Every day, over 6.6 billion people use mobile apps, but in 2024, close to 90% of firms had app safety issues, costing them about $5 million per hack.

Mobile apps are often hit by cyberattacks, with 40% of them holding big flaws. Here are the key risks you should know about and ways to stop them:

  • Data Storage Problems: Half of all apps don't keep sensitive data like passwords and payment details safe. Use AES-256 encryption and don't keep such data on the device.
  • Weak Login Security: 81% of hacks start from bad password use. Bring in multi-factor authentication (MFA) and skip SMS-based checks.
  • Unsafe Network Talks: 64% of data leaks happen when data is sent. Always use HTTPS with TLS 1.3 and use SSL/TLS certificate pinning.
  • Risks from Third-Party SDKs: Many SDKs are weak. Check SDKs often and keep them away from sensitive info.
  • Reverse Engineering: 86% of apps don't shield their code well. Use code hiding tools and runtime app self-protection (RASP).

Quick Facts:

  • Attacks on mobile apps shot up to 83% in January 2025.
  • 75% of apps had at least one flaw in 2024.
  • 67% of people worry about data safety, with 85% removing apps due to privacy worries.

Key Point: Keeping apps safe is key to keeping user trust, protecting sensitive info, and saving your firm's good name. Begin by building safety into your app’s making process and keep checking for weak spots.

OWASP Mobile Top 10 Risks (2024) | Detailed Explaination with Examples | Payatu

OWASP

1. Common Dev Flaws

A wrong move in dev can open big gaps in app safety. These flaws pop up when coders skip over safe coding ways or don't get how systems handle key info. This puts both user info and the business in danger. Below, let's look at these flaws and how to fix them well.

1.1 Not Safe Data Keeping

Did you know half of mobile apps fail at keeping data safe? Android apps often let out data more than iOS ones. The issue is how things like passwords, card numbers, or personal stuff are kept just plain or with weak safe guard that can be broken easy.

Some usual mess-ups are keeping key data in common spots, having easy guess file names, or keeping safe keys with the data they lock. To fix these, coders should:

  • Make use of strong lock ways, like AES-256.
  • Use safe key control tools like iOS Keychain or Android Keystore.
  • Try not to keep key data on devices if you can help it. Rather, put it on safe back server spots, and just cache not key data on the device.

By making data keeping tighter, apps can cut down a lot on the risk of letting out user info.

1.2 Weak Ways to Check Who You Are

Here’s a big fact: 81% of proven breaks in 2022 came from weak, reused, or stolen words. Many apps still use simple words, open to easy brute-force breaks and other risks.

Adding multi-factor checks (MFA) changes the game. MFA stops 99.9% of robot cyber strikes. Mix MFA with ways like checking prints or face, and device-specific codes add many safety layers. Codes can also be pulled back if needed. Yet, coders should skip SMS two-step checks, as SMS can be taken by bad folks.

Here’s a fast view of check ways:

Method of Proof Good Points Bad Points
Passwords Known to all; fits for not-so-big apps Not strong alone; can make troubles in use
Use Many Ways to Prove (MFA) Very safe; fights fake sites and stolen sign ins Not as fast to use; SMS for MFA can be weak
Biometric Proof Simple and quick for users; very safe Not all use it; outside stuff can mess it up

By putting in strong login checks, developers can greatly boost app safety but keep it easy to use.

1.3 Poor Error Handling

Bad error handling can by mistake show key facts about an app’s build, database, or tech setup - details that attackers can use.

For instance, an error message like this:

Warning: uncaught exception error in D:pagesauthenticate-new.php on line 238

This text shows where the files are and talks about files that might be old or not safe in the app.

As OWASP says:

"Good error handling gives a clear error message to the user, info for the site fixers, and no useful hints to a bad actor."

To cut down these risks:

  • Use your own error fixers, not the usual ones. These should record deep info for the team but tell users simple things.
  • For instance, instead of showing: "Database link broke: wrong info in config.php line 45," Show: "Service down for now. Try again soon."

