Mobile app security 2024 is facing new challenges. With almost 5 million apps in the major app stores and over 148 billion downloads last year, mobile applications have become indispensable. But the threats are growing: 65% of apps experienced an attack within four weeks in 2024 - a significant increase.
Data protection for apps is becoming increasingly important, as 60% of all e-commerce purchases and 89% of online banking are processed via apps. At the same time, 85% of users feel threatened by spyware. Mobile Security Trends show that attackers are increasingly targeting mobile devices: 80% of phishing pages are optimized for smartphones.
Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated: CEO fraud attacks were 90% successful, while phishing attacks "only" had a 30% success rate. Users are 6 to 10 times more likely to fall for SMS phishing than email phishing. These figures underline the urgency of robust security measures for mobile apps.
Important findings
- 65% of apps experienced an attack within four weeks in 2024
- 60% of all e-commerce purchases are made via mobile apps
- 89% of respondents use mobile banking apps
- 80% of phishing websites are optimized for mobile devices
- Users are 6-10 times more likely to fall for SMS phishing than email phishing
- CEO fraud attacks were successful at 90%
The current threat landscape for mobile apps
The App threats 2024 show a worrying development. Cyber criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to attack mobile applications. This presents developers with new challenges when it comes to protecting their apps.
Rising number of attacks on apps
A recent study reveals alarming figures: 29 malware families attacked 1,800 banking and financial apps in 61 countries last year. In Germany, 23 financial institutions were affected. Online banking apps were particularly targeted with 61% of attacks, followed by FinTech and trading apps with 39%.
| Malware family | Number of attacks worldwide |
|---|---|
| Hook | 618 |
| Godfather | 419 |
| Teabot | 414 |
New threats from AI and machine learning
AI-supported cyber attacks are gaining in importance. Attackers are using artificial intelligence to identify vulnerabilities more quickly and develop malware more effectively. These technologies enable cyber criminals to automate and scale their attacks.
Industry-specific risks for apps
Industry-specific app risks vary greatly. Gaming apps are particularly at risk due to in-game purchases. Financial apps remain a prime target for cybercriminals. Apps in the healthcare and automotive industries are also facing increasing threats, especially when connected to medical devices or vehicles.
The Android market, with a global market share of 70%, is particularly vulnerable to threats. Almost 10% of intercepted malicious SMS and notifications contained malware or redirected users to it.
To meet these challenges, developers need to implement robust protection measures. This includes complex threat defense, comprehensive monitoring and real-time protection on the devices.
Encryption and secure data storage
Data encryption and Secure app data storage are crucial for the protection of sensitive information. With the increasing use of mobile devices for business purposes, the importance of effective security measures is growing.
Cryptographic methods form the backbone of modern security solutions. Developers should implement strong encryption algorithms to protect data from unauthorized access. The use of secure enclaves or hardware-based security functions can further increase protection.
For the Secure app data storage experts recommend:
- Separate user accounts for business and private use
- Encryption of data transmission
- Use of secure passwords and PINs
- Use of European online storage services
It is important to note that many smartphones perform data backups by default. For privacy reasons, automatic backups should be disabled. In addition, newer devices often offer less control over app permissions, which requires additional precautions.
"Complete data security is only guaranteed by using a disposable phone once."
This extreme approach illustrates the challenges of data security. Practicable solutions are needed for everyday use that reconcile security and user-friendliness. Developers must find innovative ways to Data encryption and secure storage methods.
Secure authentication and authorization
User account security is at the heart of modern app development. Current statistics show that 80% of apps require complex passwords. But passwords alone are no longer enough.
Implement multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication significantly increases security. 90% of users use apps such as Google Authenticator for two-factor authentication. This additional layer of security protects accounts even with compromised passwords.
Using OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect
OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect are standard in 60% mobile apps. These protocols enable secure authorization and authentication via trusted third-party providers. Azure App Service integrates various providers such as Microsoft Entra, Google and GitHub.
