Page 194 - Cyber Defense eMagazine September 2023

make in terms of key size/strength, key derivation technique, cipher strength, and encryption algorithms.
Every one of these choices can have a dramatic effect on performance and security if it is wrong.

As a result, in the name of releasing apps quickly and delivering a smooth user experience, these critical
areas of mobile app security are often given short shrift. The consequences, though, can be dire. These
security deficiencies enable hackers to take over accounts, compromise financial transactions, conduct
screen overlay and man-in-the-middle attacks, inject code remotely, and create Trojans that look and feel
like the real thing.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MitM) often target mobile apps belonging to the service, finance, and retail
industries. Hackers place themselves in between the mobile user and the remote service or server that
the user is trying to reach. These two trusted parties believe they are conversing with one another but
are communicating with the hacker. This attack allows bad actors to gain unauthorized access to
passwords, credit card, contact, and loyalty account information.

Combating Attacks

To secure mobile apps from the above-mentioned threats, implementing a multi-layered security model
is crucial. Having a multi-faceted security approach that is both proactive and reactive can, not only
prevent attacks, but quickly detect and remediate the threat before harm is done. Organizations should
pivot towards embedding security at the very start of the development lifecycle. Leveraging no-code tools
empowers them to do just this by better operationalizing mobile app security in the CI/CD pipeline and
taking an engineering approach to DevSecOps. By doing this, developers can leverage tools that provide
mobile development and cyber teams with comprehensive, automated systems to build, test, release and
monitor security defenses and protections directly into iOS and Android apps during the app development
process.
As mobile apps continue to be the apple of U.S. consumers’ eye, serving as a gateway to brand
relationships, Americans have a growing appetite for advanced protection from malware, hacking, fraud,
and other destructive cyber actions.

Not only do consumers value security as much or more than new features, 51.2% want the best protection
possible. To achieve this, developers and cybersecurity professionals need to work together with a
mobile-first mindset to ease any concerns Americans may have with their mobile apps.

Security is materializing as the next driving force for mobile app adoption, serving as a pillar for a
successful transition into the mobile realm. Those businesses that ignore this will not only do a disservice
to their customers but will be left behind as it evolves into a fierce battleground among companies in all
industries. Embracing security as a fundamental element is not just a necessity, but a strategic imperative
to thrive in the enter-evolving landscape of mobile technology.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – September 2023 Edition 194
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