This way of doing things keeps key data in safe logs, while users get only broad alerts. Be the same all the way - each problem must be treated in this style. Record info deep inside, don't give away key data, and make sure the app stops in a safe way without breaking apart or giving out info.

2. Network Talk Risks

When mobile apps send info to servers, there are big risks if they're not secure. A huge 64% of data leaks occur while info is being sent, and 80% of these happen with data that isn't hidden. This is scary for apps that deal with stuff like login info, payment details, or key work info.

In 2024, over 75% of mobile apps had at least one weak spot, with unfixed flaws causing 60% of leaks. Think of it like sending a note in a full room - if it's not safe, anyone could grab or change it.

2.1 Calls Without Hiding

Calls that don’t hide data are a big security problem. Even with risks, many apps still send key info for all to see, especially when they're being made and function beats safety.

The fix is easy but key: only use HTTPS for calls. HTTPS uses strong TLS setups to hide data, making it very tough for wrong hands to read. Yet, HTTPS isn’t enough on its own. Makers need to use trusted hiding ways with long enough keys and skip old methods like SSL 2.0 or 3.0 by moving to TLS 1.3.

There's also a risk when apps mix safe and unsafe links. For instance, if extra tools, stats services, or social media bits send data openly while the main app uses HTTPS, these weak spots may let attackers in.

A big hack in late 2024 showed this risk when thieves got into open text messages, breaking SMS two-step checks. Weak hiding methods also let thieves step in and spy or mess with talks.

2.2 In-the-Middle Attacks

Picture using free WiFi in a cafe to check your bank app, but you link to a fake network set to steal your data. This is what a man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack is: a thief places themselves between your app and its server, taking, changing, or putting bad stuff in your talk.

Thieves use unsafe networks with phony devices, fake WiFi, or harmful software to grab data. A strong guard is SSL/TLS certificate pinning, making your app trust only chosen server certs. But, set pinning can go wrong. For example, in 2016, Barclays Bank UK’s app used an old cert which made deals fail on Black Friday, hurting many users. A better way is dynamic pinning, letting certs update on the server side without needing app updates.

To cut down MitM risks, think about these extra steps:

  • Check the server's real face before making a safe link.
  • Tell users fast if wrong certs come up.
  • Rely on known cert groups and avoid self-made, old, or not trusted certs.
  • Check SSL chains to make sure the whole cert line is okay.

These steps can greatly boost the safety of your app's talks, making sure important data does not end up with bad people.

3. Third-Party Integration Risks

Linking your app with third-party tools can add cool new functions and cut down on the time it takes to build your app, but there are also risks. Today, most of an app's coding comes from outside sources, with apps often having about 30 SDKs. These tools help make the app better but can also make it less safe, as each linked tool could be a way for attacks to happen.

Here's a worrisome fact: about 16% of the software bits in apps have known weak spots. Plus, in 2023, almost 90% of groups said they had issues with mobile app safety. Using code from others means you depend on their safety steps, which might not always be strong.

3.1 At-risk Third-Party SDKs

Using SDKs from others can make things simpler and add features, yet they might also have risks that bad folks could take advantage of. These SDKs often want a lot of access to user data, making them big targets for attacks. If you don't check an SDK well, you might not know you are making your app's safety weaker.

Real cases show these risks. In 2024, a break in Gravy Analytics showed personal data from users on apps like Grindr, Tinder, and Muslim Pro through ad networks. Also, in 2023, apps had the Pushwoosh SDK from Russia, causing spy fears. There have been other issues too, like the Mintegral SDK in 2020 with a major flaw, and the Vungle SDK in 2017 that let unexpected code run.

To keep your app safe, know the SDKs well. This means checking them a lot before you add them. Here’s how to do it:

  • Look at security checks and know the provider well.
  • Use tools like OWASP Dependency-Check to spot known weak spots.
  • Only let SDKs do what they really need to do.
  • Keep any personal data safe before the SDK works with it.
  • Always watch how the SDK works and keep updating them to avoid new safety issues.

