With technology getting more advanced nowadays, you can never be “too safe” with your cybersecurity. Hackers are getting smarter and more sophisticated when it comes to finding ways to steal your information.
Since this is the case for many people and companies, it’s important that you also find more advanced ways to strengthen your cybersecurity. For mobile apps, this is where ethical hacking can come in. While hacking usually gets a bad reputation, there’s actually a side to it that can benefit those who want extra safety.
Let’s talk more about ethical hacking and how it can strengthen mobile app security.
What Is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hacking is also known as white-hacking. It’s a practice where hackers look for vulnerabilities in computer systems with the permission of the said organization. Many organizations hire ethical hackers so that they know which areas of cybersecurity they can improve on.
Ethical hackers follow a structured process to identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications. This structured approach ensures thorough assessment and actionable insights for improving security.
With the information from ethical hackers, it’s easier to stay abreast of cybersecurity practices. Organizations can identify and fix vulnerabilities before they become bigger problems for them.
Why Ethical Hacking Can Be Good for Mobile App Security
For mobile app security, ethical hacking can be a good practice. It helps ensure that the app stays robust and trustworthy despite cybersecurity threats. Here are some reasons why:
Proactive Vulnerability Detection
When an ethical hacker performs penetration testing, it shows that your organization is proactive in detecting vulnerabilities. The constant efforts to see where your organization lacks security can mean the difference between a successful business and a cyberattack.
During these penetration tests, ethical hackers will simulate real-life cyberattacks that reveal flaws in your system. Whether it’s your mobile app’s weak encryption, improper data storage, or unvalidated input, penetration testing by ethical hackers is a method to determine vulnerabilities that may not be apparent through conventional testing methods.
Enhanced User Trust
Since many hackers are getting sophisticated, users may be wary about signing up for an app that doesn’t promise data protection. If your app doesn’t look like it has the proper security features in place, then you might be losing out on some potential customers.
Additionally, ethical hacking can help ensure that your mobile app passes different security laws and standards. For instance, European mobile apps need to comply with laws like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) to ensure proper processing of user data. An ethical hacker can assess your app’s compliance with these regulations to prevent hefty fines and reputational damage.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Cybersecurity attacks can be costly for your organization. A data breach can mean having to spend money on system repairs, legal fees, and other unforeseen expenses. However, if you hire an ethical hacker to conduct penetration testing and other vulnerability scans, it can provide a more cost-effective solution.
Ethical hackers can provide different insights on cost-efficient ways to improve your mobile app’s security. They can suggest whether it’s a good idea to implement advanced authentication protocols or improve encryption methods. Through an ethical hacker’s suggestion, it will be easier for your organization to save money on future breaches and data recovery costs.
Custom Solutions for Specific Challenges
Every industry will have its own set of threats and vulnerabilities. When making a mobile app, these problems should be addressed and that’s where ethical hacking can step in.
For example, e-commerce apps not only need secure payment gateways to protect sensitive data like credit card details but also require robust measures to counter mobile fraud, such as unauthorized transactions and account takeovers. Generic security measures may not be enough for a mobile app that requires these specific protocols. An ethical hacker is knowledgeable enough to provide tailored solutions that can enhance app security.
This ensures the app’s long-term usability and safeguards the organization’s reputation.
Improved Development Practices
Incorporating an ethical hacker into the development team can bring new knowledge and opinions to your team. Ethical hackers may think differently from traditional developers. They put security at the front, and adding them to your team can create a “security by design” culture.
Even if you don’t add an ethical hacker to your team, occasionally bringing them in can provide valuable input. They can offer actionable feedback to developers and even work with other team members to learn more about the latest coding standards for security.
The Bottom Line
Security should be a priority when developing any mobile application. There are many ways to ensure that your app is secure and isn’t prone to attacks, one of them being ethical hacking.
This article has shown different reasons why ethical hacking can be good for strengthening mobile app security. By hiring an ethical hacker, you can identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they are exploited by malicious actors.
QS2 Point helps your business stay innovative in the age of digital transformation and artificial intelligence. To learn more, contact us at sales.info@qs2point.com.
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