In this digital era, security is one of the most sizzling topics in the IT industry. Companies, users, and legislators are more concerned about privacy and data security than ever. This trend is also imposing on mobile applications because they contain confidential data of businesses and users. Hence, app developers should ensure app security through data storage security, data communication security, and code security.
Unlike other apps, iOS is a closed and more secured app holding various security restrictions applied by Apple. The secure mobile applications prevent intruders from tampering with data, coding, or communication. Multiple methods can protect mobile applications and the user’s data, such as SSL pinning, user data protection tools, or security audits. However, despite being a safe app, iOS features numerous vulnerabilities that every app developer or organization owner should work on to make it more secure.
Let’s go over some techniques in detail and explore how iOS developers improve iOS app security.
Our Tips On How To Ensure An iOS App Security
Apple offers countless security options and ensures to protect the source code. That’s why the iOS operating system is considered more secure than Android. Still, it doesn’t mean that iOS App Security cannot be challenged. It can be hacked in various ways; thus, the app developers should follow the given strategies to protect the iOS operating system from hacking.
Secure Data Storing
Issue:
Android and iOS often save the copy/pasting data on the clipboard and then display it at different moments when you copy something else. The confidential data saved on the clipboard can be accessed and modified anytime.
Solution:
If a developer is entering any confidential data or sensitive information, it needs to be ensured that it is masked and prevented from being cached. It is recommended to mask the password, credit card information, home addresses, etc.
SSL Pinning
Issue:
When developing an HTTPS SSL connection, the developer determines the server certificate. But often, the developer does not figure out whether your server precisely uses the certificate.
Most iOS applications carry the TLS protocol to communicate with the server. Clients often do not mention which certificates need to rely on for the iOS certificate.
Attackers typically use MitM attacks to corrupt data or personal information to sabotage communications.
Solution:
If, in a case, HTTP traffic is not appropriately encrypted, anyone can see it. There are two popular ways to implement pinning: using the public key hash or a certificate.
Application Authorization
Issue:
Various iOS apps offer access through a PIN or password decided by the user. So, it is evident that the password should remain with the organization. But to validate the password, the code is entered on the server device.
The number of attempts to unlock the password is limited to increase the app’s security. If the maximum attempts are made, the saved data on the desk will be deleted, and the user automatically logs out of the application.
Solution:
Using other login methods, such as facial recognition, biometrics, or fingerprint ID, is ideal.
Jailbreak Check
Issue:
Apple’s regulations for its iOS are somehow controversial. Users who plan to jailbreak their smartphones are preceding most of Apple’s security features. Still, any installed app could potentially gain user data access.
Each new iOS is making jailbreaking less common and even harder to accomplish. Yet, performing a jailbreak check is valuable.
Solution:
There are diverse strategies for performing a jailbreak check, such as determining whether it can record outside the sandbox. Or exploring the existence of a Cydia package on the device. These are not fool-proof techniques for protecting an app from jailbreaking, but they make it much more challenging.
Anti-Fraud System
Issue:
If someone attempts to access a user’s account or device, there should be some measures to control them from attempting in-app operations. One way of accomplishing this security check is to transmit the device’s details (such as model, ID number, and iOS version) to the server during authorization.
So if the user loses access to their phone, the incident could be reported. Moreover, the device can be blacklisted on the server.
Solution:
Suppose a user decides to share geolocation data. If actions on the application are executed from atypical locations, it is likely to suspend the service until the users ensure that they are using the device.
Every significant action or setting modification should be verified with an SMS code, with a restricted number of tries to enter it accurately. At that point, this process provides a layer of security.
Data Entry
Issue:
Even within the app, data entry should always be a matter of utmost security measures. It is suggested to keep the autocomplete function disabled for most text fields. If it isn’t, the input data, which is often personal, will be indexed by the operating system and appear as options for autocomplete in other applications.
Password text fields should be masked, making the copy and paste ability unsupported between other applications or domains.
Solution:
The PIN code shown for authorization should not be completed with the system keyboard but with screen’s number buttons.
Summary
Undoubtedly, iOS App offers secure data transmission and secure data storage services. The features of iOS are more secure than Android apps. In short, Apple proudly offers strict security features and privacy controls for iOS users.
However, at some points, iOS data can also be hacked. So, the developers need to be conscious and follow some practical strategies to make the app secure.
If you are looking forward to well-secured iOS app development services, you can contact Owlab. We are an experienced software development company that has been serving businesses for more than 10 years. The company was founded in Ukraine, and a new branch was launched in Estonia. At Owlab, we offer top-class app development services in almost every niche, such as blockchain, fintech, healthcare, retail, etc.
We put every effort into maintaining the high-level security policies of your software. You can offer your requirements anytime to get the most future-oriented and tech-friendly app.
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