With the increasing number of apps available for download on Google Play Store, doing away with security threats is a big challenge for Android app developers. They are trying every trick up their sleeve to secure the system, preserve customer information and keep intruders at bay.

However, nothing has worked well because cyber criminals have managed to break even the strongest barriers time and again. So, questions that app developers need to answer include- Is it safe to start a business with Android application? Is Android a safe bet for enterprise mobility? Does Google have prevention techniques to outplay hackers? And much more.

Android applications are prone to security lapses like network spoofing, phishing, social engineering, spyware, weak passwords, improper or no multi-factor authentication (MFA). Primary security vulnerabilities that pose a dismal picture of android app development in 2021 are:

Android Fragmentation Risks

Android apps contain several versions complicating the resultant. The android devices that do not get frequent updates are vulnerable to being attacked.

Apps Permissions

Permissions that the android applications require to vary. Users enable the applications to access their private and sensitive data that often increases security vulnerabilities.

Customizing the OS

Customizing the OS by integrating launchers and customization layers causes gaps in security measures creating issues further.

Downloading apps from unauthorized sources

This pulls in malicious apps and unauthorized websites that attack their devices and makes the data vulnerable.

Reverse Engineering

Engineers can inject a code right in the designing stage to disrupt the data structures. But while designing such strict timelines, and a nil budget for app security, the functionality might not be resilient.

Improper Encryption

Broken cryptography can be a challenge.

Long Login Sessions

It offers a breeding ground for malware attacks.

Obsolete tools to test mobile applications

Developers still use testing tools for android applications that are compatible with old-school android app development frameworks.

JavaScript-Binding-Over-HTTP (JBOH) and JavaScript Binding Annotation

Network attackers control the network by hijacking HTTL traffic via JavaScript binding (addJavascriptInterface) and loading Webview content over HTTP. Attackers often post to the user’s social network from the device without requiring special Android permissions in the host app via HTTP or DNS hijacking.

Lack of Multifactor Authentication

A mobile application is wide open to attack by intruders in absence of proper user authentication. App administrators might install the anti-virus, raise a firewall, deploy encryption, and run vulnerability tests periodically. But if multifactor authentication is not in place, all the afore-mentioned efforts will go to waste. 

IT managers categorize data according to criticality and priorities. They need to assess the data on a scale of low to high complexity according to the overall budget for android app development.

It is apprehensible to acknowledge that some security challenges have a greater chance to be missed, despite considerations. It requires app development teams to adopt a secure Android development process.

Final words

Today, security is one of the major concerns for Android app developers to cope with. Risks associated with the same have increased lately and hackers are continually churning out new ways to breach. You, as a developer, need to include superior techniques that covers the entire ecosystem while for users, it is advised to download apps from official app stores, update Android whenever an update is available and purchase a smartphone from a reputed brand.

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