How do you secure your mobile application data? In the age of hyper-connectivity, the issue of data protection is a constant in cybersecurity. There is no shortage of examples of massive hacking, as in May 2020 when a smartphone caller ID app reported a security breach. The personal data of over 47.5 million users was then exposed to theft. Today, application data security must be maintained throughout the entire application development life cycle (ADLC). Application Development Life Cycle), long after the application has been downloaded by the end user. Rest assured: there are many ways to effectively improve data security on a mobile application, without compromising the user experience.

Best practice n°1 for securing mobile application data : analyze risks upstream

The areas of vulnerability of an application vary according to its architecture and functionality. It is therefore essential to perform a preliminary risk analysis before launching a development project. To do so, make sure you know all the features of your future application: do you want to integrate a payment module? An identification system? Do you need access to your user's contacts?
In addition to these features and functionalities, the sensitivity of the data managed by the application should guide you in the choice of the security system. For example, it is difficult to impose a biometric identification process (see rule n°2 of the article) in the context of a mobile game. On the other hand, this process will be easily accepted by the user when synchronizing a bank account within an application.

Good practice n°2 : met up a reliable authentication system for its data

There are a plethora of highly reliable authentication systems. However, it is recommended to use processes that combine high reliability with a smooth user experience. To this end, 4 authentication systems stand out from the rest:

  • biometrics biometrics: it is based on the unique biological characteristics of the user. This highly reliable system generates little friction in the user experience;
  • the QR code The QR code is very popular in sectors where data can be very sensitive (banking, insurance, messaging, etc.);
Enhanced security with QR code authentication on WhatsApp Web

QR code authentication on WhatsApp Web

  • OTP (One-Time Password ) by SMS: nowadays very widespread, this system consists in sending an SMS to the user's mobile device. The transmitted message contains the information allowing to finalize the authentication process;
  • Behavioral authentication: it consists in verifying the identity of a user based on a unique scheme to be composed. This is the most (frictionless) of the four identification systems.

Best practice no. 3 for securing mobile application data: reduce application authorizations to a strict minimum

The application's authorizations

Example of an authorization request on the Android operating system (Reface)

Some features require the user's permission to function optimally. However, each of these permissions represents an opportunity for hackers to steal sensitive data.

Following the principle of least privilege, an application should not require more prerogatives than the minimum necessary for its operation.

Best Practice 4: Secure stored data

Example of data encryption

Example of a data encryption model of data (source: Wikipedia)

The greater the amount of data stored, the more your application is exposed to data leakage. To prevent malicious people from getting hold of it, you have to make it unusable: this is the principle of data encryption. In practice, there are 2 reliable ways to take advantage of encryption in an application development project:

  • Shift-left crypt ography: integrating encryption into the development process of an application;
  • double encryption : Android and iOS operating systems provide application developers with a layer of encryption as standard. However, it is advisable to double this security process to drastically reduce the risk of exposure to data theft attempts.

Best practice no. 5 for securing data on your mobile application: test security regularly and maintain continuous monitoring of your application.

Just like continuous testing in DevOps, the security of your application must never be neglected, whether before, during or after the development phase. To do so, it is necessary to invest in various technical tests to be performed throughout the life cycle of your application: vulnerability analysis, penetration tests, penetration tests, etc.

Mobile security and blockchain: a future alliance?

When applications are developed with the help of the blockchain, the confidentiality of the data can be enhanced, making them more secure. The encryption technique of this technology is considered one of the most secure to date because all data is encrypted and saved with a cryptographic hash. Thanks to its decentralized architecture, the stability of third-party applications is thus enhanced. Furthermore, with the blockchain, a time stamp is attached to each transaction, which makes data manipulation and redefinition of operations almost impossible. The only drawback is that there are still very few competent mobile application developers who have mastered blockchain technology.

Data security of a mobile application is a central topic. It must be considered from the beginning of the development process to the end of the application's life cycle, and on an ongoing basis.

To face this challenge, it is essential to surround yourself with cybersecurity experts. Looking to strengthen the security of your mobile application? Discuss your project with our cybersecurity specialists!

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