In an age where your smartphone knows more about you than your best friend, mobile app security is less of an option and more of a necessity.
Countless cases demonstrate how inadequate security measures in mobile applications have led to massive data breaches. These breaches affect millions of users and cause major financial losses for businesses.
We are going to walk you through essential information about securing mobile apps and help you identify common vulnerabilities and implement strong security measures that protect your applications and user data from potential threats.
Table of Contents
What Is Mobile App Security?
Mobile app security refers to protective measures and technologies that safeguard applications on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
The current state of mobile app security reveals some troubling numbers. Research shows that 62% of Android apps have cybersecurity vulnerabilities. IOS apps face even bigger challenges with 93% of apps being vulnerable and susceptible to successful repackaged. These numbers show why mobile app security needs immediate attention.
Let’s go quickly through the most common vulnerabilities that a mobile app can have.
- Data storage concerns: Mobile apps store sensitive information like banking details, personal data, and login credentials, and if the app has no encryption, it’s like leaving your house key under the doormat.
- Outdated security stack: An obsolete security framework makes your app susceptible to new cyber threats.
- Platform vulnerabilities: Different operating systems have their own security gaps. For example, Android’s open ecosystem can make it more susceptible to malware, while iOS apps may face issues with jailbroken devices.
- User authentication: Mobile apps need specialized security measures to verify users. Weak authentication can grant hackers' easy unauthorized access.
- Poor code quality: Bugs and vulnerabilities in app code are a playground for cybercriminals.
The Importance of Mobile App Security
Why should you care about mobile app security? Because the stakes are high — think reputation, revenue, and most importantly, user trust. One of the more compelling reasons may be that, according to research done by IBM, the average data breach cost organizations a record-high $4.88 million in 2024, up from $4.45 million in 2023.
A single security breach can devastate a business beyond financial losses. Customer trust and reputation damage often hit harder than immediate money losses. Let’s have a closer look at other reasons why mobile app security is important.
- Protects sensitive data: Mobile apps handle more sensitive information than traditional desktop applications, which raises serious data security concerns. These apps can access precise location data, contact details, sensor information, photos, and messages. This expanded access makes them attractive targets for cyberattacks.
- Compliance with regulations: From GDPR to HIPAA, failing to meet security standards can result in hefty fines and legal drama.
- Maintains brand reputation: One breach can tarnish years of trust. Just ask any company that’s had to publicly apologies for a data leak. We are going to go deeper on this further on.
- Prevents financial losses: As we already mentioned, cyberattacks cost businesses billions annually. A robust security strategy is far cheaper. Regular security checks and strong security measures throughout an app's lifecycle remain essential to protect your business.
5 Common Mobile App Security Threats + Real-Life Examples
Our research and analysis of mobile app security incidents reveals several critical threats that continue to plague applications. These threats show clear patterns when we look at real-life examples that show their effects.
- Phishing attacks
- Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks
- Malware and ransomware
- Reverse engineering
- Session hijacking
1. Phishing Attacks
These attacks trick users into divulging sensitive information via fake emails or links. One such example is the attack on Australian bank apps.
Attackers impersonated recruiters offering fake jobs to trick users into downloading a malicious customer relationship management (CRM) application, which installed the Antidot Banker malware to steal user credentials.
2. Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) Attacks
This one involves hackers intercepting communications between users and the app. In October 2024, fitness app Strava inadvertently exposed sensitive location data of prominent individuals, including political leaders. The app’s transmission of unencrypted data allowed unauthorized interception, highlighting the risks of inadequate data encryption during transmission.
Similarly, the Amazon Ring Neighbours App breach stands out as a striking example. A security flaw in 2021 exposed precise locations and addresses of users who posted to the app. Ring's focus on home security couldn't prevent this vulnerability from exposing sensitive user data, including latitude, longitude, and home addresses.
3. Malware and Ransomware
These malicious programs can steal data, lock users out, or even demand a ransom. For example, in December 2024, several cybersecurity experts discovered that Russian cyber spies were targeting Android devices with malware capable of recording phone calls and accessing photos. The malware was hidden in fake versions of popular apps such as Telegram and Samsung Knox and was distributed through social engineering attacks.
Another example here is Apple's zero-day flaw in iMessage which exposed 900 million active users of iPhones, iPads, iWatches, and MacBooks to spyware in 2021. This case showed that even the most secure platforms can contain critical vulnerabilities.
4. Reverse Engineering
This threat involves hackers deconstructing an app code to find vulnerabilities. An example of this is the MOVEit file transfer software vulnerability in 2023 which led to a series of software supply-chain attacks. Hackers exploited this vulnerability to access and exfiltrate data from numerous organizations, affecting over 65 million individuals.
5. Session Hijacking
Session hijacking is when attackers exploit active user sessions to gain unauthorized access. In 2024, several major companies, including Prudential, Verizon, and Bank of America, experienced data breaches where attackers exploited active user sessions to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Most of these breaches could have been prevented with proper security measures. Many companies still treat mobile app security as an afterthought instead of making it a fundamental requirement during development.
10 Best Practices for Mobile App Security
About 96% of people worldwide use mobile devices to access the internet.This huge user base makes mobile applications prime targets for cybercriminals. Mobile app security combines different approaches to protect against security threats.
Here are some of the best practices on how to fortify your app.
