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.

The post Security Vulnerabilities To Android Applications (Updated 2021) appeared first on Top ITFirms - Result of In-depth Research & Analysis.

Entrepreneurs have discovered new avenues to grow and make most of the opportunities on offer. No doubt, the segment is lucrative and holds tremendous potential to keep you going and growing.

With the rate at which eCommerce is flourishing, there is a possibility that by 2019, the worldwide eCommerce market will cross $2.4 trillion mark, as per a research.

While the predictions indicate a fruitful future, one must understand and note the security vulnerabilities related to the online business. Online frauds and security breaches are not new and eCommerce has had its share of incidents when eBay compromised the data of 145 million accounts back in 2014. It was considered as one of the biggest breaches of all time then.

Here are five practices to follow if you want to counteract the latest cyber threats.

1. Integrate SSL certificates

SSL certificate implementation is a mandate, and if your eCommerce developer isn’t pushing to include it then probably your business is in wrong hands. It is recommended to change your eCommerce development company immediately to the one that understands the criticalities of online thefts.

Certificates like SSL authenticate the transaction, identity users and encrypts the data at store and transit, which makes the end-to-end connectivity between website and user’s system secure and authentic.

Users are now well-aware of security basics. They are less likely to share their personal and credit card details with a website that doesn’t have a padlock icon with HTTPS in the URL.

2. Choose hosting provider and eCommerce platform wisely

It’s the sole responsibility of your eCommerce web development company to assist you in choosing the perfect hosting as well as the development platform. However, you need to be aware of the prerequisites for selecting the desired service providers. Look out for a user-friendly hosting provider that offers a range of tools and applications ensuring website’s security and confidentiality for uploaded data. Make sure it offers 128-bits or 256-bits AES encryption, performs regular security checks, has a backup feature and maintains comprehensive logs. Also, it should comply with the PCI DSS requirements.

While selecting a platform, take note of security procedures in place. Most prominent eCommerce platforms by global leaders are Magento and WordPress WooCommerce, especially because of their extensive security features than anything else.

3. Two-factor authentication

Try adding an extra layer of security through two-factor authentication process. In this process, user needs to authenticate himself via two means. The first is the basic combination of username & password while the next comprises a real-time code that is generated by system for short duration and sent over user’s registered phone number or email address.

4. Don’t save customers’ sensitive data

Avoid collecting and storing user data, especially their credit/debit card details because cyber criminals can easily get hold of your database and steal the information for their vested interest. Ask the associated eCommerce web development company to process payments via encrypted checkout tunnel that eliminates the need of server to access customer data.

5. Advanced encryption techniques

Encrypting data is a necessity, and so is it for browser communications. The communication between the browser and the website needs to be protected by implementing advanced encryption techniques, ensuring the information transmitted across communication channel is safe. Make sure the updated versions of SSL, EV SSL are in place that add to the security of your eCommerce store.

Final words

Apart from above-mentioned practices, you need to be proactive in identifying weak links. You can employ a dedicated team of security professionals who check, track and monitor proceedings on a regular basis.

Do not let hackers have the last word. Instead, offer a safer environment to your users who help you earn a livelihood.

The post Follow These Five Practices to Safeguard Your E-commerce Website appeared first on Top ITFirms - Result of In-depth Research & Analysis.