card details are stored in local phone storage in clear text. 3. Proper checks should be implemented in code like App Signature check ( prevents App cloning ) , app version controls, side loading of apk checks, rooted and jail broken device checks, malicious app package checks, etc 4. Logs should not contain any PII or SPDI data. 5. Proper obfuscation should be used using R8/Proguard .

Work on the following steps for improving Mobile app's security, - Donot hardcode any credentials in the source code, all credentials you need should be fetched from the backend via a bootstrap call at app's launch. - Donot have any kind of logging in mobile app, have debug logs only that too for reporting errors only if needed, else log all errors/success to Splunk. - Use static analysis tools like SonarQube that highlight vulnerabilities in the code. - Use code obfuscation tools like Proguard to prevent reverse engineering of your app.

To determine if your mobile app is adequately protected, you can assess several key factors. These include conducting security assessments and testing, ensuring compliance with industry standards, implementing secure authentication and data encryption, staying updated with security patches, monitoring for security incidents, and engaging with security experts for audits and guidance. By evaluating these aspects, you can gain confidence in the app's security posture and identify any areas that may require further attention to enhance protection against potential threats.

By conducting a comprehensive security assessment of mobile app. This involves identifying potential vulnerabilities, understanding attack surfaces, and evaluating the overall security posture. Engage with security experts or utilize automated tools to perform penetration testing, code reviews, and vulnerability assessments.

Here are few things people usually do which should be avoided: 1. API keys or secret keys should not be hard-coded locally. Instead they should be fetched from backend. If backend is not feasible, then we should use Android Keystore. 2. While adding dependencies, we should analyze the library properly. Specifically with respect to the permissions they use and whether those are needed or not. 3. We should create a marker annotation for user critical data models. This should be used in CI process to identify if we are logging this data model or not.

Few pointers here -- 1. Advanced encryption mechanisms should be evaluated and used like the Diffie Hellman ( DH key ) algorithm over RSA+AES algorithms, as Man in the middle attacks are still possible using OpenSSL . SSL pinning should be mandatorily used in Fintech and Lending apps. 2. While collecting user form data like opening a bank account or onboarding on any kind of loan, all temporary saved data in the local storage should be encrypted and ephemeral ( should be linked to token expiry) . 3. OAuth 2.0 and other token based authentication should only be used in API's , as tokens can be both short lived and long lived. 4. Proper user access and role management should be implemented in case of a single app for multiple roles.

Here are some stuff we can do: 1. API communication should be encrypted. 2. Server should response to only whitelisted requests. Something like Firebase App Check. 3. SharedPrefs should be replaced with EncryptedSharedPrefs. SQLite should be encrypted using SQLCipher. 4. Scoped storage should be used for any file related requirements. 5. Servers and Storages should be local to the country where the business runs.

Encrypting data at rest and in transit is crucial, as it prevents unauthorized access even if a device is lost or intercepted. Implementing strong authentication and authorization ensures that only legitimate users can access sensitive data. Adhering to the principle of least privilege minimizes exposure to data breaches by restricting user access to the minimum necessary. Regularly backing up data and having robust recovery plans can mitigate the impact of data loss. Compliance with data protection laws, such as GDPR or HIPAA, not only avoids legal repercussions but also builds trust with users by demonstrating a commitment to their privacy.

Securing app data is critical for mobile app security: Encryption and Access Control: Implement encryption for data at rest and in transit. Use robust authentication and authorization mechanisms. Data Minimization: Limit the data your app collects and accesses. Adhere to the principle of least privilege. Backup and Recovery: Establish data backup strategies and ensure there are recovery options in case of data loss. Compliance with Regulations: Stay compliant with data protection laws relevant to your industry and region. These steps help in safeguarding sensitive data handled by your app.

Ensure that you data is encrypted, both for network and for internal storage. Consider corner cases of your mobile apps when user has root and access to the app-specific directory – in addition to the lock by system, apply kind of encryption to your files (through ready-to-use libraries that leverages NDK). As for network, when connecting to the server, make sure that there's no man-in-the-middle – bundle your app with your SSL certificate and validate it.

When connecting to the server, make sure that there's no man-in-the-middle – bundle your app with your SSL certificate and validate it. No HTTP should be used or any other alternative without encryption.

Certificate pinning is an ideal way to protect against MitM attacks and is very easy to set up on all mobile platforms. There is a slight caveat however. The certificates have an expiry date, in most cases after a year from when it was produced. So I recommend first implementing an immediate app update feature to allow for hot fixes in case the certificate is suddenly revoked or when it expires.

Implementing secure network protocols is crucial, but it's equally important to consider end-to-end encryption to protect data in transit. Regularly updating SSL/TLS certificates and conducting penetration tests can further strengthen network security. Additionally, employing mobile device management (MDM) solutions can help enforce security policies and manage the risks associated with mobile devices accessing corporate networks.

