Secure your Mobile Apps Using Mobile Application VAPT
There are over 3.2 billion global smartphone users with 80 applications installed on an average smartphone. However, do you realise that these applications might be exposing your personal information to the world of cyberattacks?
These statistics by NowSecure might alarm you:
82% of Android devices are susceptible to at least one out of 25 vulnerabilities in the Android operating system.
Business applications are three times more likely to leak log-in credentials (both personal and corporate data) than the average app.
One in four mobile applications contains at least one high-risk security flaw.
50% of applications with five to ten million downloads include a security flaw.
25% of the 2 million applications available on Google Play alone include a security flaw.
Today’s world is mobile-driven and applications have become an integral part of our lives. However, this increased reliance has come at a cost – security.
Inadequate security measures in mobile applications can invite various cyberattacks that can expose your organisation’s sensitive data and compromise the integrity of the application itself.
A key method that can ensure robust protection against potential cyber threats and unauthorised access to data on mobile applications is Mobile Application VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing)
Understanding Mobile Application VAPT
Mobile applications are constantly under the threat of attacks from malicious actors who exploit vulnerabilities.
The following statistics highlight the effects of insufficiently secured mobile applications.
53% of attacks on mobile applications involve unauthorised access to user data.
65% of attacks are initiated through unauthorised application access.
71% of all mobile application attacks are MITM (man in the middle) attacks.
40% of organisations never test their mobile application codes for vulnerabilities.
Mobile Application VAPT is a comprehensive security testing process designed to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in mobile applications. It is a combination of two key security assessments:
Vulnerability Assessment (VA): This stage involves systematically analysing the mobile application to identify potential weaknesses in the application code, configuration, and architecture. This is often done using automated scanning tools and manual techniques.
Penetration Testing (PT): In this stage, security professionals attempt to exploit the identified vulnerabilities using the same techniques that malicious actors might employ. This helps to verify the severity of the weaknesses and demonstrate the potential impact they could have on the application and your organisation.
Read more about the 5 phases of penetration testing.
The Compelling Benefits of Mobile Application VAPT in Safeguarding User Data
Mobile application VAPT offers a range of significant advantages for your organisation.
Enhanced Security
Mobile application VAPT acts as a proactive measure, detecting potential security weaknesses in the application’s code, configuration, and overall security posture before they can be exploited by attackers. This significantly reduces the risk of data breaches, malware infections, and other security incidents that can have damaging consequences on your organisation.
Strengthened User Trust and Confidence
By undergoing regular VAPT, your organisation can demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting user data and privacy. This transparency can improve your brand image and build trust and confidence in the application, encouraging users to download, engage with, and share their information more readily.
Compliance with Regulations
Depending on your industry and the type of data the application collects, your organisation might be obligated to comply with specific data security regulations. VAPT reports can serve as valuable documentation, demonstrating your adherence to these regulations and avoiding potential legal or financial repercussions.
Additional Advantages
Compared to the potential costs associated with a data breach or security incident, VAPT is a relatively cost-effective way to enhance your organisation’s security posture. VAPT also provides valuable insights into an application’s overall security architecture. This knowledge can be used to improve security practices and make the application more resilient against future threats.
Why Mobile Application Security Needs To Be Your Top Priority
Today, mobile applications are vulnerable to various security threats and risks due to the dynamic nature of the mobile environment.
💡 According to Wandera, over 70% of corporate employees access their data from tablets or smartphones. In 2022, Uber faced a cybersecurity breach that targeted its computer network, impacting both engineering and communication systems. The hacker gained unauthorised access to the employee messaging app Slack and used it to send a message to Uber staff, disclosing the occurrence of a data breach.
This incident serves as a perfect example to highlight how vulnerabilities in a mobile application can be exploited by attackers. Here are a few common flaws in mobile applications that make them a perfect target for hackers:
Insecure Data Storage: Mobile applications may insecurely store sensitive data, such as login credentials or personal information, making them susceptible to unauthorised access if the device is compromised.
Weak Server-Side Controls: Inadequate security measures on the server side can expose mobile applications to attacks like unauthorised access, data manipulation, or other server-related vulnerabilities.
Insecure Data Transmission: When data is transmitted between the mobile application and the server, insecure communication channels can lead to eavesdropping and interception of sensitive information.
Code-based Vulnerabilities: Flaws in the application’s code, such as buffer overflows, injection attacks, or insufficient input validation, can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious code or gain unauthorised access.
Unsecured APIs: Many mobile apps rely on APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to communicate with servers and other services. Insecure APIs can be exploited to gain unauthorised access to data or perform malicious actions.
Device Exploitation: Features and sensors on mobile devices, if not properly secured, can be exploited. For example, accessing the camera, microphone, or GPS without user consent could lead to privacy breaches.
Third-Party Component Risks: Mobile applications often use third-party libraries and components. If these components have vulnerabilities, attackers may exploit them to compromise the security of the entire application.
These vulnerabilities make it crucial for your organisation to implement robust security measures and conduct regular Mobile Application VAPT to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Embracing mobile application VAPT solutions is not merely a strategic choice; it is an imperative step toward ensuring trust, continuity, and longevity in the dynamic field of mobile technology. As the threat environment evolves, your organisation must understand that mobile application VAPT is not a one-time venture. It is an ongoing commitment to the security and resilience of its mobile applications in the face of emerging risks.
