In-App Protection and Security for Mobile Apps
What are the risks involved when releasing an app?
Cybercriminals are targeting the mobile channel more aggressively than ever before, and app developers must take a proactive approach to app security to combat this new aggression. The number of mobile malware attacking users of mobile devices is increasing rapidly each year. At the same time, malicious apps continue to be distributed on 3rd party app stores and frequently slip under the radar on the official app stores.
Tackling the multi-faceted challenge of developing a successful mobile app is no easy feat, and developers must contend with pressures from every direction. It is imperative to get an app built, tested, and published as quickly as possible. However, in the rush to market, app security cannot be overlooked.
When releasing a mobile app, one cannot be sure who will download it or the conditions of the device on which the app will be used. If a device is compromised with mobile malware, then your app is at risk!
"75% of mobile applications would fail basic security tests." - GARTNER
Common security threats to your mobile apps
COMPROMISED DEVICES & MALICIOUS APPS
Malicious apps exist on the app stores waiting to be downloaded so they can steal personal information, inject malicious code into the mobile device or another app, or otherwise take advantage of an unsuspecting user.
Some users also compromise their devices on purpose in order to gain additional capabilities, like installing unauthorized apps. This is a popular occurrence on mobile platforms.
When a device is jailbroken/rooted, crucial security mechanisms like mandatory code signing and sandboxing are deactivated. They thereby break the security foundation on which apps otherwise can rely upon.
REPACKAGING OF APPS
Repackaging an app means that an attacker obtains a copy of the app from the distribution platform (Google Play Store or App Store), adds malicious functionality to it, and then re-distributes it to users who believe that they are using a legitimate app or the original app
CODE INJECTION
In order to gain control of an app, attackers will often inject code into the app process to control it from within. This can, for example, be used to read decrypted SSL/TLS communication or to intercept user input, e.g. passwords.
KEYLOGGERS & SCREEN READERS
iOS automatically records user input in a so-called keyboard cache in order to improve its auto-correction feature. This can lead to sensitive information being accessible.
Android offers its users the possibility to install custom software keyboards. These keyboards are naturally being informed about every input the user makes on it and can be used by an attacker as a keylogger.
Apps often display sensitive information that should not be easily ex-filtrated from the app. One easy way to extract information from an app is in the form of a screenshot or by a screen reader.
REVERSE ENGINEERING
Debuggers can be used during runtime of the app to extract sensitive information, alter the program flow and help attackers reverse engineer the app.
As with debuggers, emulators can be used to analyze an app to determine how it works and to extract sensitive information that is available while the app is executed.
OVERLAY ATTACKS
An overlay attack happens when an attacker places a window over a legitimate application on the device.
Users will interact with the window, thinking they are performing their intended function, but they are actually engaging with the attackers overlay window and executing the attacker’s desired function.
In-App Protection is crucial to preserve and improve your business reputation!
These attacks can have devastating consequences. User data can be stolen, putting businesses at risk of regulatory compliance violations and bad publicity. Financial fraud can be committed, resulting in lost revenue. And, of course, there’s the loss of customer and shareholder trust, all having the eventual impact of brand reputation. If the attack goes on long enough, a business could sustain irreparable damage.
You can easily turn your apps into a self-protecting app. Your Android or iOS apps can be quickly uploaded and secured in minutes by using our integration tool, or an SDK that is easily integrated into the app. Once secured, the app is immediately ready for distribution via public app stores.