Securing the app network is essential for overall mobile app security: Use Secure Protocols: Implement HTTPS or SSL/TLS for encrypted communication between the app and servers. Network Monitoring and Testing: Regularly monitor and test network security to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Implement Protective Measures: Utilize firewalls and VPNs to prevent unauthorized access and bolster network security. Educate Users and Employees: Raise awareness about the risks associated with public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks and provide guidance on safer alternatives. Prioritizing network security helps in protecting the app from external threats and maintaining user trust.

Secure app network For network security: Secure APIs: Ensure that all API communications are over HTTPS. Certificate Pinning: Implement certificate pinning to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Network Security Measures: Use firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems to secure network traffic associated with the app.

One essential thing is to include clear release notes to let the users know about the update. You can also implement and add a custom dialog for release notes when a user opens your app after an update. If it’s a forced update, let them know why it is forced and ideally give them some time to update before they can’t use the app.

Regular maintenance and updates are crucial for mobile app security, as threats evolve rapidly. By patching vulnerabilities and addressing bugs, developers can protect users from emerging security risks. It's essential to foster a culture of security among users by emphasizing the importance of timely updates. Moreover, regular security audits help in identifying and mitigating risks proactively, ensuring that the app complies with the latest security standards and regulations.

Maintaining app security through updates is crucial: Regular Updates and Patches: Release updates to address bugs, vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues. Educate Users: Inform users and employees about the importance of timely app updates and provide clear update instructions. Review Security Policies: Regularly update your app security policies and procedures. Conduct Security Audits: Periodically assess your app's security performance and compliance. Staying proactive with app maintenance and user education ensures robust security and user trust.

Secure app updates To manage updates securely: Timely Patching: Regularly update and patch the app to fix any known vulnerabilities. Signing Updates: Use code signing to verify that updates are from a legitimate source. Update Alerts: Prompt users to update to the latest app version for security improvements.

Thorough testing is vital for app security: Diverse Testing Methods: Employ unit, integration, functional, and penetration testing to ensure comprehensive security checks. Utilize Varied Testing Tools: Test on simulators, emulators, and real devices across different platforms and configurations. User Involvement: Involve users and employees in the testing process for real-world feedback. Feedback Analysis: Collect and analyze feedback to identify and rectify security concerns. Consistent testing across various scenarios fortifies app security and enhances user trust.

In my experience, it is important beside following best practices to develop application securely. Base on your chosen platform for example, Android vs iOS a specific tests also important to prevent attacks.

Secure app testing Conduct thorough testing using: Penetration Testing: Perform ethical hacking attempts to uncover vulnerabilities. Vulnerability Scanning: Use automated tools to scan for common security issues. Third-Party Audits: Engage with security experts to audit the app's security.

In my experience, it's crucial to stay updated with the latest in this field. I remember once attending a webinar that introduced me to an advanced security framework, which we promptly integrated into our development process. This move significantly bolstered our app's defense against emerging threats. In short, staying informed, seeking expert guidance, and employing cutting-edge tools are key to ensuring your mobile app remains secure. It's a blend of continuous learning and adapting to the evolving landscape of app security.

Secure app resources Ensure resources are secured by: Using Trusted Libraries: Use well-maintained and reputable third-party libraries. Monitoring for Vulnerabilities: Continuously monitor the security of all used resources. Securing Backend Services: Make sure that any backend services interacting with the app are secure.

The first thing is to accept that you are vulnerable. That's all there is to it. Your code is vulnerable and your application is vulnerable. And guess what? The client terminal that's going to use your application is vulnerable too, and so are the third-party applications you're going to use. You need to prepare the various controls to ensure that you are robust to these failures, and you also need to ensure that your customers implement your application in such a way as to be robust to your failures.

Have a plan for when your security is breached. A planned response that provides you and your team with a clear set if roles and responsibilities for dealing with a security incident. The process of thinking and creating this plan will help you create a risk assessment and mitigation strategy that clearly shows you understand that no matter how good your security, someone, who really wants to do so ... will find a way around it. Accept this as the reality ... and be prepared, professionally. Security starts, imo, with a few simple questions ... "what happens to the business if X system is compromised?" and "why are we collecting this data?" The answers should be in unambiguous, accountable financial terms.

Compliance with Regulations: Adhere to industry standards and legal requirements such as GDPR or HIPAA. Security Training: Provide security awareness and training for developers and users. Incident Response Plan: Have a plan in place to respond to security breaches quickly. User Education: Educate users on secure practices, like recognizing phishing attempts. User Privacy: Ensure user privacy by collecting only necessary data with user consent.