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Loading...SSL Certificates Add Bulletproof Mobile App Security
(14 votes, average: 4.21 out of 5)Loading...SSL Certificates are a fundamental component for mobile app security
What is a mobile phone? Well, for most people it’s the first thing they see in the morning and the last thing they see before going to bed—a virtual partner in itself. The latest data by GSMA Intelligence shows around 5 billion people using cellphones around the world. We’re witnessing something really special—a revolution if you call it. And there are no signs of it slowing down. By 2020, this number is expected to reach a staggering 6.1 Billion. So, what do we do on these phones? We use apps—lots and lots of them. In 2016, around 90% of the time spent on mobile phones was spent on apps—a very good reason for us to take mobile App security seriously.
These apps have access to everything—from personal information to banking details. Users don’t think twice before giving these apps access to such confidential information, either. That is where the responsibility of the app developer comes in to play. Because of such blind trust from the customers, the developers must do everything in their power to ensure that their users’ data stays protected. And an SSL certificate is the best way to achieve that.
The role of SSL certificates on mobile apps
Forget websites—this is the age of apps. With millions of users willingly handing over their ultra-confidential information, including their present location, the likelihood of eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks is bound to rise.
With Google pushing for “HTTPS Everywhere,” SSL certificates are more prevalent than ever, so prevalent that 2017 is being dubbed as the year of HTTPS. However, the picture is still not as clear when it comes to mobile apps. Maybe this is because the browsers in many apps don’t include indicators such as HTTPS, padlock, and the green address bar. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that having SSL enabled is a must for Apps, be it any platform—Android or iOS.
Sadly, we are still quite a ways from reaching our goal to secure the mobile app environment. Recent research indicates that around half of the app developers don’t take a single step to secure their apps. It is shocking (to say the least) to learn about the utter disregard from these IT enterprises. Around sixty percent of the firms involved in the survey conceded that they had a data breach. I repeat, sixty percent!!
With startups coming up with innovative ideas every day, mobile apps serve a countless number of purposes. Starting from tracking fitness levels to purchasing razorblades—they do it all. In spite of all the benefits involved, there is a catch. As a result of such ubiquity, apps deal with colossal amounts of highly confidential data every day—enough to lure the prowling eyes of cyber criminals. To keep them at bay and avoid any data breaches, you need encryption.
SSL certificate acts as an impenetrable armor for mobile apps—leaving very little possibility of MITM attacks or eavesdropping.
More than anything, payment gateways are often the target of hackers. This is where SSL certificates enter the picture. They protect banking details and credit card details by virtue of encryption. If you are a developer and you have installed SSL for a payment gateway on your app, you can proudly inform your users of it. In fact, that plays a huge role in establishing trust with your customers. Many buyers avoid buying anything if they are worried about their information getting compromised. Not anymore. This can help you elevate customer confidence which can ultimately fuel your revenues and reputation.
Concluding thoughts
Every day, the number of mobile phone users keeps reaching new heights, especially smartphones. This increasing acceptance of smartphones and mobile apps puts a tremendous responsibility on the shoulders of the app makers. They must take every possible action to establish solid mobile app security. So, do yourself a favor and install an SSL certificate on your app right away!!!
