The integration of smartphones into our daily lives has made mobile data security important. These applications, which offer a wide range of services from shopping to health monitoring, make our lives significantly easier. However, there is a fact that is ignored; There are significant security vulnerabilities when downloading mobile applications. Researchers state that 75% of mobile applications have data security problems. These vulnerabilities could allow cyber attackers to gain access to users’ personal data and financial information.
Security Vulnerabilities in Mobile Applications
Insecure data storage vulnerability experienced on the mobile application side is one of the important security vulnerabilities. Some findings were included in the report published by Positive Technologies in 2019.
Common Security Vulnerabilities
After investigation, it became clear that insecure data storage was the most common security issue in the tested applications. In 76% of the devices examined, this was found to pose a security risk and endanger the safety of users. Investigations also revealed that more than a third (35%) of applications transmit sensitive data insecurely. Moreover, it has been stated that they contain vulnerabilities related to incorrect implementation of session termination.
Sources of Security Vulnerabilities
Sensitive data is stored in the application source code in one-fifth of the applications tested. This situation leads to insufficient security against cyber attacks using Brute-Force techniques. The Brute-Force techniques in question are a type of digital attack to obtain a password. This situation creates additional security vulnerabilities.
Risk Assessment and Statistics
Researchers classify the vulnerabilities listed above as medium risk, and 29% of the applications tested as high risk. One of the most high-risk vulnerabilities in mobile applications is unsecured communication between processes. This allows attackers to remotely access processed data through vulnerable mobile applications. This technique is generally prohibited for IOS applications. However, this is possible to provide a faster experience in the browser. There are cases where this technique is used in social media applications that share their functions with other applications on the same device.
Security Vulnerabilities on Different Platforms
There are many mobile applications with high-risk security vulnerabilities in iOS and Android operating systems. 89% of the discovered vulnerabilities can be exploited without physical access to the device using malware. This potentially poses a risk of attack on users’ sensitive information.
Solutions and Suggestions for Mobile Data Security Problems
Positive Technologies expert Leigh-Anne Galloway emphasizes that mobile application developers should be more careful about security vulnerabilities. Galloway states that many applications are critically insecure and not enough effort has been made to solve them. According to experts, developers can put more thought into it and provide more effective protection against vulnerabilities. “In addition, users can more easily protect themselves from malicious attacks by paying attention to the applications they download to their phones.”
“Positive Technologies expert Galloway states that users should be careful when downloading applications. In particular, she states that applications should carefully consider requests for access to phone functions or user data. Galloway warns against clicking unknown links in SMS and chat applications. It is also stated that one should be more careful when downloading applications from third-party application stores.
Recommendations for Mobile Application Developers and Users
SC Media writer, Maria Redka, is one of those who argue that data security should come first, regardless of the service the application provides to the user. In this context, Redka offers 10 tips on better mobile application security, especially for application developers.
Recommendations for Application Developers
- Secure your code: Securing an application starts with the coding process. In this context, application developers should secure their codes at the beginning of the process.
- Test: Make sure you test your app at every stage to fix every small issue that arises before it turns into an avalanche that affects the entire product.
- Secure the Application Programming Interface (API): Application Programming Interface is one of the most important parts of the mobile application. This part can become the most vulnerable area of the product. In this framework, each application must obtain an API permission key before interacting with or making changes to the platform on which it runs.
Stop unwanted data leaks: Unwanted data leaks are one of the most important security issues in mobile applications. Almost every app asks for permission from a user before installation begins. Limit app data sources and encrypt app data to never compromise your users’ security. - Hire a security team: One of the best things you can do to secure your mobile app is to hire a security team from the very beginning.
Implement high levels of authentication policies: Weak user authentication is the main reason behind many security breaches. High-level authentication can help you better protect your application. Encourage users to set strong passwords, give them tips on storing their passwords correctly, and warn them about threats that are not obvious. - Develop access policies: For a developer, it is possible to secure your application only by using secure libraries and frameworks. During the app development process, ensure that the app complies with the company’s policies and guidelines, as well as local policies.
Recommendations for Users
- Use cryptography techniques: It’s a good idea to use the latest encryption techniques to protect your mobile app.
- Inform users about safe use: Inform your application users about threats. For example, tell them that apps downloaded from unverified sources can steal their personal and financial information
- Warn users: There are some situations where data security does not depend on the application developer. In this regard, it is necessary to warn users about possible security threats that the application developer cannot prevent.
To summarize, mobile data security is an indispensable issue in our digital age. Users must be more careful than ever to ensure the security of their personal information and data. Research shows that most mobile applications have data security vulnerabilities. This means sensitive information is at risk. Therefore, both users and application developers should maximize their security measures. Additionally, this issue should be given due attention. While benefiting from the conveniences offered by mobile applications, we should always prioritize data security.
References:
- Danny Palmer, ZDNET, “Three-quarters of mobile apps have this security vulnerability that could put your personal data at risk”, https://www.zdnet.com/article/three-quarters-of-mobile-apps-have-this-security-vulnerability-that-could-put-your-personal-data-at-risk/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=28786404532085290780725283797471
- Maria Redka, “10 tips for better mobile application security”, SC Media, https://www.scmagazineuk.com/10-tips-better-mobile-application-security/article/1584453