Mobile app security: risks, protection, and best practices

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Today we live glued to our mobile phones and their apps, but we rarely stop to think about What risks do we take each time we install an app or connect to one? public Wi-Fi networkFrom the theft of personal data to large-scale malware attacks, threats continue to grow at the same rate as the number of smartphones in circulation.

If you use the phone for work, for manage your money Or simply to chat and upload photos, are you interested in meeting How to protect your device, what built-in security systems like Google Play Protect do, and what best practices you and developers should follow.Let's look at it calmly, but without beating around the bush.

Why is security so important in mobile apps?

The call mobile security It encompasses all measures designed to protect your smartphone or tablet against problems such as data leaks, espionage, malware, ransomware, or scams. It's not just about installing antivirus software and forgetting about it, but about understanding that mobile devices are now the primary source of security threats. a large part of our digital life: contacts, photos, credentials, banking apps, work, leisure, etc.

In recent years, the number of smartphone users has skyrocketed, leading criminals to focus on these devices. Cybersecurity companies have detected tens of millions of malware, adware, and riskware attacks on mobile devices in a single yearwith notable year-over-year increases. In other words, mobile is no longer a secondary objective, it's the primary objective.

In addition, we must bear in mind that Protecting a teenager's personal mobile phone is not the same as protecting the corporate device of someone who handles sensitive company data.However, in both cases the weak point is usually the same: unchecked app installations, use of open Wi-Fi networks, weak passwords and a false sense of security.

Main risks: what can be stolen or damaged with an insecure app

When we talk about mobile app security, we don't just think about classic viruses. A poorly designed or malicious app can cause theft of sensitive information, economic losses and reputational damage for both users and businesses.

One of the most common dangers is theft of personal data and login credentialsWe're talking about names, email addresses, phone numbers, passwords for platforms and social networks, etc. With this data, identities can be stolen, new accounts can be opened, or access can be gained to other applications where you reuse passwords.

Another critical front is the stolen financial dataCredit cards, online banking access, mobile payment services, cryptocurrency wallets, or e-commerce apps are all targeted. Many malware campaigns focus precisely on intercepting SMS codes, screens, or forms from financial apps to empty accounts or make fraudulent payments.

In the case of companies and professionals, the following also comes into play: intellectual property theftSource code, internal documents, designs, business strategies, or customer information stored or accessible from a mobile device. A well-executed attack against a corporate app can wipe out years of work in a matter of minutes.

We must not forget the reputational damageA breach in an official app (for example, from a bank, insurance company, or messaging service) can erode the trust of thousands or millions of users. Often, the reputational damage and potential regulatory penalties for inadequate data protection are as serious as the attack itself.

5 reasons why threats against mobile apps keep growing

Attackers have learned to exploit the mobile ecosystem. Today there are Five major factors that contribute to the increase in attacks against applications installed on smartphones and tablets.

First, cybercriminals They leverage the app distribution platforms themselves.Through supply chain attacks, they can compromise SDKs (development kits) used by popular, legitimate applications. Thus, a single incident in a library used by several apps can end up infecting millions of devices without the user's knowledge.

A second factor is the insecure data storage within applications. When sensitive information (tokens, API keys, personal data) is stored without adequate protection, it is much easier to extract it through reverse engineering, rooted devices, or malicious apps that exploit access to shared areas.

They also weigh vulnerabilities in communicationsIf an app does not properly encrypt traffic to the server or accepts insecure certificates, an attacker on the same network (for example, on public Wi-Fi) can intercept and manipulate data in transit, from credentials to banking information.

Added to the above are deficient authentication proceduresApps that continue to allow weak passwords, that do not apply locks after several failed attempts, or that do not take advantage of biometric systems and multi-factor authentication, make it easy for anyone with physical access to the mobile phone or with leaked credentials to enter without too much difficulty.

Finally, many apps do a improper use of data encryptionThey use outdated algorithms, mismanage cryptographic keys, or mix encrypted and unencrypted data in the same place, which opens the door to both local and remote attacks against the confidentiality of information.

Google Play Protect: the first protection barrier on Android

On devices AndroidGoogle integrates a system called Google Play Protect It functions as an automatic guardian of apps and the system itself. While it doesn't replace good user behavior or other security solutions, it provides a valuable layer of continuous protection.

