The security of users’ personal data is a top priority in application development. Every year cyberattacks become more skilful. It all started with pop-up ads, mailing letters under the guise of famous brands and pressure on the user. The further the development of applications went, the more they began to strengthen security. Applications protect not just statistical data, such as full name and date of birth, but also bank cards, financial assets, test results, and much more.
Application protection: main types of cyber attacks
Cybercriminals are different, but they act according to classic schemes, and sometimes the users themselves help them. Let’s see what methods cybercriminals use:
- Mirror resources.
Everyone knows Google Play and the App Store, but often the desire to find a hacked or free application from Robin Hoods on other resources and platforms leads the user straight into the hands of scammers. By downloading the application and providing access to smartphone data, a person infects the device and fixing this situation becomes a difficult task.
- Disguise.
And on Google Play and the App Store, you can stumble upon a malicious application that will harm your data. Such applications are not easy to trace. Often they attract attention with loud names and twisted reviews.
- Wi-Fi, VPN, proxy server.
It is dangerous to connect to suspiciously generous open Wi-Fi, as information becomes vulnerable. VPN also makes the user vulnerable and harms the transmitted information. Making online purchases or entering personal passwords is a real threat.
Application Vulnerabilities: What to do?
The protection of mobile applications provides the user with guarantees that his personal data will not fall into the hands of fraudsters. However, sometimes, once again opening applications, you can notice changes and not attach special importance to this. Of course, this could be a simple glitch or testing of a new design, but if the app hasn’t been updated and looks different, it could be a manifestation of one of the vulnerabilities.
To protect yourself as a user, follow a few rules:
- Strong password. Statistics show that users continue to use standard, easily generated passwords in applications, which makes it easier for hackers to work.
- Multi-factor authentication. The more levels of protection, the more difficult it is to get to the information. Password, SMS code, patterns and much more are good not only individually, but together they provide maximum protection.
iOS and Android Differences
The eternal debate on the topic “Which is better: IOS or Android” will never end, but in security matters, each platform has “buts” and “pluses” that are worth paying attention to.
iOS
Pros: The App Store’s security policy deserves special praise. The store scrupulously scans each downloaded application and does not let anything into the site that is in doubt.
Cons: iOS, according to statistics, has more vulnerabilities, but this minus is partly a minus. Emerging vulnerabilities are quickly fixed and subsequent versions of iOS do not contain past errors.
Android
Pros: Android immediately shows the user the rights requested by the application and the user himself makes the final decision on how safe the application is. As an example, let’s say a dictionary application that needs access to the phone book and location is sure to make you think.
Cons: Google Play is very careless in matters of control. Malicious applications can and do get into the store since the platform does not perform in-depth analytics before allowing downloads.
In matters of corporate security, Android loses to iOS, the software capabilities are much weaker.
