Mobile Application Security Against Cybercriminals

How to Minimize Risks

Ensuring information security (mobile application security) is always relevant. A company that has created a mobile app must continually invest in its performance, not only in terms of functionality but also in terms of protecting data, both personal and payment-related.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals are constantly active, so developers must not rest on their laurels.

Identifying Vulnerabilities in Mobile Applications

Ensuring the stable operation of mobile applications depends on several factors. 

The first is a well-thought-out functionality, and the second is the developer's ability to anticipate primary risk factors. Unsecured public Wi-Fi locations, such as restaurants, are at the top of the list. Here, any hacker can easily connect to a mobile device.

Despite numerous warnings from app developers to exercise caution, users often ignore them. Every unprotected connection opens the door to a user's personal and financial data. The list of risk factors also includes applications with malicious code.

The problem is that users look for necessary apps not only on official platforms like Play Market or App Store. Many download questionable software versions from various sources that don’t guarantee security.

Other Risk Factors for Mobile Applications:

– Operating system vulnerability — There’s no such thing as a completely secure operating system. Even the most advanced OS can be hacked, so developers must continually release updates in response to market conditions.

– Data theft directly from the server — where user information of a specific application is stored. This happens for two reasons. The first is the server owner deliberately leaking personal data to attract advertisers. The second is poor server security.

Insufficient Mobile Cryptography, when developers, in an effort to save costs, do not invest in ensuring an adequate level of security for personal and payment information.

There Are No Invincible Mobile Applications

The international community urges people to move beyond stereotypes. Modern technological solutions allow cybercriminals to gain access to almost any mobile application. An example is software used in the banking sector.

An attacker gains access to an app and then performs transactions. The owner may not even be aware of the issue, as malicious software blocks incoming SMS notifications about completed transactions.

All users are at risk. For example, it’s not necessary to use questionable sources to download applications. A single click on a link containing malicious code is enough. Some apps collect data on keyboard interactions, recording everything displayed on the screen.

While this information is useful for developers to improve the application, it is poorly protected and easily accessible to attackers.

SMS Interception and Screen Captures

A cybercriminal's goal is to make a profit, otherwise, they wouldn't justify the investment in creating malicious software. At risk are not only users of financial applications but also those who enter personal data into software. The complexity of the situation lies in the inability to precisely identify the moment of infection.

Often, cybercriminals gain access to a user’s PC and add ransomware, which demands payment to unlock data on the PC. The device continues to operate as usual, but the "infection" has already begun to spread actively:

– SMS interception;
– screen recording;
– screen captures;
– copying contact lists;
– copying documents and media files on the device.

Another common but incorrect assumption made by scammers is related to disregarding apps. For example, a user installs a simple flashlight or text editor app that suddenly requests access to texts, media, and other files.

It’s logical to assume that such an extensive list of permissions isn’t necessary for its basic functionality.

The Potential of Social Engineering

As users' become more digitally savvy, criminals are looking for more sophisticated ways to steal personal and payment data. Social engineering helps them do this. From a psychological point of view, it’s about creating conditions that encourage people to take a desired action. 

There are many ways social engineering can be used:

– an email, call, or SMS from a “bank”;
– a letter from a “government agency”;
– a message from a company announcing a “prize win”;
– sending the victim a link resembling, for example, a payment system address;
– sending an email with malicious content;
– calling the user on behalf of a bank, support service, or similar institution.

Those who enter payment card data in public places are at higher risk. For example, a criminal only needs to stand behind an unsuspecting user to capture their bank card number. Experts urge caution on social media.

Some users share so much personal information that they make criminals' work significantly easier.

How to Protect App Users from Cybercriminals

Vigilance is never excessive, so relying solely on assurances from OS and app developers isn’t advisable. Much depends directly on the user.

The first step is to install stable antivirus software on the device. Regular monitoring of traffic and app activity minimizes risk.

The second step is to use complex passwords that are never shared publicly.

The third step is to regularly update software, using only official download sources. It’s essential not to delay downloading updates, as developers closely monitor the market and provide solutions quickly.

Financial Security When Using a Mobile App

The fourth step is monitoring a bank account using multiple sources of information. It’s unwise to rely solely on SMS or emails from the bank, which often arrive with delays. Cybercriminals can easily disrupt this process. It’s worth remembering that official bank apps can experience glitches. It’s more practical to use the “account statement” feature to quickly monitor any unplanned withdrawals.

We've prepared a full article for you about the most notable events in cybersecurity over the last 50 years.

Disabling Unnecessary Features

Users should not ignore the activity of installed apps. Some apps automatically activate Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or GPS. On the one hand, this can help a navigation app to locate the user more accurately.

On the other hand, it opens several additional data transmission channels on the device, which criminals could exploit. It’s wise to limit these options. The final detail is prudence. Storing confidential information or multimedia files on a device is highly imprudent, especially when notes include all login credentials for various sites and apps.

No one is immune to hacking, so finding a safer place to store passwords is essential. Otherwise, the victim makes life much easier for a criminal, leading to extensive data breaches.

Datami can secure any app by protecting servers from breaches and data leaks and restoring server and app operations by recovering lost data.

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