Every single day there are millions of people who struggle with their current business challenges and they turn to the Internet to find solutions to their problems, which ultimately leads them to mobile apps. As the demand for mobile apps grows, so does the need for mobile super apps (apps that perform multiple tasks).
These mobile super apps offer solutions for everything from booking your next vacation, to ordering takeout food and paying your bills using one app. The main problem with developing mobile super apps is that they come with many security challenges. Continue reading to learn the top five security problems facing today’s modern mobile super applications.
What are Super Apps?
Super Apps are applications that combine different aspects of a company’s service into one app. The idea is to make the user’s life easier by having all of their essential needs in one place. In a nutshell, super apps are the next generation of mobile applications.
Today’s modern super apps offer a wide range of services to users and are compatible with almost all devices, they are personalized to each user, and they are cross-platform so people can use them on their computers as well as their phones. These types of apps eliminate the need to search for different versions of an app to get access to specific features, as all required features and services are provided by one single super app.
Although mobile super apps have become increasingly popular, it seems that every week we hear of another security breach. The power of super apps like Google, Paypal, Payoneer Uber, and Facebook is undeniable. However, such super apps also pose security risks. Though many of the benefits of mobile super apps are easy to see, some of the drawbacks aren’t so obvious. Let’s examine the top five security challenges facing mobile Super Apps.
5 Security Threats Facing Super Applications
1) Lack of data security
One of the main concerns with super apps is that they collect an excessive amount of data. Data that could be very detrimental if it falls into the wrong hands.
The more personal information a company collects, the more likely it is for hackers to break through its system and steal sensitive data. This has become a huge concern for consumers and companies alike, especially when it comes to financial mobile applications that are experiencing a 38% increase in digital attacks. Financial applications are also likely to remain one of the primary targets of adversaries in the incoming years as well. That is why Build38 offers a specialized solution of App Shielding, Monitoring, Detection and Response (XDR) for the Financial Industry.
2) In-app Vulnerabilities
Super apps just like other mobile applications can be susceptible to attacks due to various internal and external security vulnerabilities. According to ZDNet, over 60% of Android apps contain security vulnerabilities, with the average number of bugs per app to over 39 vulnerabilities. Scenarios, where apps containing sensitive data can be vulnerable to attacks, include when:
- Data is not encrypted when it is at rest, meaning that data can be stored on the device in an unencrypted format.
- Data is also not encrypted when it is in transit, meaning that data can be intercepted and read over the network without being detected.
- Encryption keys are stored on devices, which could result in a breach if a malicious actor gains access to the device.
Related article: Challenges to keep your Super Apps protected
3) Phishing Attacks
Mobile phishing attacks are common when it comes to fraudulent mobile applications or malicious attacks on highly used mobile apps, especially financial applications. In fact, according to experts, 75% of phishing attacks specifically targeted mobile devices in 2021.
Phishing attempts often come in the form of fake log-in pages that mimic the real page. These fake pages steal your username and password and send them to a remote server. The only way to protect yourself from phishing is by verifying the authenticity of the applications that you download from the internet. As a rule of thumb, it is always a good practice to download applications from official sources.
4) Man-in-the-middle Attacks
Man-in-the-middle attacks are the most prevalent type of attack on super apps. Skilled adversaries can leverage modern attack vectors to intercept and modify data in transit between two parties, without either party knowing that they’re being attacked. These types of attacks can be devastating because they allow hackers to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information. Financial institutes such as banks and other businesses must make it their top priority to secure their networking infrastructures to protect the critical data flowing through the application and business networks.
5) Lack of DevSecOps Practices
Most enterprises are scrambling to create their own super apps in order to compete and stay relevant in today’s increasingly digital world. However, there is one major thing that most companies overlook when building these apps: DevSecOps.
Not following the latest DevSecOps practices while developing business applications ultimately lead to vulnerabilities and security risks facing the applications. Businesses need to focus on baked-in security and focus on secure development practices to minimize risks in their applications.
Build38 can protect all super apps from mobile threats on any phone
Mobile applications are quickly becoming the most important tool for any business to engage with its customers. As such, they’ve become a target for hackers, malware, and scammers.
The common culprits of traditional PC malware can now be found on your smartphone or tablet. With more people browsing the web from their phones than ever before, it’s essential that businesses are aware of the risks associated with developing mobile applications and take steps to protect themselves against these threats.
With the increase of mobile devices and app users, the need for higher security will remain strong in the incoming years. However, to minimize risks, businesses need to adopt proactive and in-app security strategies to make modern super apps secure for everyone.
Discover the combination of In-App protection and AI powered Monitoring and Analytics for Super Apps offered by Build38 here or contact us today to get a demo.