This system Analyze the applications available on Google Play beforehand. Before you download them, we scan for suspicious or malicious behavior. This way, many dangerous apps are blocked before they even reach users' devices, reducing the risk at the source.

Additionally, Google Play Protect Periodically review the set of apps installed on your mobile phoneThis includes apps from sources outside the official store. In their terminology, these potentially harmful applications are called malware and can be detected even if you installed them manually from an APK file.

When the system identifies an app as dangerous, it can act in several ways. It can show a warning encouraging you to uninstall it, it may disable it so that it stops working until you remove it or even delete it automaticallyIn most cases, you will receive a notification explaining what happened and what measures were taken.

Google Play Protect also emits Privacy alerts when it detects apps that hide relevant information or they abuse user permissions, violating unwanted software policies or developer guidelines. In certain versions of Android, it can even Reset permissions granted to apps you rarely use to reduce unnecessary access to your data.

Finally, this system can prevent the installation of unverified apps that request particularly sensitive permits that are often used for financial fraudthus blocking many scam attempts before the damage materializes.

How to check and adjust Google Play Protect on your device

To get the most out of this protective layer, it's a good idea to check that everything is in order. First of all, you can Check if your device is certified for Play ProtectSimply open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile icon in the top right corner, go to the settings section, and look for the information section, where the certification status will appear.

Under normal conditions, Google Play Protect comes enabled by defaultHowever, it's possible to disable it manually. For security reasons, it's highly recommended to keep it always on. If you want to check or change this setting, go to the Google Play Store, tap on your profile, access Play Protect, and then its settings, where you can enable or disable app scanning.

When you install apps from outside the official store, the system may ask for permission to send copies of those unknown applications to GoogleIf you enable the option to improve the detection of malicious software, Play Protect will automatically send samples of those apps to Google's servers for in-depth code-level analysis.

The process for managing this function also involves Google Play Store and the Play Protect menuIn the settings, you'll find a switch to turn the enhanced detection option on or off. If you're a developer, you may be required to manually upload each new version of your app to facilitate this type of analysis and prevent false positives or security issues.

In Android versions between 6.0 and 10, Play Protect also incorporates a mechanism for Automatically reset permissions for apps you haven't used for three months.You'll receive notifications when this happens, and from the Play Protect interface itself you can go to the unused app permissions section to check what has been reset.

If you don't want a specific permission to be automatically removed in a specific app, you can Open the list of applications, select the one you are interested in, and disable the option to remove permissions when not in use.However, once Play Protect has removed permissions, it will not automatically grant them again; it will simply stop interfering with the others.

What does Google do with data related to malware?

To effectively detect threats, Google needs certain technical information about your device. Among other data, it may collect Information about network connections, potentially dangerous URLs, and installed applicationswhether they came from Google Play or other sources.

When an app or web link is considered unsafe, you may receive a warning explaining that it may pose a risk to the device, your data, or your own safetyIn more serious cases, Google may automatically remove the application or block the installation and access to that URL if it is known to be harmful.

Play Protect frequently recommends analyze apps that are not on Google Play and that have never been evaluated before. During this examination, technical details are sent to Google's servers, the code is evaluated, and after a short time, a result is displayed indicating whether the app appears safe or has been classified as potentially dangerous.

Some of these functions can disable from device settings If you want to limit the sending of data, but even in that scenario Google may still receive some basic telemetry related to the apps you download from its own store to maintain the overall security of the ecosystem.

Device certification and the "Device is not certified" error

It is important to be clear that Google Play Protect and device certification are different thingsIt's possible that everything appears correct in Play Protect and you still see the warning that the device is not certified for Google Play.

If the message “The device is not certified“Trying to fix it by fiddling with Play Protect settings won't help. Instead, you should tap the button that indicates there's a problem with your device and follow the instructions.” the instructions that Google provides on screen to complete the terminal verification or regularization process.

If you can't find the option, you can open the Google Play app, tap your profile picture, go to settings, then to the information section and scroll to the Play Protect certification field, where both the status and the option to correct possible errors are shown, as well as additional documentation on the most common causes and solutions.

