Why you will be sick of the term "Mobile application security" in 2017

A common misconception is that iOS is a more secure operating system than android in regards to hosting mobile applications. The truth is, in iOS runtime manipulation is very easy using few third party tools. Whereas with Android, runtime manipulation is bit more difficult. Android gets this vulnerable reputation because the entire source code is deployed in APK (Android application package - the package file format used by the Android operating system for distribution and installation of mobile apps and middleware) at client side. From a hacker’s prospective- both iOS and Android are the same- both having multiple vulnerabilities within their platforms. With this, of course, hackers take on an “If you can build it, we can break it” mentality.

Inevitably 2017 will be the year of the “Mobile App Hack”. To say that mobile application hacking is a new thing, would be an entirely misrepresentation of the word “new”. Mobile app hacking has been around since the existence of mobile applications- the only difference now, is the amount of sensitive information (value) these apps hold. Whether it be just a mobile gaming username and password that is stolen, or an entire profile from a banking app, end user information is becoming more sought after due to the expanding value attached.

Today, businesses apply a simple equation: mobility equals convenience, and businesses simply want their services to be convenient for the users. I no longer have to go to a bank to deposit money or check my balance. I no longer have to go to a computer to check on a transfer. I can do all this from my phone while on my way to a store. With the increase in convenience we have seen a decrease in security. This is a commonly seen trend that history has shown to repeat. This has occurred throughout banks, enterprises, healthcare- essentially every industry, and not with not just mobile, but in essence: with all technology. Trying to find the balance between convenience and security seemed never ending battle- and many predict it will remain that way, one side always trying to play catch up while all the long the hackers will be chipping away piece- by- piece.

Many have begun to take a unique approach: an approach that draws similarities to that of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Notwithstanding its content, what matters is that when legislators created this act they recognized the fact that technology evolves at a rapid rate- a rate that they could not control nor foresee. They needed to create something that was broad enough to cover crimes that they didn’t even know would exist, yet still functional enough to create boundaries and set standards for the crimes that currently existed. That’s what we are seeing today from top Information Security companies.

The foundation of any app security strategy should be RASP. RASP is an acronym for “runtime application self-protection”. Some visualize RASP as a force field surrounding the application, it might alternatively be described as a house, where RASP puts bars on all the windows, locks the door and monitors all activity around the perimeter, a most useful, effective addition to modern mobile application security.

Businesses often make security purchases based on a simple risk or ROI equation. The interesting fact of mobile application security is that you really can’t afford not to implement it. You don’t want your business to be one of the ones we are reading about next year, don’t let it be.