- Secure code development
- Implement strong authentication
- Encrypt sensitive data
- Secure APIs
- Regular security updates
- Conduct rigorous security testing
- Secure data transmission
- Educate your users
- Monitor and respond in real time
- Adopt a zero-trust framework
1. Secure Code Development
For business, secure code development is more than technical necessity — it’s a brand safeguard. Investing in developer training or a top ranked mobile app development agency is resilient to cyber threats.
Make sure the backend of your app is protected with firewalls, strict access controls, and continuous activity monitoring. Employ role-based permissions to ensure users only access what they need.
Also, code obfuscation is a must to prevent someone from reverse engineering your app. This technique scrambles code into an unreadable format, thwarting attackers aiming to exploit vulnerabilities.
2. Implement Strong Authentication
Weak authentication is a hacker’s open invitation to your app. As a business, prioritize multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add layers of security without compromising user experience. Incorporate biometrics, like fingerprint or facial recognition, to provide seamless and secure access. By doing so, you not only reduce the risk of breaches but also build user trust.
3. Encrypt Sensitive Data
Encryption isn’t optional for businesses handling sensitive user data — it’s a regulatory and ethical imperative. Implement advanced encryption standards (AES) to protect data at rest and in transit. For businesses in finance or healthcare, compliance with encryption requirements ensures you avoid legal penalties while safeguarding customer confidence.
Alessandro Pellizzari, CEO and CTO of Mostrum, points out some key concepts for securing user data while ensuring a seamless user experience:
- Collect only essential data and avoid over-collecting.
- Use HTTPS and encryption to protect data in transit.
- Employ strong encryption techniques to protect data at rest.
- Conduct regular security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Communicate security measures to users and build trust.
- Design security features that are easy to use and don't hinder the user experience.
Encryption protects not just data but the lifeline of your business.
4. Secure APIs
Application programming interfaces (APIs) are the foundation of app connectivity but can become a liability if left unsecured. Use authentication tokens, encrypt all API communications, and enforce strict access permissions. Regularly test and monitor APIs to ensure they remain secure.
5. Regular Security Updates
A business’s reputation can hinge on how quickly it addresses vulnerabilities. Regular security updates not only protect your app but signal to users that their security is your priority. Develop an update strategy that minimizes user friction and encourages adoption.
6. Conduct Rigorous Security Testing
You won’t launch an app that hasn’t gone through profound testing, so conducting a security testing before launching an app or even an update is even more important. It is a business investment that pays dividends in risk mitigation.
Regularly perform penetration testing to simulate potential cyberattacks and uncover weaknesses. Static and dynamic application security testing provide insights into vulnerabilities in both the codebase and runtime environments.
7. Secure Data Transmission
Insecure data transmissions can lead to catastrophic breaches. As a business, mandate the use of HTTPS for all data transfers and employ certificate pinning to prevent MITM attacks. Secure transmission protocols ensure that sensitive user information, such as payment details, remains confidential.
8. Educate Your Users
User education is a business strategy as much as it is a security measure. Teach users how to protect themselves through in-app tutorials, emails, or blogs that emphasize creating strong passwords or recognizing phishing attempts. An informed user base acts like the first line of defense, reducing the likelihood of human error compromising your app’s security.
9. Monitor and Respond in Real-Time
Real-time monitoring tools are essential to detect and neutralize threats as they emerge. Threats don’t wait for business hours, and neither should your defense mechanisms. Proactive monitoring and rapid responses to potential breaches limit damage and demonstrate your company’s commitment to user safety.
Sometimes, being reactive isn’t enough; staying ahead of threats defines the leaders from the laggards.
10. Adopt a Zero-Trust Framework
A zero-trust framework means verifying every user and device before granting access. Assume nothing and verify everything, minimizing risks and ensuring every connection is secure. Implementing zero trust requires robust identity verification, strict access controls, and continuous monitoring.
For instance, if an employee logs in from a new device, the system could require additional authentication steps, such as one-time password (OTP) or biometric verification. Similarly, access to sensitive resources is granted only on a need-to-know basis, limiting exposure to critical systems.
Note that mobile app security isn't a one-time thing — it needs ongoing attention. These practices together create a detailed security framework that protects both the application and its users effectively.
Mobile App Security: The Bottom Line
Mobile app security needs constant attention and proactive steps.
A multi-layered approach makes mobile app security work well. Strong encryption, secure authentication, regular testing, and proper data handling are the foundations of a secure mobile application. Businesses that follow these best practices reduce their security breach risks by a lot and keep their data safer.
Security requires continuous effort and dedication. Regular security checks, threat monitoring, and strict security protocols should be maintained throughout your app's lifecycle. Note that protecting user data goes beyond preventing breaches — it builds and maintains your mobile application's trust.
Mobile App Security FAQs
1. What are the most common security threats to mobile applications?
Common security threats include data breaches, improper authentication, weak encryption, malicious code, vulnerable networks, and insecure data transmission. These threats can compromise user data and lead to significant financial losses for businesses.
2. How important is mobile app security for businesses?
Mobile app security is critical for businesses. Over two-thirds of large enterprises have experienced security breaches through mobile applications, with each breach potentially costing up to $3 million annually. Beyond financial losses, security breaches can severely damage a company's reputation and customer trust.
3. What is the role of app stores in mobile app security?
App stores perform security checks, but they’re not foolproof. Developers and companies must take responsibility for their app’s security.
