Last updated on March 19, 2025

 Be SMART and Safe!

Mobile apps are a big part of our daily lives, from chatting with friends to managing our finances. But while they make things easier, they can also put our personal information at risk if not properly protected. Many apps can expose your data without you even knowing. To keep your information safe, it’s important to understand the security risks and follow some simple steps. Here are some common threats you should watch out for, and how to protect yourself.

  • Malware
    Malware is harmful software that targets mobile apps to steal information or damage devices. Cybercriminals spread it through links, downloads, or fake apps, taking advantage of the widespread use of mobile apps. Understanding these threats helps protect personal data and devices.
  • Unsafe Third-Party APIs
    Third-party APIs help apps share data but can be risky as they expose sensitive information to hackers. To protect your app, ensure APIs are secure, use encryption, and have strong authentication.
  • Weak encryption
    Without encryption, your app’s data is at risk of being accessed and exploited by hackers. Encryption protects data by making it unreadable to attackers, ensuring it remains secure even if they gain access.
  • Data leakage
    Data leakage happens when sensitive information is exposed due to weak security, poor coding, or lack of encryption. This can occur even after an app is deleted, making strong security measures crucial to protect personal data.
  • Insecure Authentication
    Authentication insecurity occurs when apps allow weak passwords, making it easier for hackers to access. For apps with sensitive data, like banking or social media, strong password policies and two-factor authentication are crucial for protection.
  • Over privileged apps
    Over privileged apps request more permissions than needed, which can create security risks by granting access to sensitive data. To protect yourself, only allow permissions that are necessary for the app’s core function and avoid granting unnecessary access.

How to be safe with mobile apps

  • Regularly update software / Apps.
    Continuously update your app to address security vulnerabilities and improve functionality.
  • Enable device encryption.
    Enabling encryption on a mobile device helps prevent unauthorized access and keeps your personal data safe.
  • Set strong passwords.
    Protect your apps from unauthorized access and keep sensitive data safe by using strong passwords.
  • Avoid insecure public WI-FI networks.
    Hackers can set up unsecured WI-FI connections to spread Malware.
  • Review and restrict app permissions.
    Go to settings to check which apps access sensitive data like your location, camera, and microphone. Turn off permissions that aren’t needed for the app to work properly.

Resources:
https://www.cryptomathic.com/blog/top-10-mobile-app-security-threats-safeguard-your-data-from-potential-risks
https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/guidance-mobile-communications-best-practices.pdf