The usage of the mobile apps has grown tremendously and so does the risk of being attacked. According to a study by Gartner, “75% of mobile applications would fail basic security tests”. Majority of business owners believe that mobile apps are not prone to cyber-attacks. However, hackers are targeting mobile applications with complex attacks and securing a mobile app has become a top priority for stakeholders.

During a research by HPE, over 2000 mobile apps from over 600 companies were tested and the results were as follows:

• 18% of applications sent usernames and passwords over HTTP while 18% implemented SSL/HTTPS correctly.
• 75% of applications didn’t utilize correct encryption methods for storage of data from the mobile device
• 71% of applications failed to incorporate binary hardening protections against cyber-attacks.

TYPE OF CYBER-SECURITY THREATS

Before we discuss the ways to secure mobile app from cyber-attacks, let us have a brief overview of common app security threats.

1. Cross-Device Threats

A number of apps allow users to download the app from PC and later add it to mobile devices, which causes cross-device threats.

2. Threats in App Store Security

Platform for mobile application development will have an effect on security. As much as 90% of mobile apps contain vulnerabilities. In case of iOS devices, Apple takes the security issues seriously and accommodate users to access the level of the apps used.

Comparatively, Android devices are more prone to app security issues due to the huge range of device type, app store requirements and operating system. Read more