Top mobile app security threats and how to prevent them?

Introduction

Mobile app security picked up a ton of momentum even before the pandemic. But once the pandemic hit and remote working became a standard. Mobile App Security risks have become a boiling topic.

The toughest challenge for organizations is mobile apps security in 2021. The aim is to keep sensitive information out of the wrong hands. Roughly 60% of an organization’s network endpoints are mobile. Thousands of mobile devices access organization information with little security.

The average cost of a data breach to an organization is more than $8 million. 

We write this blog to enlighten entrepreneurs about the top mobile app security threats of 2021. Also, we have curated proven tips to prevent security breaches. 

Top Mobile App Security Risks of 2021

SOCIAL ENGINEERING ATTACKS

A broad range of malicious activities, including human interactions. These attacks have many forms.

Phishing attacks are the most widely spread social engineering threats. Also, one of the biggest mobile app security threats of 2021. 

According to a report by FireEye, a security firm,91% of cyber-crime starts with an email.

Phishing scams are email and text messages send to users. These messages demand immediate action. Though, such emails look like an email from a co-worker. Or a message from an official company.

The email or message contains links to malicious websites or malware attachments. Besides, it prompts users to reveal sensitive information. For instance, prompting to enter the password for a password change.

Users respond to phishing attacks three times more on a smartphone than on a desktop. Besides, 15% of users who once became the victim, will be phished again at least one more time in a year.

Phishing attacks have risen a lot after COVID. People spend more time on their phones. Also, Phishing attacks use social media platforms and other apps. For instance, an SMS scam is getting popular. It claims to have eligibility information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

The best security practices to prevent such attacks are:

• Train employees to differentiate between normal and phishing emails or messages. Holding regular training sessions.
• Use multi factor authentication.
• Use phishing detection software.

Wi-Fi Interference 

Major mobile app security vulnerabilities take place through the internet. Have a secure network to prevent mobile app security risks. Connect to a network only which is optimally secured.

We casually connect to public wi-fi networks and put our data security at risk.

How to secure it?

• Use a secured network.
• Adopt a zero-trust network access model. This model allows access to IP addresses only to known and authenticated users.

Physical Device Breaches

Never keep your smartphones carelessly. If someone steals a mobile device with no strong pin or password, it can be a major security risk. As anyone can access sensitive data on the device.

How to Prevent it?

• Don't leave your phone unattended.
• Always keep a strong password
• Try using a bio-metric phone lock password.

Out of Date OS

An out-of-date Operating System puts a device at high risk of cyber attacks. Older versions have software vulnerabilities. And are more prone to attacks.

Regular software updates maintain smooth performance and security. So next time when you get a pop-up notification for software updates, click update. Clicking 'Remind me later' can put you at a security threat. Keep your device updated.

Malware or Mobile-ad Frauds 

One of the top mobile app security threats is mobile ad fraud. Attackers use malware using ad clicks. The ads appear to be genuine. Though it redirects you to malicious links or websites.

For instance, while downloading an app or a song, you click on download. But a malicious link opens. We have all at one point faced these ad frauds.

Ad fraud malware runs in the device background. It can slow a phone’s performance, drain the battery, and cause overheating. Besides, can lead to higher data charges. Because of this, users lose millions of dollars every year.

How to prevent them?

• Download apps only from an official app store.
• Check reviews before using any website.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

On average, 4% of devices encounter a man-in-the-middle attack in a month. In MITM attacks, someone maliciously blocks communication between two parties. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks involve an attacker or ‘man-in-the-middle’  who blocks the data.

The attackers steal sensitive information by redirecting internet traffic or copying wi-fi hotspots. Then, they decrypt the data to gain information from the mobile phones.

Nowadays, Cyber-criminals use more sophisticated tactics. Like DNS spoofing, HTTPS spoofing, SSL hijacking, and others. To prevent such attacks, use a virtual private network (VPN).

Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking occurs when attackers use a device to mine cryptocurrencies. They use a device's processing power to purchase or exchange the currency. Thus, affected phones experience poor battery life. Sometimes, the phone damages because of overheating.

Unwanted cryptocurrency mining accounts for about 2.5% of malware-related problems.

How to prevent it?

1. Keep a strong password policy.
2. Change all the default device passwords.
3. Never use the same passwords again.

Tips to prevent mobile app security threats

Here are some tips to help protect yourself against mobile app security risks.

1. Keep your software updated. Keep software updated, ensuring protection against most mobile security threats.
2. Choose trusted mobile security. Use mobile security software from a reputable provider. And keep it up to date, too.
3. Install a firewall. Installing a firewall to safeguard your online privacy. Also, stronger protection against digital threats.
4. Strong Password Policy: Always use a strong or bio-metric password on your mobile device.
5. Download apps from official app stores. Download apps from the Google Play Store and the App Store.
6. Use secured networks: Connect only to private or secured wi-fi networks.
7. Use genuine websites: Check website reviews and genuineness before visiting.

Conclusion

Mobile application developers often neglect security in the race to develop apps faster. Mobile app security threats are thus at a constant surge. To prevent such situations, both app developers and device owners are responsible. According to inter trust, "83% of apps have at least one security flaw." Thus, Mobile users must follow best security practices. 

We are the global leaders in Mobile Application Development and we focus exclusively on mobile application security services. Also, we train organizations on how to improve mobile app security.