Cybersecurity issues have become a major challenge for businesses now. Latest trends and cybersecurity statistics show a huge increase in breached data from sources being commonly used such as mobile and IoT devices. A significant rise in the number of mobile app security threats attacks due to mobile devices have been reported in the last few years.
In a survey conducted by Dell, 63 % of companies said their data was potentially compromised within the last twelve months due to a hardware- or silicon-level security breach.
This increase in the number of mobile app risks calls for the need of strict measures to be taken to protect data loss. This is the reason why enterprises are looking for ways to strengthen their cyber security. With the advent of advanced technologies such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and more these days, companies can ensure the security of their data.
A look at some of the major Mobile Application Threats!
Moreover, recent security research suggests that most companies have unprotected data. They are implementing poor cybersecurity practices which makes them vulnerable to data loss. To successfully fight against malicious intent, it’s imperative that companies make cybersecurity awareness, prevention and security best practices a part of their culture.
In order to fight against mobile app risks, it’s important to be aware of these. Here in this blog, I have discussed some of the major mobile app security threats that you need to be aware of so as to prevent cyber attacks and malicious activities.
Overall, in 2017, 27% of malicious apps were found in the Lifestyle category. Next in line: Music & Audio, with 20 percent, followed by Books & Reference, with 10 percent.
Malware!
Malware has forever been a problem in the IT world, and it is no different in the mobile sphere. Malware can be damaging to a great extent. They are one of the biggest mobile application threats that can affect the security of your device and an issue of major concern.
It can steal confidential data and cause great havoc by infecting internal machines. As long as the mobile apps will continue to evolve in the app stores, malware will continue to evolve in apps from app stores.
According to a 2018 online survey by The Harris Poll, nearly 60 million Americans have been affected by identity theft.
Social Networking and eCommerce Apps!
It’s known to all that smartphones do a number of activities such as sending emails, storing contact information, passwords, and other vital data. Moreover, smartphones are one of the most commonly used devices for social networking.
Thus, mobile applications for social networking sites running on your smartphones offers a breeding ground for cyber attackers so as to get access to confidential data.
Since social networking sites are host to a surplus of personal data. That is why malicious applications make use of social networking sites to get access to your data. Accessing eCommerce sites via mobile phones is one of the major mobile app risks that cause serious issues for the users now.
With the increase in the number of mobile application threats, it’s important for companies to build secured mobile apps for their users. You can hire a mobile app developer to create apps with enhanced security features.
Good Read: [Cybersecurity Is An Asset, Not A Nuisance!]
Smartphones Permissions!
Smartphones use a permission mechanism in order to determine what users are allowed to do in applications. However, using these smart permission mechanisms can cause serious issues in your mobile applications and can harm your data security. Let’s see how.
However, allowing external applications to seek permission can be harmful for the smartphones because it creates an opportunity for malware to exploit the ability to access sensitive data on Android handsets and thus install malicious software. So, next time when you give permission to a software application, you need to be extra careful as this is one of the biggest mobile app risks.
To ensure the growth of your business, you need to create apps that are secured. Here are some alluring mobile ideas that can help building a secured mobile app for your business requirements.
Smart Mobile Web Browsers!
Web browsers are one of the most commonly used applications on smartphones. They are used to gain access to different sites. By using a web browser, you can surf different sites and drive useful information.
Every browser is advanced with updated usability and ubiquity, hence, each browser consists of some perceived and real benefits. But accessing these web browsers can pose serious threats to your cyber security and is one of the greatest mobile app security threats.
Web browsers are prone to cyberthreats. The chances of being attacked by malicious entities increases even more when these hold these in them. Say for instance, bookmarks paired with saved logins for an associated site is one of the most risky mobile application threats.
When you visit these sites consisting of malicious entities, cyber criminals may get access to your personal data which might pose a great threat to your system. This is surely one of the major mobile app risks that can affect your security. You can hire a react native developer to create a secured mobile application for your business.
Wi-fi Interference!
Wi-fi interference can create serious mobile application threats to your system. An unsecured public wireless network combined with unsecured file-sharing allows malicious users to access any directories and files that you might have made available for sharing.
‘All wifi networks’ are vulnerable to hacking, security expert discovers.WPA2 protocol used by vast majority of wifi connections has been broken by Belgian researchers, highlighting potential for internet traffic to be exposed, says a report.
It’s important to note that not all attackers rely on gaining access to your device for stealing data. By gaining access to a public wireless network, they can have unrestricted access to all of your data.
The Bottomline
By now, I am pretty sure that you have a clear idea of the major application threats that can damage the security of your system. With increase in the use of smartphones, a striking increase in malware-related attacks through mobile devices can be expected.
Malicious software, also known as malware, is taking aim at your mobile devices. Things like spyware, ransomware, and viruses used to focus on your laptop or desktop computer. But now they access data through mobile devices.
It’s important now for companies to consider strict measures to prevent their system from malicious cyber attacks and mobile application threats.
Author Bio: Ruchita is a voracious reader and loves to write on technology-related articles. She holds a pretty good knowledge of the latest technology trends and is well-versed in creating content strategy deliverables across project life cycles. She is currently associated with Resourcifi.