Most common types of mobile threats

Beyond configuration errors, the biggest enemy of mobile security is... different malware families and social engineering techniques that try to infiltrate our devices. To defend yourself properly, it's helpful to recognize the main categories.

One of the most frequent is the adwareThis software aggressively displays advertising and, in many cases, serves as a gateway for more serious threats. In some recent analyses, over 40% of the threats detected on mobile devices fell into this category, giving an idea of ​​their reach.

Also of concern are data leaks through abusive permissions in appsespecially those presented as free. Some collect more information than necessary for commercial purposes or even to sell it to third parties. Changes in operating systems, such as the transparency in app tracking introduced in iOSThey have tried to curb this practice by requiring clearer consent.

Another widely exploited vector is the public or poorly configured Wi-Fi networksBecause they are not encrypted or are weakly encrypted, they allow an attacker connected to the same network to intercept data in transit, manipulate traffic, or even set up fake access points that simulate legitimate networks to steal credentials and active sessions.

The classics phishing attacks They have also adapted to the mobile world. Emails, SMS messages, or messages in messaging apps that mimic banks, messaging services, or well-known platforms aim to trick you into entering your login credentials on fake websites or downloading malicious attachments that will install malware on your device.

In the realm of the most covert espionage, we find the spyware and stalkerwareTracking apps can record your location, messages, or calls without your knowledge. This type of software has been detected on tens of thousands of devices in recent analyses, affecting both victims of abusive control and users targeted because of their professional position.

Within the general umbrella of mobile malware Banking Trojans, ransomware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom, and tools that intercept verification codes or steal files and credentials are all common entry points. The entry vector is usually a suspicious link, an app downloaded from outside official app stores, or a malicious attachment opened without verification.

Finally, we must mention the attacks by Cyberterrorism and cyberespionage targeting senior officials, employees of large companies, or public servantsIn these cases, personal or corporate mobile phones become gateways to critical networks and large volumes of strategic information.

Basic best practices for users: how to protect your mobile phone and your apps

Security technology helps, but your behavior makes all the difference. There are a number of good practice that any user should apply

The first is always keep the operating system up to dateEach new version of Android or iOS includes security patches that fix discovered vulnerabilities. If you indefinitely postpone updates, you leave your device exposed to flaws that attackers already have exploits for.

It is also highly recommended Turn off remote connectivity when you don't need itBluetooth, AirDrop, Wi-Fi, or personal hotspots. In public spaces, the smaller your device's attack surface, the better. This reduces the chances of unauthorized connections or attempts to send malicious content.

When installing new apps, get used to carefully review the permits they are requestingAsk yourself if a flashlight app really needs access to your contacts or if a game requires your location constantly. If you find an unfamiliar app that you don't remember installing, delete it immediately.

Another key tip is Download apps only from official stores. such as Google Play, the App Store, or recognized repositories in your region. Within these stores, pay attention to reviews, the number of downloads, the developer, and their other apps. Few reviews, all of them perfect, or a well-known name with very few installs are red flags.

To lock your own device, take advantage of the following options: Biometric access: fingerprint or facial recognitionCombining it with a strong PIN or password makes it much harder for someone who steals or finds your phone to directly access your data and applications.

Finally, remember Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on important servicesWhenever possible, use authenticator apps instead of SMS, as they are less vulnerable to certain types of attacks. A password manager can help you create different and complex passwords for each service without having to memorize them all.

Applications that help improve security and privacy

In addition to the operating system's built-in functions, there are many applications specifically designed to enhance security and privacy of your mobile device. It's helpful to know the main types and what they offer.

Los mobile antivirus, antimalware and antiransomware They are the first line of defense against malware. They analyze apps, downloaded files, and system behavior in real time to detect suspicious patterns before the damage is irreversible. A trusted solution adds extra protection to Play Protect or similar native mechanisms.

The anti-theft and device location applications They use GPS to show the phone's location if it's lost or stolen. Some allow you to sound an alarm, display messages on the screen, lock the device, or remotely erase data. However, it's important to grant location access only to trusted apps and to review these permissions periodically.

