The 2020 McAfee Mobile Threat Report stated that hidden mobile apps, which were downloaded from gamer forums and unreliable websites, accounted for nearly 50 percent of the total consumer mobile threats reported in 2019. This is why it is integral for app developers and companies to find ways to improve mobile app security.
Most of you would have probably heard about fake mobile applications or malicious apps, which mimic legit apps’ functionality or look. Users who download such apps are compromising their mobile app security. This is because malicious apps may perform several actions that include the following.
- Diverting revenue
- Infecting your device with malware
- Intercepting confidential or sensitive data
- Harvesting credentials
- Displays ads for earning ad revenue
It is crucial to remember that malicious or fake mobile applications are bad, not just for customers or end-users. They are also bad for legitimate app developers, as they are at a greater risk of losing reputation and money. The above stats will indicate why mobile application security is critical these days.
What Is Mobile App Security?
Mobile app security can be defined as the collective number of measures taken to secure the environment of mobile devices. Mobile app security will act as a line of defense against several mobile application security threats like malware attacks, credential theft, and data leakage.
Several individuals make the grave mistake of using malicious apps with shopping or banking apps, putting you at higher risk. This is because the malicious apps might steal credit card details, bank details, login credentials, and other valuable information.
Such malicious applications might also track users’ location, address, and purchase preferences, which may be used for immoral or nefarious purposes. The good news is that several mobile app security tips will help you to secure mobile devices.
Limit The Number Of Apps In Your Device
The search engine giant Google suggested that an average person has approximately 35 mobile applications on their device. However, several people often tend to forget that applications that are not from credible sources might cause you a lot of trouble.
Most people also make the mistake of downloading random gaming and utility applications, which they don’t need. For instance, you will be able to read PDFs and other file formats with the help of the Google Drive app instead of downloading other applications.
Limiting the number of applications on your phone is an excellent idea, which will help you boost mobile app security. Limiting mobile apps is essential if you are using the same device for financial and internet banking purposes.
Download Apps From Reliable And Trusted Apps
Most of you would have probably heard several experts saying that you should download mobile apps only from reliable sources. However, it is important to note that some of these trusted sources might also contain malicious apps. This is because app developers often create apps and list them on Apple Store and Google Store.
So, users should be really careful of the applications that come from third-party developers. A recent study revealed that malicious applications listed on the Play Store infected more than 1.7 million devices. Most of these mobile apps were disguised as kid’s apps, and they infected devices with the ‘Tekya’ malware.
Experts claim that there are several malicious apps in the Apple Store through which hackers or scammers will be generating millions. This is one of the major reasons why Google introduced the ‘Google Play Protect Feature”. This innovative feature scans applications and prevents users from downloading malicious applications. Users can easily turn on the feature in the Settings under the Google Play Store application.
Identity Confirmation Through Code Signing Certificates
You would have probably gotten a clear idea of third-party applications and how troublesome they can be in some cases. This is why it is important to confirm who the app developer is before downloading or installing the application on your own.
However, most users might not know how they can confirm the identity of the mobile app developer and the code integration of the applications. This is why it is important to know about code signing certificates.
Most experienced and reputed app developers will digitally sign their applications by using a code signing certificate. Code signing certificates can be defined as digital certificates, which Certificate Authorities issue.
The primary purpose of code signing certificates is to confirm and verify the identity of the developer. These digital certificates hash the app code, which will prevent hackers from altering the code. Businesses that have mobile apps must secure them with the help of a code signing certificate.
Be Aware Of Clone Mobile Apps
It might come as a surprise to several readers when they hear that several hackers use simple techniques to launch attacks. For instance, a lot of hackers clone popular mobile apps and then add malware to these apps.
Techniques like this work because users get confused between genuine applications and their clones. According to a new study, Google deleted approximately 163 malicious mobile apps described as ‘CopyCatz Apps’ from Google Play Store.
These types of imitation applications lure users and prompt them to download them instead of genuine ones. This is why users need to check the app developer’s name and not just the design and logo before downloading applications.
Update The Operating System Of Your Device
One of the simplest things you can do to improve mobile app security is to update the Operating System of your device whenever a new update is released. This is essential because OS developers will be releasing security patches through updates to prevent threats.
Experts claim that devices with updated Operating Systems are immune to nearly 75 percent of total security threats. So, if you have not updated the OS to the latest available version, your device will be exposed to security issues and threats.
Conclusion
Some of the tips mentioned in the article may indeed seem non-technical to users, but they can help you greatly reduce potential risks. More than 56,000 malware are being detected daily, but you will not have to worry about them if you properly follow the above-mentioned mobile security tips.
