6 steps to protect your app from cyber attacks 

When you think of cyber security, you’re likely to think of your website and databases but protecting your app is just as important. As an essential way you connect with customers, a breach can cause significant reputational damage and you’re likely to be gathering data from your app too, making security a critical consideration.

Whether you’re developing a new app for your brand or you want to improve the security features of an existing business app, there are best practices that you should keep in mind.

1. Make your code secure

Your code is often the weak point that cyber criminals exploit when looking for an entry point. Bugs and vulnerabilities make it easier for malicious code to affect your app, it’s why the security of your code is important. Minimising code can reduce the risk of it being reverse engineered and quickly responding to bugs when they become apparent is essential.

2. Choose your tools carefully

The tools you use to build your app can unintentionally give hackers access too. From your chosen application programming interface (API) to using material from third-party libraries, they can increase your exposure to a cyber attack. Take the time to research the tools you’re using to assess the risk.

3. Consider authentication

Weak authentication processes can lead to app breaches. Setting out stricter password protocols, for example, can significantly boost how secure your app is by reducing the likelihood of a hacker being able to break through.

4. Keep your servers and software up to date

Packages that are out of data and, therefore, are likely to have more vulnerabilities can affect how protected against cyber attacks your app is too. From your servers to the software you use, make sure you’re running the latest update.

5. Encrypt your data

Your app will be collecting a huge amount of data, including some of which may be sensitive. You have a responsibility to make sure that data is protected should a cyber attack occur, making encryption an important step and the data useless to hackers without the key should they get hold of it.

6. Continue to test your app

Once your app has launched it’s vital that you continue to assess how secure it is, even if you’ve followed best practice. Hackers are continuously coming up with new ways to exploit weaknesses and you need to stay on top of them to minimise the risks. Invest in a process that looks at how your app will withstand the newest threats and release updates when necessary.

With these steps forming part of your app development, you can rest assured that your app and the sensitive information it provides a gateway to are better protected from cyber attacks in the future.