Building an engaging game, e-commerce, utility, or business app is an exciting and lucrative business venture.
In fact, the mobile app industry will generate more than 614 billion US dollars by the end of 2026, and pundits expect that number to keep growing. So, who wouldn’t want a piece of that pie?
However, numbers also show that 75% of potential cyberattacks target mobile consumers.
So, if you’re an app developer or thinking of creating one, you need to focus heavily on your app’s cybersecurity.
Let’s take a look at 8 key elements that you should have in place to boost your app security.
Why Is App Cybersecurity Important?
Last year, approximately 23% of all mobile apps on user devices were malicious. Even if created for the right reasons, compromised apps only contribute to this problem.
Cybercriminals can use an infected app to intercept valuable information like names, addresses, account numbers, and other details. Having a strong security system in place will help protect users’ data and ensure that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Additionally, companies that suffer a breach also experience immense financial pressure. In some regions, the average cost of a breach surpasses the $9 million dollar mark. In the vast majority of cases, building a strong security system is a more cost-effective route than managing a security breach.
8 Key Features You Want on Your App Cybersecurity System
Before going over the key components of a strong app cybersecurity system, it’s important to note that you have to go beyond technical elements.
Instead, you should look at your security system as a whole and find ways to improve every single part of your protection mechanism.
With the above in mind, here are 8 tips to ensure your app is safe.
1. Training for Your Internal Team
Although there’s a major technical component, remember that your team members constitute a big part of your security system.
Rather than taking your employee’s knowledge for granted, take the time to conduct cybersecurity training sessions.
These should focus on informing your team members about the different threats that can impact your app, the effects they have, and best practices to avoid them.
2. Resources to Stay Updated
Cybercriminals are always developing new ways to conduct attacks. You have to stay updated with the latest techniques and optimize your security system accordingly.
In addition to investigating new tendencies, also create resources for your team so that they can stay informed and keep an eye out for any potential attacks. These can include:
- A company cybersecurity newsletter;
- A list of best practices that team members should follow at all times;
- A library of links to news reports and internet safety organizations;
- A guide or manual for employees on how to manage security breaches.
3. Connection Encryption
From your content creators to your developers, anyone that has access to your app can become a target for cybercriminals.
In addition to following security best practices, you should verify that all your team members use an encrypted connection when online.
Using a VPN is always a good idea. If your team is based in the United Kingdom, pick a VPN for the UK that has strong encryption technology and other security features, like a killswitch.
4. Trustworthy Third-Party Code
Checking your own code for errors is possible. But it’s hard to run a popular app today without the help of third-party providers. The problem is that this in itself represents a potential security breach.
To counter this, ensure you’re working with reliable third-party providers that pay special attention to security while coding.
5. Vulnerability Testing
In addition to researching and informing team members about new approaches, you also have to implement adequate safety measures.
As an app owner, it’s your job to implement a vulnerability testing protocol that allows you to identify potential weaknesses based on new trends. This is a highly technical mission, so it’s important to recruit a reliable dev team to help you reach your goals.
6. Penetration Testing
What’s the difference between vulnerability and penetration testing?
Vulnerability testing is mostly about covering new types of attacks. Penetration testing, on the other hand, puts all of your security systems to the test.
The process of testing for vulnerabilities is also known as ethical hacking. In short, it consists of working with a firm that attempts to hack your app, allowing you to determine just how attack-proof your system really is.
7. Secure Servers
All websites, apps, and other digital platforms are stored on servers. Whether they’re onsite or offshore, your servers represent another access point into the network.
This means that you also need to ensure that your servers follow the right safety protocol, or else they may compromise every device that has your app installed.
8. Stored Data Protection
The data that your app stores on the device is just as valuable as the information being transferred to and from it.
Thus, it’s essential to encrypt the information being stored in order to add an extra layer of security.
If you want to take additional precautions, bocking screenshots and enabling file data protection for Android and iOS are also good steps to take.
Conclusion
A mobile application can help you increase your revenue, but it’s important to create an app that’s functional, engaging, and secure.
The 8 essentials listed above can help you create a robust cybersecurity system, minimize the chances of a breach, and help your customers keep their information private.
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