APIs connect your app to outside services, yet if they're not locked down right, they're easy paths in for attackers. Worse yet, 41% of groups had an API safety problem last year, and attacks via APIs have gone up 117% every year.

APIs can be even more at risk on weak or open networks, making it easier for bad folks to break apps and misuse API links. Usual problems are weak checks, poor access control, harmful injections, no encryption, and no limits on requests. These issues could lead to stolen data or messed up services.

To make APIs safer, start with strong checks. Use methods like OAuth 2.0 or JWT tokens, not just basic API keys. Encrypt all moving data with HTTPS (TLS) and make sure stored data is also well protected.

To help even more in protecting your APIs:

  • Check and clean all data that comes in to stop bad inputs.
  • Set up rate limits to stop forceful and denial of service hits.
  • Use API gateways to gather and push security rules.
  • Keep logs and watch API use all the time.
  • Do steady security checks and tests, using the OWASP API Security Top Ten as a guide.
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4. Keeping Your Apps Safe from Reverse Attacks

Phone apps are always at risk from bad guys who try to break them open to find and use loopholes or get secret data. Reverse engineering lets these wrongdoers dig into how your app works, grab secrets, take creative ideas, or get past safety blocks. This threat is big. As of 2013, 78% of the top paid apps on Android and iOS were hacked. This problem hits apps in all fields, more so in those with big money at stake.

When bad folks succeed in reverse engineering, they can see hidden parts, key codes, and own info, making your app easy to attack more.

4.1 Breaking Down Code and Laying it Open

A usual move is to break down app files to show off secret code and plans. This step shows key bits like steps, API spots, lock codes, and core plans. A huge 86% of apps tested did not guard their binary code well, leaving them open to data spills, system breaks, and working issues.

To fight this, code mixing up is a big shield. Tools like ProGuard and R8, and cutting techniques, turn code into hard puzzles by changing names and cutting extra data. More complex ways, such as mixing up the control flow, add fake code routes and tricky logic to mix up tools made to crack codes.

For more safety, use text hiding to shield key text and anti-debugging tools to sense code checks as they happen. Checks on the environment can also make sure the app only runs where it should, which stops attackers in fake setups.

But just setting shields that don't change isn't enough. Bad guys can still twist apps as they run, and more guards are a must.

4.2 Changing Code as it Runs

Even if they don't break down the app, attackers can change how it works as it runs. Moves like hooks, system changes, and code adds let them skip safety steps, turn off checks, or add nasty stuff - all without touching the source code. These tricks work well on phones that are rooted or jailbroken.

One stark case was in August 2022 when bad guys used a key from Slope, a phone wallet service, grabbing $4.46 million in money and items from the Solana setup. This shows the heavy cost of messing with code as it runs.

To keep safe from such hits, continuous code checks are very handy. These keep an eye on the app's code and data for unasked changes. Going further, Runtime App Self-Care (RASP) watches and reacts in real-time, finding hooking tools and odd system acts.

Making run-time defenses stronger also means using check systems to find unasked code or data changes. Anti-debugging steps, along with tests for rooted and jailbroken phones, can spot risky phones. Also, signing your code makes sure your app is real. Any change breaks the signature, telling users and safety systems of tampering.

"The most effective form of anti-tampering controls we've seen is dynamic integrity checking. Ideal candidates include apps needing more robust enforcement of local security controls, better protection against targeted exploits, or enhanced protection against account takeover and data theft."

  • Phil Wainwright, Security Risk Advisors

To stay in front of those who attack, you need to run security checks and tests often. Using top advice, the OWASP Mobile App Security Check Rules (MASVS) lists four main steps to stop reverse engineering: check if the platform is solid, use tools to stop tampering, have plans to block static review, and use methods to fight dynamic study.

5. Keeping Safe over Time

Keeping a mobile app safe isn't a one-time task - it needs ongoing work as long as the app exists. With around 2,200 cyberattacks each day, staying on top of threats is key. Safety steps must change as new risks come up.