Using biometric procedures
Biometric security is gaining in importance. 60% of users prefer fingerprint scanners for authentication. This method combines security with user-friendliness and reduces dependence on passwords.
| Authentication method | Utilization | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Passwords | 80% | Widely used |
| Multi-factor | 90% | Increased security |
| Biometrics | 60% | User-friendly |
| OAuth 2.0/OpenID | 60% | Standardized |
Developers should combine these methods to maximize the access security of their apps. The integration of password managers, role-based access control and secure communication via HTTPS completes a robust security concept.
Mobile app security 2024
The The future of app security is facing enormous challenges. With 257 billion app downloads worldwide in 2023 and a forecast turnover of 613 billion US dollars by 2025, the market is growing rapidly. At the same time, security risks are increasing.
New App security technologies are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence. AI-supported analyses detect threats faster and more precisely. Zero-trust architectures are gaining in importance and require continuous monitoring of all access.
A holistic approach characterizes the Mobile Security Trends. DevSecOps integrates security into the entire development process. Developers need to constantly educate themselves to keep pace with the changing threat landscape.
The The future of app security lies in the seamless integration of security measures in all development phases.
Biometric methods such as facial recognition and fingerprint scans are becoming standard. The fintech AI market grew to 44.08 billion US dollars in 2024, underlining the importance of secure financial transactions.
The increasing demand for VPN apps shows the growing security awareness of users. It is forecast to grow to 137.7 billion US dollars by 2030. App developers must take these trends into account in order to remain competitive.
Secure network traffic and API protection
In the digital world of 2024, protecting network traffic and APIs is crucial. The OWASP list of the top 10 API security risks was updated in 2023 and highlights new challenges.
TLS encryption for all connections
The TLS encryption forms the backbone of secure communication. It protects data from unauthorized access during transmission. Developers should use TLS for all connections of their app to prevent eavesdropping and manipulation.
API security through tokenization
API security is gaining in importance. Four of the five biggest API risks relate to authentication and authorization. Tokenization helps to mitigate these risks. It replaces sensitive data with unique tokens and prevents unauthorized access to APIs.
Implementation of certificate pinning
Certificate Pinning is an effective method against man-in-the-middle attacks. It ensures that the app only communicates with trusted servers. Developers should implement this mechanism to ensure the integrity of connections.
In addition to these measures, the use of automatic API cataloging is recommended. This enables all API services in cloud-native environments to be recorded. The creation of API risk profiles also helps to identify and combat relevant threats at an early stage.
Code obfuscation and tamper protection
Playing in the world of mobile app security Code obfuscation and Tamper protection a decisive role. With almost 4.7 billion smartphone users worldwide, protecting apps is more important than ever. Developers must protect their applications from unauthorized access and manipulation.
Code obfuscation makes the reverse engineering of apps more difficult. This technique transforms the source code into a form that is difficult to read without impairing the functionality. This makes it much more difficult for attackers to understand and exploit the inner logic of the app.
Tamper protection-mechanisms supplement the obfuscation. They detect and prevent unauthorized changes to the app. These measures are particularly important for apps with sensitive data or valuable business logic.
- Zero Code App Shielding
- Anti-tamper technologies
- Internal telemetry
According to Quadrant Knowledge Solutions' SPARK Matrix, Verimatrix has been recognized as the 2023 Technology Leader in In-App Protection. Its XTD platform offers comprehensive protection measures, including Reverse engineering prevention.
| Protective measure | Function | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Code obfuscation | Obfuscates the source code | Makes reverse engineering more difficult |
| Tamper protection | Detects tampering | Prevents unauthorized changes |
| RASP | Runtime protection | Detects attacks in real time |
Developers should integrate these advanced techniques into their security strategy. This way, they can effectively protect their apps from manipulation and unauthorized access. A holistic approach that combines code obfuscation, tamper protection and Reverse engineering prevention offers the best protection for mobile applications.
Secure session management
A robust Session management is essential for the security of mobile apps. It protects user accounts from unauthorized access and prevents session hijacking.
