Imagine life without mobile!

It’s not acceptable as we are used to with. We do nearly everything online at any time, from banking to control IoT in our home, from remote work to check productivity and more. While we are dependent on mobile apps for our every task, app security must be considered.

According to a report, nearly 85% of mobile apps violate the security standard and become vulnerable. Being customers, we all want the app that protects our data, especially finance and healthcare apps. Online shopping apps that store your financial details can be at risk if they haven’t applied a perfect strategy for app security.

Below I have mentioned Five Android app security measures that should be applied before you launch the app out.

#1. Secure your native code

Native apps are not similar to the web applications as its data and software is secured on server and browser is just an interface. However, the code of native apps exists on the device once downloaded and it can be accessible for everyone with hostile purpose. Undoubtedly, there may be vulnerabilities in the source code of the app and that’s where businesses should focus.

Tips to follow to protect your native app’s code:

• Encrypt your code. Make it hard to read and secretive. Use modern and well-supported algorithms combined with API encryption.
• Test code again and again for vulnerabilities.
• Make sure app source code should be portable between a device and operating system so the app can be updated easily.
• Don’t rely on the App Store’s validation for app security. This process is not 100% faultless so ensure you follow the guidelines manually.

#2. Ensure Network Connection Security

To secure the app data and block unauthorized access, there should be security measures for servers and cloud servers that APIs are going to access. All APIs and others that are going to access them should have authentication process to stop sensitive information transiting from the client’s browser to the app server.

Use Containerization method to store the data and document securely. Ask your network security expert for penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to ensure data security. Employ data encryption methods including TL Sand SSL.

#3. API Security

Employing security measures for APIs must be the first priority for developers as app development is highly dependent on them. APIs are responsible for the transition of data between applications, the cloud and different users.

Use Identification, Authentication and Authorization measures.

• Third-party APIs should be used cautiously. Make sure you only give access to your app that is absolutely required in order to use API.
• Apply OAuth2 protocol to secure connections using its one-time tokens.
• JSON web tokens are perfect to use for mobile security. 
• Allow users to login with OpenID Connect, a federation protocol that allows users to login with the same ID.

#4. High-level Authentication

Authentication is the most critical part when it comes to mobile app security. Weak authentication can be a top reason to data breach and you don’t want that. Authentication should be given a top priority for app security.

The most common method of authentication is password. Make your password policy strong enough so no one can break it easily.

Another method can be used is multi-factor authentication. This can be done by OTP login or sending authentication codes on emails. If you have fintech app and want to secure more, can use biometrics login.

#5. Secure Mobile Data

As mentioned, the app's code and data are stored on a local device. More data stored locally, more at risk. There are some risky apps which leak customer data collected in the background,  for example, location.

• Apply first-level encryption that encrypts data on a file-by-file basis so it cannot be read easily.
• Use encrypt databases for app development, for instance, encrypted SQLite.
• Make sure your app doesn’t store sensitive data like credit card information and passwords on a device. It stored, ensure you store in secure and encrypted storage.
• Key management should be a priority for Android app security.

Mobile users are increasing over time and so hackers. With a perfect app security strategy and quality mobile app developer to work on bugs and threats, you can secure the app for users and ensure them for data security.