How to conduct a mobile app security audit

<p>Conducting a mobile app security audit requires an effective strategy and knowledge of the issues IT might encounter.</p>
<p>Mobile apps are essential for hybrid and remote organizations. Employees need real-time access to corporate data, cloud services and backend systems from anywhere, which makes mobile apps an important access point into the enterprise environment. This raises the stakes for conducting mobile app security audits <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/feature/Simplify-mobile-app-development-for-the-enterprise”>during app development</a>, before major releases and while the app is in production. &nbsp;Mobile app security audits should be part of the application lifecycle, not a one-time check before release.</p>
<section class=”section main-article-chapter” data-menu-title=”What is a mobile app security audit?”>
<h2 class=”section-title”><i class=”icon” data-icon=”1″></i>What is a mobile app security audit?</h2>
<p>A mobile app security audit focuses on the security aspects of a mobile application. It examines the app’s code, functionality and architecture to find vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. This is different from a mobile device security audit, which evaluates all aspects of the device’s security, including its OS and installed applications.</p>
<p>An app audit enhances the mobile application’s security posture by addressing potential threats and ensuring <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/tip/Prep-a-compliance-audit-checklist-that-auditors-want-to-see”>compliance with industry standards</a>. It involves thorough code reviews, <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/penetration-testing”>penetration testing</a> and analysis of features such as encryption and API security. Additionally, the audit checks access control mechanisms and the security of third-party components within the app.</p>
<p>Mobile app security audits address the following key areas:</p>
<ul class=”default-list”>
<li><b>Authentication and authorization</b>. This should include identity verification, secure login mechanisms and proper session management.</li>
<li><strong>Data encryption</strong>. Strong, current encryption standards help secure data in transit and at rest.</li>
<li><b>Data storage.</b> Audits should ensure the proper storage of sensitive corporate and personal data and <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/opinion/Data-storage-and-security-make-a-mission-critical-mix”>prevent insecure data storage practices</a>.</li>
<li><b>Code security.</b> Source code reviews focus on finding vulnerabilities and protecting against reverse engineering.</li>
<li><strong>Third-party components</strong>. Audits should review software development kits, open source libraries, embedded services and other third-party components for known vulnerabilities, insecure permissions or excessive data collection.</li>
<li><b>Network security.</b> Secure communication between the app and the cloud protects against man-in-the-middle attacks.</li>
<li><b>Platform-specific security.</b> Enterprise mobile apps must comply with <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/tip/Are-iPhones-more-secure-than-Android-devices”>iOS and Android security guidelines</a>.</li>
<li><b>Secure configuration.</b> Audits should ensure the proper configuration of security settings and flag default configurations.</li>
</ul>
<p>Audits should factor into IT’s overall <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchsoftwarequality/definition/application-lifecycle-management-ALM”>application lifecycle management</a> practices. The size of the user community increases the risk exposure, attack surface and data volume if attackers compromise mobile app security. IT administrators should plan their audit schedule accordingly and be open to altering the audit cadence if the need arises.</p>
</section>
<section class=”section main-article-chapter” data-menu-title=”6 common mobile app security audit issues”>
<h2 class=”section-title”><i class=”icon” data-icon=”1″></i>6 common mobile app security audit issues</h2>
<p>There are some common issues that IT might encounter when performing a mobile app security audit. Admins should be ready to handle problems such as inadequate encryption, invalid user inputs, weak authentication, unsecured APIs and risky third-party components.</p>
<h3>1. Inadequate encryption</h3>
<p>Weak encryption for data storage and transmission is a common mobile app security

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