What are the preventive measures for Android applications?

Organizations are rapidly developing Android applications to meet business needs. However, they have often failed to consider the security of Android applications as part of their focus on app development, as the Android operating system has built-in security layers.

What are Android App Security Measures?

Protect Data Transport Layer

One of the first things an attacker looks for when targeting an Android application is whether they can intercept any data passing between it and the backend server. By eavesdropping on these communications, attackers can learn a lot about the application. They might even use the data to impersonate the application and gain unauthorized access to data on the server. Therefore, the first step in securing an Android application is to protect its data transport layer by using strong encryption. This can be done by leveraging protocols like SSL and TLS, which are easy to add to the codebase and are highly non-negotiable. If dealing with particularly sensitive data, users might want to go a step further and implement a VPN solution directly into their application. Android VPN applications are quite common nowadays, to the point that just mentioning the feature communicates seriousness about data security and often serves as a public relations bonus.

• Note: "TLS" stands for "Transport Layer Security".
• Note: "SSL" stands for "Secure Sockets Layer".

Protect Proactive Cross Data Defenses

Like advanced intrusion detection and access control based on status, devices declared non-compliant cannot access corporate data. In the event of device theft or loss, users can delete applications and business data, preventing them from falling into the wrong hands. Selective data wiping by users or IT can remotely erase enterprise data stored on the device.

Protection Against Code Injection

As most applications are interactive, they provide users with the ability to input data in one form or another. This could be through text input fields such as forms or through direct data upload operations for exchanging things like documents and images. Each time a user input feature is added, significant effort should be made to ensure that it cannot be exploited. The ideal way to handle this is by using proper input validation. This can be done by adding a pre-built text validation module or by creating a user-specific module. If the user plans to allow the uploading of images or other specified files, the application should include the ability to scan the uploaded file.

Encrypt Source Code

Since most of the code in a native mobile application exists on the client side, mobile malware can easily trace errors and weaknesses within the source code and design. Attackers commonly repackage popular applications in an attempt to lure users by using reverse engineering. They then upload these repackaged applications to third-party app stores with the aim of attracting users. Such threats can lead to a deterioration of the organization's reputation. Therefore, developers should exercise caution during app creation and include tools for detecting and addressing security vulnerabilities. Developers must ensure that their applications are robust enough to prevent any manipulation attacks. Encrypting the source code can be an ideal method to defend the application against such attacks as it ensures it cannot be easily read.

Secure Backend Interfaces

The majority of mobile phone applications have a mechanism between the client and the server. It is essential to have security measures to protect against malicious attacks on backend servers. Most developers assume that the application programmed to access APIs is the only one that can access it. However, users must verify all their Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) according to the basic mobile system they aim to code for because API authentication and transport mechanisms can deviate from one underlying system to another.

• Note: "API" stands for "Application Programming Interface".

Minimize Storage of Sensitive Data

Reducing the storage of sensitive data protects user-sensitive data. Developers prefer storing data in the local device memory; however, it is better to avoid storing sensitive data as it may increase security risks. If users have no option other than data storage, it is advisable to use encrypted data containers or key chains. Additionally, ensuring record minimization by adding an automatic delete feature that erases data after a certain time is crucial. Security issues in mobile applications have become a top priority for developers due to the increased risks of malicious activities, leading to user caution against installing untrusted applications.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is essential and worth implementing. The user also needs to pay attention to how to handle things like key exchanges. At a minimum, AES encryption should be used to maintain the security of these transactions. Additionally, the user must ensure the use of token-based authentication security for legitimate requests from their application to its backend. This makes such requests difficult enough that even if an attacker finds a way to view a live data stream, they won't have a way to use this information to launch an attack.

• Note: "2FA" stands for "Two-factor authentication."

Penetration Testing

Conducting comprehensive testing to ensure quality and security is an ongoing best practice. Regularly testing the application against randomly created security scenarios before each deployment can help avoid security risks and weaknesses in user mobile applications. Detecting system vulnerabilities is an absolute necessity, as these vulnerabilities can grow into potential threats that allow access to mobile data and features.

Fingerprint Authentication

Android phones have a fingerprint sensor that can be set up. Fingerprint authentication can provide more secure authentication and protection than passwords.

The risks of data breaches can be significant, so it is important to avoid the loss of any form of personal and confidential information and maintain the safety of users.