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The Android platform for app development is considered to be the most popular and widely used platform both in terms of application users, as well as app developers. Android’s massive popularity can, for the most part, be attributed to its open source format and the flexibility it offers in Android application development.
The digital world in the past few years have witnessed a drastic shift in focus to mobile applications. The mobile platform provides its users with practical functionality and user convenience and is a platform that has been bolstered by several technological advancements that have boosted its range of functions exponentially.
We now use our phones for everything from social interactions, personal fitness, entertainment, to business transactions. Android application development has not only revolutionized the way companies do business but has also radically changed the way we lead our lives.
Android applications currently make up over 85% of the market share offering, and Android app developers have flexibility in design and function, hardware compatibility while helping to enhance user experiences by providing smartphone users everywhere with a platform that is engaging, easy to use and with virtually limitless functionality. An Android development company not only helps you take your business to the next level but ensures that the application development process is streamlined and effective.
But even with its many virtues, Android app development services are not free from cybersecurity threats. Hackers are tailing anywhere there is an upsurge in digital activity, looking to pry into personal and sensitive information of users everywhere. In order to ensure your application isn’t being exploited, it is very important for Android app developers to identify and mitigate security threats, not only to your software but users as well.
It’s common knowledge that Android is no walled warden – unlike with Apple’s iOS, none of the Android apps are screened at that intensity, and the app approval process is infinitely simpler, which makes it more prone to exploitation by hackers and cyber pirates.
It is estimated that about 95% of Android applications are at a risk of being affected by malware. This is a huge risk, and Android not policing its applications leaves both app programmers and hackers with a lot of freedom to manipulate. There are over 75,000 thousand different diagnosed cyber threats that Android is currently susceptible to, and its Play Store policy does little to minimize these security breaches. It’s very easy for malware to make its way onto the users’ private screens.
Fragmentation is one of the biggest problems Android app development services face when it comes to developing a sound security solution. As Android applications contain a number of versions, Android app programmers find it quite challenging to develop a solution that is fit for each of these versions. Furthermore, users do not always update their Android device to the latest version, which is why some security solutions that are created are not able to operate. It is also important to note that Android devices that are not updated are more vulnerable, as well as more prone to being infected and getting attacked by malware.
It is not uncommon for Android app programmers to fail to fully understand the types and number of permissions an app requires. At the same time, most users do not think twice before hitting the “Accept” button when an app asks for certain permissions. So, why is this a security threat? Well, by granting an app certain permission, users are allowing the application to access private and sensitive data that is stored on their Android device. Therefore, when it comes to Android application development, Android app programmers must always try to create apps that require as few permissions as possible. It is also important to spread awareness about app vulnerabilities and urge users to be cautious while granting an app permission.
This may seem strange, but customizing the operating system is a major security threat that Android applications face. It’s very common for users to customize their operating system to make it more functional, comfortable, or user-friendly. However, some users also have the tendency to alter the OS by integrating launchers and customization layers. This causes gaps in the security measures, which is why customizing the OS is a big problem in the world of Android application development.
As Android applications are not limited to just the Google Play Store, these apps can be made available on a variety of stores – even if they are not authorized. Thanks to Android’s open-source nature, which makes building an Android app a free affair. It’s therefore quite simple for anyone to create malicious apps and upload them online. It is also important to note that very often, users resort to unauthorized sites to get apps, as they want to avoid paying for an app they want. They then unknowingly download malicious apps, which attack their devices and steal their data. This automatically makes the world of Android mobile app development a risky one.
Now that you know what the risks are, the following tips will help you develop Android apps that are less prone to security risks:
• Know what the potential security risks are.
• Create a trust model that helps you determine which users you can trust with which app and what data.
• Hire Android app programmer who knows what the latest security threats are, and how to counter them.
