A Quick Security Guide To App Development For Business
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Secure Android app development executes like a good spy movie. Believe it or not, software designers are more like Bond—James Bond—than previously realized. Both have their codes & encryption and are deeply involved in predicting their opponents' strategies.
The spy and the developer also have to figure out how to breach or defend application defenses, albeit for different reasons. Inevitably, they never act alone, but have teams to develop technological securities to thwart their enemies. And above all, they have to stay one step ahead of the game to protect their homeland, organization or client.
Get Smart
Creating code good enough to thwart raiders begins with threat models. No, not the sexy beauties that 007 seemingly couldn’t complete a mission without, but imagining where, what, and how imminent security threats may arise before, during, and after the code is designed.
Threat modelling covers all phases of development from the start of a project all the way to maintenance.
A developer knows the vagaries in each version of the popular target mobile phone, Android. And of course they know technological differences between entirely different platforms. (Why street brogues are the preferred app for shoe-phones: stilettos poise significantly greater security risks particularly when trying to walk and talk at the same time).
“Savvy Android mobile app development recognizes that the databases within any given OS are not the same and custom-code appropriately.”
If a mobile app will serve to be simply informational—like an app for checking show times at a local theater—you don’t have a high security risk, whereas a banking app will have a lot of sensitive personal information to be secured. There’s no point in creating extreme security measures when the information in question isn’t overly sensitive in the first place:
“Hazard assessment at the onset of a project saves time and costs.”
Determining where a potential back door may occur during Android app development is a team activity, one frequently addressed throughout the iterative “sprints” to create bombproof code during each phase of development:
“Better, securely-designed code is the best defense.”
Spy vs. Spy
Hackers seem to create intrusive and disabling code to wreak havoc on secured systems with as much vigor as programmers work to build secure systems to keep the same hackers out in a seemingly endless game of one-upmanship; like the tricky spy crows from Mad Magazine:
“Good android app development means constantly keeping up-to-date on old and new threats so designers can take the offensive and create a strategy against them.”
Applications with a lot redundant but eye-catching bells & whistles require even more complex code that can potentially lead to even more unprotected or overlooked back doors which attract security breaches.
“ Streamlined apps are easier to secure.”
Good developers don’t depend on the pre-installed security features of a cell phone's OS to protect sensitive data.
“The application code needs its own security protocols .”
The Spy Who Loved Me
Regardless if it’s the spies who love to build secure mobile apps or those who want to invade them, it’s no secret that Android mobile app development has its own unique requirements that must be fulfilled for security’s sake. For this reason, traditional methods of development won’t do what Agile methods can:
Creatively design user-friendly, secure mobile apps in the least amount of time.
If you are in need of secure mobile app technology, contact the Intellection Group. They can help. Or give a call at 678-283-4283 if you are seeking the best talent for all your software needs.