Start using safety steps right from the start. A single data breach cost firms about $4.88 million in 2024. By adding safety into your CI/CD flow and doing regular checks and reviews, you can spot and fix weak spots early.

5.1 Safety in CI/CD Flows

Your development flow is a great spot to catch safety issues before they reach users. By taking on DevSecOps, you give everyone a part in keeping things safe during the whole development. A "shift left" style - fixing problems early - can save time, work, and money.

Use tools like Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) in your CI/CD flow to find weak spots with every code change, not just before big updates.

"Automated Security Testing is the future for mobile security. Integrating automated security testing with the build and deploy cycles pushes security testing for mobile apps out to the development teams which results in more secure apps while allowing the security teams to focus on complex penetration testing." - Justin Somaini, Chief Security Officer at Unity Technologies

Also, use tools like HashiCorp Vault or AWS Secrets Manager to keep secret data safe. Use tools to check for weak spots in outsider code.

Add must-do safety checks in your process, making sure no code moves up until it passes all safety tests. This stops weak code from getting to live use.

5.2 Regular Security Audits and Testing

Tests that run on their own are great, but they don't catch it all. Regular safety checks give a closer look at your app’s safety, even after it goes live. With lots of Android and iOS apps having safety issues, these checks are key to find hidden weak spots.

Pen tests act like real attacks, showing tough safety holes. By adding checks to your DevOps steps - look at each change and test before mixing parts - you can find problems early, when they are less costly to fix.

Staying in line with standards is key too. Keep a record of compliance and a live safety check list that has the latest OS updates, library changes, and known weak spots (CVEs). This makes sure your checks are current and work well.

Real-time watching takes safety a step further. It doesn't just check now and then; it always adapts, giving you fast protection and new info.

Last, keep track of all findings with workflow tools to sort and fix weak spots well. Mix this with regular safety learning for your coders to keep them in the know on new threats and safe coding ways. This active plan makes a strong guard against new weak spots and attack ways.

End Thoughts: Making Safe Phone Apps

Making phone apps safe is not just about keeping data safe - it's about keeping your business's good name. With 90% of places having a phone app safety event last year, such events can cost up to $5 million each. These facts show the big need for tight safety steps at each step of making the app.

People worry a lot about their privacy now. 67% of phone users are scared about data safety and privacy, up 13% from past years. Even more, 85% of people have taken off an app because they were worried about privacy. If people don't trust your app, they will find other options.

But safety is not just about staying away from risks - it can also make your app stand out from others. 95% of people agree that putting phone app safety first is a key selling point for their apps. By focusing on safety, you can earn user trust and keep their loyalty for a long time.

To do this, safety must be a part of the whole app making process (SDLC). This means making private data like names, passwords, and payment info safe, using SSL pinning to stop attacks, and adding ways to check who someone is to make passwords better.

People like to know how their data is picked up, used, and kept. Clear rules about privacy and letting users have control over their data show that you respect their privacy. Just as safe coding and locking data keep it safe, being clear builds trust.

Always watching is key in this world. With 70% of apps in stores letting out personal info, many could break rules like CCPA and GDPR. Active testing and watching are key to stay safe and follow the rules.

At Zee Palm, we have over ten years of know-how and a strong past in safe app making. With a team of 13 pros, we’ve made over 100 strong projects in AI, SaaS, health care, and more. Our skills make sure user data is safe while giving smooth app use. Safety is not just an add-on - it's at the core of all we make.

FAQs

How can we keep private info safe in mobile apps?

Keeping private info safe in mobile apps is all about wise and tight safety steps. Start by using top-notch codes like AES-256 to lock data when kept and when sent. This makes sure that even if someone grabs the data, they can't read it. Adding extra login steps (MFA) is key too, as it makes users show who they are in more than one way, which makes it tough for others to get in.

It's just as key to keep your app up to date. Often adding new fixes helps close safety gaps and keep away new risks. You should also cut down on how much APIs that see private info are used, lowering the chance of leaks if there is a hack. By focusing on these steps from the start, you build a stronger shield for your app and better look after your users' private info.

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