Releasing a mobile app is often an exciting next step in many entrepreneurs’ journeys after their websites are up and running successfully. However, in the excitement of building and launching their mobile app, it can be easy for an entrepreneur to forget one of the most fundamental aspects of creating this technology: protecting it. With cases of cybercrimes only predicted to rise in the coming years, not making cybersecurity a priority puts your app—and those who use it—at risk for data theft, lost money, fraud and much more.
Here, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council discuss some of the precautions companies can take to safeguard their mobile apps against cyberattacks and cybercrimes. Taking even just one of the following precautions can put you and your business in a much more secure place.
Young Entrepreneur Council members discuss cybersecurity for mobile apps.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.
1. Implement A Robust Testing And Monitoring Strategy
Companies should have a robust testing and monitoring strategy in place for their mobile apps. This includes both automated and manual testing of the app to ensure that it is functioning as intended and that there are no vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. Additionally, companies should have a way to monitor app activity and user behavior so that they can quickly identify and respond to any suspicious activity. Taking these precautions helps to safeguard mobile apps against potential cyberattacks by ensuring that they are functioning properly and that any vulnerabilities are discovered and addressed quickly. – Adam Preiser, WPCrafter
2. Have Designated IT Experts
Have designated IT experts, whether outsourced or in-house, who are constantly developing and testing ways to ensure the mobile apps have the proper safety measures and that there are no loopholes in their security. Be sure that they are always prepared for a cyberattack. Also, collaborate with them on a cybersecurity plan for your company in case of a cybersecurity emergency. It never hurts to consider all the ways in which something can go wrong and to have numerous ways to be prepared for it. The more prepared you are, the quicker you can react to a cybersecurity threat. – John Rampton, Calendar
3. Focus On Backend Security
Ensure backend security. Deploying security protocols that safeguard against malicious attacks at backend servers is of great help. API authentication and transport mechanisms vary from one platform to another, so you have to verify all your APIs as per the preferred mobile platform you’re coding for. Having a secure backend helps you minimize the likelihood of security exploits and ensure your app’s safety against cyberthreats. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
4. Ensure Data Is Encrypted
There are a few precautions companies can take to safeguard their mobile apps against potential cyberattacks. The main thing they should do is ensure that all data is encrypted. This means that even if someone were to gain access to the data, they would not be able to read it. Additionally, companies should create strong passwords for their apps and require two-factor authentication for login. By taking these steps, companies can help protect their mobile apps from potential cyberattacks. – Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner
5. Send Consistent, Timely Updates
Sending consistent and timely updates is the key. That’s one thing that ensures mobile apps’ safety against cyberattacks. Cybercriminals can be relentless. Even with the sophisticated security protocols deployed by the company, they always find a way—a security exploit. The only way to keep up is to find the loopholes and fix them promptly via app updates. An outdated mobile app is more prone to cyberattacks that can lead to unauthorized data access and information theft. Keeping a mobile app up to date not only helps companies fix the issues identified, but it also protects them against unforeseen exploits and app vulnerabilities. – Jared Atchison, WPForms
6. Run A Penetration Test
The main precaution companies should take to ensure their mobile apps are safeguarded against all potential cyberattacks is to test their apps as soon as they build them. Cyberattacks can put companies at risk of data and information theft, disruption of business activities and brand damage. You need to do a penetration test to ensure your app does not become vulnerable to attacks. It helps to find vulnerabilities at the application layers and helps companies fix them before they are introduced to the market. The test also helps in finding malicious codes and malware inserted in the mobile app, as well as information disclosure, denial of service, authentication, authorization, session management, cross-site scripting and other types of attacks. – Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz
7. Use A Mobile Application Security Platform
As mobile devices become increasingly prevalent in everyday life, it’s becoming even more important for companies to take precautions to ensure their mobile apps are safeguarded against potential cyberattacks. One key way this goal can be accomplished is by using a mobile application security platform. These platforms will help to identify and protect against a wide range of cyberthreats and attacks. By using a variety of techniques such as static and dynamic analysis, app users are kept safe and so is your business. A major factor that’s required for getting the most out of these security platforms is keeping your software up to date. This will ensure that your app is safe on all the latest versions of operating systems for the different phones on the market. – Richard Fong, Assured Standard
8. Follow The Three T’s
Follow the three T’s: tools, testing and talent. First, make sure you have the right tools in place to detect vulnerabilities and threats before they become problems. Second, you should always be testing the security of your mobile app to prevent cyberattacks. Third, you should invest in the right talent to safeguard your mobile apps. This is separate talent from the developers who created your app. This is talent that is either internal or outsourced. You need cybersecurity experts to protect your app users and your business from the disaster that could be a security breach. This is not an area where you should try to cut costs because it’s much too important. – Jonathan Prichard, MattressInsider.com
