The document outlines best practices for developing secure mobile applications, emphasizing the need for source code encryption, thorough security testing, and secure data transmission. It highlights the importance of strong authentication measures, backend security, and minimizing sensitive data storage to protect against malicious attacks. Additionally, it recommends adopting modern cryptography methods to ensure robust app security.

1. Top 8 Best Practices to
Develop Secure Mobile Apps
In this glittering world of technologies and computers, you can establish trust via many methods
like password sharing, zero knowledge proof, asymmetric keys, end-to-end encryption, etc.
Besides, there are some widely accepted best practices to build secure mobile apps. The number
of mobile applications in the market has touched new heights, with apps for shopping, contacts,
personal information, projects, and events. However, mobile apps remain prime targets for
malicious activity, so organizations must safeguard their apps while enjoying the benefits.

2. Secure the Source Code
Most of the code in a native mobile app is on the client side, making it vulnerable to malware that
can track bugs and vulnerabilities. Attackers may repack renowned apps into rogue apps using
reverse-engineering and upload them to third-party stores. To defend against this, developers
should encrypt the source code to make it unreadable and prevent tampering and reverse
engineering attacks.
1 Source Code Encryption
Encrypting the source code can help defend against reverse engineering and tampering attacks.

3. Thorough Security Testing
It is a consistently good practice to test applications against randomly generated security
scenarios before every deployment. Penetration testing can help avoid security risks and
vulnerabilities in mobile apps. Detecting loopholes is necessary, as they could become
potential threats that give access to mobile data and features.
1 Penetration Tests
Perform thorough QA and security checks, including penetration testing, to detect
vulnerabilities.

4. Secure Data Transmission and Storage
Secure Data-in-Transit
Sensitive information transmitted from client
to server should be protected using SSL or
VPN tunnels to ensure privacy and prevent
data theft.
File-Level & Database Encryption
Unstructured data stored in the local file
system or database within the device
sandbox should be encrypted to ensure data
security.

5. Cryptography Best Practices
Even popular cryptography algorithms like MD5 and SHA1 often become insufficient to meet
increasing security requirements. It is vital to remain updated with the latest security
algorithms and use modern encryption methods like AES with 512-bit or 256-bit encryption,
and SHA-256 for hashing. Perform manual penetration testing and threat modeling to ensure
foolproof security.
1 Use Latest Cryptography
Adopt modern encryption methods like AES and SHA-256 to stay ahead of security threats.

6. Strong Authentication
Lack of high-level authentication leads to security breaches. Developers should design apps to
accept only strong alphanumeric passwords and require users to change them periodically. For
sensitive apps, biometric authentication using fingerprints or retina scans can further strengthen
security.
1 High-level Authentication
Implement strong password requirements and consider biometric authentication for sensitive apps.

7. Secure the Backend
Most mobile apps have a client-server mechanism, so it is essential to have security measures in
place to safeguard against malicious attacks on backend servers. Developers should verify all APIs
in accordance with the mobile platform, as authentication and transport mechanisms can vary.
1 Secure Backend
Verify API authentication and transport mechanisms to protect against attacks on backend servers.

8. Minimize Sensitive Data Storage
To protect sensitive data, developers often store it in the device's local memory. However, it
is best practice to avoid storing sensitive data if possible, as it increases security risk. If data
must be stored, use encrypted data containers or keychains, and minimize logs by adding
auto-delete features.
1 Minimize Sensitive Data
Avoid storing sensitive data on the device, and use encrypted containers if necessary.