The more mobile apps come on the market, the more acute the security issue becomes. The KOLORO team specializes in improving software security. Our mission is to illuminate this issue to the point where private clients and organizations can make informed decisions.
Secure mobile apps
We use our knowledge of security to produce software tools and documentation for that will help with mobile applications.
The importance of mobile app security: KOLORO expert commentary
Security software is a common phrase used to describe any software that provides security for a computer, mobile device, or network. There are many types of security programs including:
- anti-virus;
- Encryption software;
- firewall software;
- Spyware removal software.
In addition, many operating systems also come with pre-installed software and security tools.
The two most common types of programs used to secure personal mobile devices are:
- antivirus software (virus protection software);
- anti-spyware (software to remove spyware).
We have the necessary knowledge and technology to analyze the security of mobile applications of any level of complexity and fix any problems in their operation.
Software security is an idea implemented to protect software from malicious attacks and other hacking risks so that the software continues to function properly in the face of potential risks. Security is necessary to ensure integrity, authentication, and availability.
Any compromise on integrity, authentication, and availability renders the software insecure. Software systems can be attacked to steal information, control content, introduce vulnerabilities, and corrupt software behavior. Malware can cause a DoS (denial of service) or a failure of the system itself.
The most common software attacks:
- buffer overflow;
- stack overflow;
- Command Injection and SQL Injection.
Buffer and stack attacks overwrite the contents by writing extra bytes.
Command injection can be achieved in program code when system commands are predominantly used. New system commands are added to existing commands using a malicious attack. Sometimes a system command can stop services and cause DoS.
Testing mobile applications
SQL injections use malicious SQL code to extract or modify important information from database servers. They can be used to circumvent credentials. Sometimes SQL injections extract or delete important information from the database.
System security is ensured by using the best firewalls. Utilizing intrusion detection and prevention can cut off hackers’ easy access to the system.
There are also numerous failures and vulnerabilities at the programming level. This happens due to inadequate handling of exceptional situations, poor understanding of the details of the programming language used and incomplete description of interfaces between components.
Types of mobile application testing
To make web application testing effective, we take a systematic approach. The different types of OWASP and WASC testing provide a more complete picture.
OWASP mobile application testing
Among the testing methods are:
- DAST;
- IAST;
- SAST.
The first two types refer to dynamic, i.e., requiring execution. DAST analysis is performed without access to the source code and server side, while IAST is performed with full access. SAST is a static analysis that does not require execution. The source code is analyzed for formal signs of vulnerabilities, and a server security audit is performed. These techniques help in identifying the vulnerability of web applications that are fully or partially accessed.
KOLORO’s team of experts is working on mobile app security. Our actions are designed to protect information assets, services and products, and the confidentiality of customer information.
Application security monitoring
For each application, some or the other testing steps are applied, among them:
- scanning ports, subdomains, and content;
- access control verification;
- testing of functions and parameters;
- check if the commands have been executed correctly;
- testing the logic of the web application;
- server environment check.
By performing deployed testing of an application, you can consistently examine its components and identify possible vulnerabilities.
Improving mobile app security: tips from the Cap
Information about the safety of technology is constantly being updated. We’ve collected classic tips that will be useful for newcomers to development and testing.
- Utilize knowledge bases. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, as there is a wealth of information in the public domain for any task. Other people’s experience is always cheaper, even if you have to pay money for it.
- If you still write your code yourself, check and test everything thoroughly. Automate your work. Use automatic analysis utilities that check the code and look for signs of possible security problems in it. This will save you time and allow you to find all different types of vulnerabilities.
- Test it out. Not all security problems can be solved by testing, but if there is a chance to reduce them – why not do it.
- Code review is the most effective method to detect the maximum number of defects. Code revision can be done in a number of ways.
- Quality architecture is a reliable way to make a program secure.
Improving mobile app security
The challenges for the developer in building secure applications are:
- adaptation and systematization of successful experiences (including those of others);
- working with solution architects;
- Identifying potential vulnerabilities and how to address them;
- using safety-oriented programming techniques.
A holistic approach to security must be ensured at all stages of the project from design and development to deployment and at all levels of the information system: on the network, on the server and in the application itself.
We work to detect bugs that provide an opportunity for a potential attacker to jeopardize the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of information technology products, services, or infrastructure. If you believe you have discovered a security vulnerability in a product or website – contact KOLORO!
And remember, security is only as strong as its weakest link.
