In a world growing increasingly dependent on technology, mobile Security has never been so important. Things are bound to occasionally go wrong, either because of internal errors, such as leaving unencrypted information lying around, or external ones, such as hackers gaining access to information. Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, undermining the hard work done during app development on both iOS and Android apps. Companies are always on the lookout for measures they can take to prevent them, increasing their cyber security and stopping criminals from accessing their companies. Otherwise hackers can gain access to crucial information, including names, social security numbers, and debit and credit card information. It is said that prevention is better than cure. So, here are a few steps you can take to ensure that the data on your app is not breached.  

Add layers of protection from the beginning

Most app companies concentrate their security efforts on the network aspect of their apps. But the real security vulnerabilities lie in the source Code of the app. The app’s groundwork can turn into a breeding ground of data breaches in coding errors and code testing and so on.  To protect your app from these vulnerabilities from the very beginning, make sure that your code is protected by encryption. There are two forms on encryption you can employ, obfuscation and minification. But these alone will not suffice. You additionally need to combine API encryption with well-supported algorithms. 

A second measure you can take to protect your app’s code is to frequently run source code scanning on your codes. A secure code can be identified as one that remains secure following being ported between different devices and operating devices. In this regard, creating an agile code is immensely helpful.

Breach testing

You must test your app to ensure that it is not vulnerable to data breaches. Hire hackers for the job, instructing them to use a variety of different approaches to see if they can penetrate your mobile security, monitoring whether or not your app has the ability to counter their attacks and alert the developers, or whether it fails to act at all. To keep your mobile app safe, you must be able to see its security mechanism through hackers’ eyes. This is essential for creating a mobile app that is secure from data breaches.

Store minimal information

Asking your customers for too much information is not only intrusive, it invites hackers to break in and steal that information. Hackers are after the maximum amount of information they can get, so secure your app by not storing too much information in it in the first place. Only ask customers for what is absolutely necessary, and no more.

Password protection

Make sure that your app requires a password to login. Also ensure that it has an inbuilt strength checker for passwords, that verifies that your customers’ passwords are significantly strong, requiring a particular amount of numbers, special characters, symbols and capital letters. It shouldn’t be possible to guess the password. Also ensure that users can’t save their passwords, but have to reenter them every time they open the app. Not having to enter passwords again and again may be convenient, but in case their device gets stolen, all their most valuable information can fall into the wrong hands. Also ensure that they logout automatically after a certain period of inactivity.

Detect jailbroken devices

Rooted or jailbroken devices have some security features removed from mobile devices. This causes mobile devices to pass information back and forth when they ought not to, making account information greatly susceptible. It also causes devices to become vulnerable to mobile malware. Rogue apps can infect devices, gaining control over important functions like SMS. Therefore, make sure that your app can Detect Jailbroken Devices and refuse to work on them.

Keep your customers well-informed

Your customers themselves can serve as added layers of security if you keep them well-informed on how to protect themselves and their data, educating them on security measures that they can take, and the best practices they can follow. Promote app security amongst them. Send them regular reminders and tips on how they can do this. Instruct them to use passwords to protect their smart devices, refrain from saving their login data, log out once they are done using an app, establish SMS notification upon each transaction made and provide them with official applications or inform them where they can be downloaded from.

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