12 Tips for Protecting & Securing user data while developing a Mobile App

It is undeniable that mobile device has profoundly transformed the present day business world. Now with the latest trends or developments in the field of advanced mobile applications, organizations commonly make line-of-business apps that are accessible to their progressively mobile workforce. Formerly, by and large prohibited by IT, tablets and smartphones are being used by a large number of employees to store, access and transmit corporate data in today’s 24/7 business scenario all across the world. This extended industry relating to mobile apps design and development introduces new complexities and challenges for IT.

Quite obviously, security has emerged as the primary challenge posed by the trend of “bring your own device” (BYOD). IT enterprises are concerned with data leakage, device loss or unauthorized access to corporate information or resources, along with the increasing exercise of guest access to business networks.

Data security measures

Any amount of perimeter defense cannot protect data subsequently stored, transmitted and accessed by tablets and smart phones, particularly outside of enterprise control. The three major mission-critical arenas in which mobile data should be protected without the user productivity disruption are:

• Sensitive business documents or files

• Email applications, containing sensitive information that are subject to regulatory compliance

• Transaction data that is captured by newly introduced mobile payment methods

App security tips for protecting user data

Mobile devices are endpoints which require equal attention as is given to laptops and PCs. Many of the same policies or processes that are leveraged for laptops and PCs are applicable to mobile platforms. Cellular devices are mainly built for connectivity with the personal feature combined with the inability to monitor or regulate user activity, though the focus of protection should change. Hence, simple addition of another point solution cannot be the answer. Enterprises need to include mobile data security part in their risk management strategy that is consistent with laptop or desktop security, without having compromised the user experience. Expert mobile app developers take all these factors into consideration while creating apps.

Here are 12 essential tips to avoid security issues during app development:

1. Appoint a security lead : App development team must include a security lead to be responsible at every stage of the development process. A solo entrepreneur can best execute this job.

2. Understand the variations between mobile platforms : Each operating system uses a different mobile application programming interface (API), that includes different permission handling and security features. Developers cannot just assume that one size fits all, hence accordingly adapt your code.

3. Review you data for collection and maintenance : Ignore collecting or keeping data which is not required. For example, If you do not need the user’s contact information, ignore collecting it. Likewise, it is wiser to avoid keeping user data any longer than one needs to.

4. Do not just rely on a platform to protect your users : Platforms can offer features for making security easier, but it depends on your understanding. Use and explain them properly to the users in everyday language.

5. Encrypt any data which is transmitted : Use transit encryption (TLS/SSL in the HTTPS form) to secure passwords, usernames, API keys and any other essential data which is transmitted to your server, from a device. This is critical especially because users mostly use insecure public WiFi networks for accessing apps. In case you use HTTPS, use a low-priced digital certificate from any reputable vendor while ensuring your app properly checks it.

6. Make secure user credentials : If your application requires users to create passwords and usernames, make sure that these credentials are appropriate and secure to the personal nature of an app. Social networking apps would require a password strength or higher level of authentication than a gaming app.

7. Exercise caution : Use third-party code and due diligence on libraries as it can save time. However, be cautious about whether the library or SDK has known security vulnerabilities.

8. Consider data protection on the user device storage : There are various ways to help a user protect personal information which your app handles. If users' devices get infected by any malware or virus, encryption is the easier option.

9. Also protect your servers : Take right security measures to protect a server that you maintain for communicating with your app. If you rely on any commercial cloud provider, it is important to understand the separations of responsibility for updating or securing software on the server.

10. Communication with your users is important : Even if you are done with releasing your app, stay aware and constantly communicate with the users. Stay involved with the security of your app that is available for download. Update security libraries and use user feedback to spot as well as fix vulnerabilities.

11. Avoid storing passwords in plain text : Avoid plain text storage to protect user passwords on your server. Instead, use the iterated cryptographic hash function.

12. Understand applicable regulations and standards : If you are dealing with health data, financial data, or kids’ data, it is essential for you to understand operational standards and regulations. These apps might use remote servers for storing user data, hence developers need to secure their apps from end-to-end. This includes the software, data transmission as well as servers.

In response to the various perceived risks, organizations have started implementing different data security measures. Traditional concepts involve perimeter-based security controls like smart screen filters or firewalls.

We provide mobile app development services. If you want to hire mobile app developers for developing your app idea, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.