Tools like the app blockers They allow you to protect access to certain apps with an additional PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. This way, even if someone can unlock your phone, they won't be able to easily access your email, social media, or messaging apps without that second layer of security.

Los password managers They store your credentials in encrypted form, allowing you to create long and complex passwords without having to remember them. Many automatically generate new passwords, alert you when one has been compromised, and securely sync information across devices, which is especially useful if you use your mobile phone for work.

The two-step verification applications Multi-factor authentication generates one-time codes that strengthen access to your most important accounts. Combined with the good habit of changing passwords regularly, this makes it much harder for anyone who manages to steal or buy your credentials on the dark web.

In the field of navigation, there are privacy-focused browsers and apps These tools block trackers, filter malicious URLs, reduce intrusive advertising, and make it harder for third parties to create a detailed profile of your online habits. They complement ad blockers and phishing detectors, adding extra layers of protection on suspicious websites.

Finally, some organizations offer comprehensive device security analysis applications These tools review your settings, detect malicious or risky apps, and recommend changes to improve your protection. They are especially useful if you're not very comfortable with system security settings.

Specific best practices for mobile app developers

The responsibility for mobile security does not fall solely on the users. Developers have a key role to play in minimizing risks from the design stage itself. of the applications. The OWASP foundation compiles in its MASVS standard a series of requirements and best practices that are worth keeping in mind.

One critical aspect is securely store sensitive data and prevent information leaksApps often handle personal information, session tokens, API keys, or credentials. All of this must be properly protected, whether stored on internal storage or in areas accessible to other applications.

It is also recommended to use robust cryptographic mechanisms for encrypting sensitive data and properly manage keys throughout their lifecycle: generation, storage, rotation, and revocation. Poorly managed strong cryptography can be almost as dangerous as not encrypting anything at all.

In the access control section, it is advisable to implement robust authentication and authorization protocolsThis is especially important in applications that connect to remote services or perform sensitive operations. It's advisable to separate the initial authentication from additional mechanisms for high-risk actions, for example, by requiring multi-factor authentication for certain transactions.

Communications between the app and its endpoints must be protected by secure protocols such as TLS and strict certificate validationFurthermore, it is advisable to avoid third-party libraries that weaken this protection by allowing, for example, self-signed certificates without adequate controls or ignoring validation errors.

Another important aspect is the way the app interacts with the mobile platformIPC mechanisms, WebViews, graphical interface, screenshots, etc. Poor management of these elements can lead to exposure of critical data, abuse of internal functions, or exfiltration of information through overlay techniques and other common malware tricks.

Finally, good practices for secure development include Always sanitize and validate incoming dataUse only components without known vulnerabilities, impose mandatory update mechanisms when critical patches are released, and limit support to operating system versions that no longer receive security fixes.

Permission control, user privacy, and security audits

In addition to the purely technical aspects, developers must take very seriously the protection of personal data and regulatory complianceRegulations such as the European GDPR set strict obligations that directly impact the design and operation of apps.

A fundamental good practice is Minimize the app's access to sensitive data and resources.Only request the permissions that are essential for the application to function correctly, avoiding requests for access to contacts, location or camera unless strictly necessary.

It is also advisable to apply data anonymization or pseudonymization techniquesso that the information stored or transmitted minimizes the possibility of directly identifying a user. This helps mitigate the impact of a potential security incident.

Transparency is key: the user must have a clear understanding what information the app collects, for what purpose, and for how longIn addition, you need to be able to manage, modify, and delete your data, as well as easily change your privacy preferences from options accessible within the application itself.

To reinforce these measures, it is very useful periodically subject applications to security auditsIn these reviews, cybersecurity specialists perform static and dynamic tests to identify vulnerabilities in data storage, authentication mechanisms, the use of WebViews, or network connections.

The resulting reports typically include practical recommendations for correcting the weaknesses detectedprioritizing those that represent a higher risk. Incorporating these types of audits into the development lifecycle is one of the best ways to ensure that good practices don't just remain on paper.

Ultimately, combining systems like Google Play Protect, specialized security apps, good user practices, and responsible development supported by standards such as those of OWASP It's the most effective way to enjoy the benefits of mobile apps without turning your smartphone into a constant headache.