Set short session timeouts
To minimize the risk of unauthorized access, it is important to implement short session timeouts. A Session timeout of 15-30 minutes offers a good balance between safety and user-friendliness.
Generate secure session tokens
The generation of secure session tokens is crucial for an effective Session management. These tokens should be cryptographically strong and unique for each session. Use proven algorithms for token creation to increase security.
Invalidate sessions on logout
In the event of a logout, the session must be invalidated immediately. This prevents an attacker from resuming a terminated session. Implement a reliable session invalidation mechanism to ensure this protection.
| Measure | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Short session timeouts | Reduces the risk of unauthorized access |
| Secure session tokens | Makes session hijacking more difficult |
| Immediate session validation | Prevents resumption of terminated sessions |
A well thought out Session management is a key element for the security of mobile apps. It not only protects user data, but also strengthens users' trust in the app. Developers should implement these aspects carefully to ensure a high level of security.
Regular security audits and penetration tests
In the constantly evolving world of mobile apps, it is essential to continuously review security. Safety audits and Penetration tests are important tools for identifying and eliminating potential weaknesses at an early stage.
According to the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), many health apps have significant security flaws. This finding underlines the need for regular checks, especially in sensitive areas such as healthcare.
An effective approach to improving app security includes:
- Implementation of regular vulnerability assessments
- Use of external experts for unbiased assessments
- Implementation of a continuous process for security tests
The OWASP Mobile Security Testing Guide provides valuable testing standards and practical guidance for improving app security. It is an indispensable tool for developers who want to protect their apps against cyber attacks.
| Measure | Frequency | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Safety audits | Quarterly | Comprehensive assessment of the security situation |
| Penetration tests | Half-yearly | Identification of active weak points |
| Vulnerability Assessment | Monthly | Early detection of potential risks |
By consistently applying these security practices, developers can gain and maintain the trust of users. This is crucial for the success of digital solutions, especially in the sensitive area of health apps.
Secure development practices and DevSecOps
In modern software development, secure development practices and DevSecOps a central role. These approaches integrate security into the entire development process from the outset and make a significant contribution to reducing vulnerabilities.
Apply security by design principles
Security by design is a cornerstone of secure software development. By taking security aspects into account at an early stage, up to 70% of security problems can be eliminated in the early development phases. This not only reduces risks, but also saves time and resources later on in the project.
Integrate automated security tests into CI/CD
The integration of automated security tests into CI/CD pipelines is a key element of the DevSecOps-strategy. Through the use of SAST, DAST and IAST tools, the CI/CD security significantly. Studies show that the implementation of DevSecOps principles can reduce the risk of vulnerabilities in production code by up to 60%.
Conduct regular training courses for developers
Continuous education is critical to keep up with ever-evolving security threats. Regular training for developers on current security practices and threats is essential. This helps to ensure that security aspects are consistently considered in the development process.
| Measure | Impact |
|---|---|
| Security by design | 70% fewer security problems |
| DevSecOps implementation | 60% Risk reduction |
| Automated security tests | 40% Saving resources |
Applying these practices leads to more robust and secure apps. By integrating security into the entire development cycle, companies can significantly reduce their digital attack surface and better protect themselves against cyber attacks.
Data protection and compliance
For mobile apps GDPR compliance and App data protection of the utmost importance. Developers must adapt their applications to strict Regulatory requirements adapt. The new NIS2 directive brings additional challenges. Companies must implement these requirements by the end of 2024.
Violations could result in severe fines of up to 10 million euros or 2% of the previous year's turnover. Sectors such as energy, transportation and healthcare are particularly affected. Unified endpoint management (UEM) is essential to meet the security requirements. This helps to minimize the increased cybersecurity risks posed by mobile devices.
The implementation of the NIS2 directive includes comprehensive risk analyses, security measures such as firewalls and encryption as well as special mobile security solutions. Developers must also implement data protection through technology design and give users control over their data. Regular compliance audits ensure adherence to current regulations.
English 
Deutsch
Recent Comments