Mobile app development is one of the crucial tasks and if we refer to mobile app security in the GCC that it’s not region-specific but almost all the regions are now considering these concerns at the top for a better result.
The users enter their data into the mobile apps considering that it will be kept safe from unauthorised access whereas, if the databases are not secured enough to be kept protected from malware attacks then, there is no use of it.
The databases are connected to the backend of the mobile apps and if you see, and observe the entire personal data provided by the users is kept in those databases for better preservation. However, the app developers utilize different security patches to keep the data safe and secured.
A mobile app should be 100% scalable and secured otherwise there are less chances that the end users are going to use it for a longer run.
In this blog, we are going to learn about the practices that should be followed before making the final decision of working with any app development company.
Are you excited to explore it with us? Let’s get started then…
Interesting Statistics About Mobile App Security
Mobile app security is a huge risk, with over 75% of apps containing security flaws, leading to significant data breaches (apps caused 72% of data breaches in 2024). Common issues include insecure data storage, poor authentication, and weak encryption, often due to rushed development prioritizing speed over security, making apps easy targets for sophisticated threats like AI-driven malware and phishing, which is surging.
Development Speed vs. Security: Organizations often sacrifice security for faster time-to-market, making apps vulnerable, says Guardsquare.
Supply Chain Risk: Third-party components (SDKs, libraries) introduce unvetted risks, increasing the overall attack surface, points out Brilworks.
User-Facing Risks: Nearly half of employees have unknowingly downloaded malicious apps, creating major internal vulnerabilities, notes Secuodsoft
Now let’s hear about the amazing features that should be present within mobile app for maintaining a good security concerns:
Mobile App Advancements For Strengthen The Security
In this section, we are going to learn about the attributes that should be present within the mobile app for enhancing the security:
- Security App Architecture – Security by Design
You can adopt a security first mindset from the design phase instantly after the launch. Use the layered security defense in the depth, like, the client side, backend and APIs with better infrastructure. It comes with minimal changes in the app surface by disabling the unused features and working as per the permission.
- Strong Authentication & Authorization
You can implement multi-factor authentication that is ideal for financial apps, government services and healthcare and enterprise apps.
You may use OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect for the authentication. You may apply the role-based access control to the mobile app for limiting the user privileges. Perhaps, you may avoid custom authentication mechanisms without unnecessary access.
A mobile app security company in the UAE implements these practices to strengthen the privacy concerns of the mobile apps for a better and memorable user experience.
- Secure Data Storage (On Device & Backend)
The third feature associated with the mobile app is that, never allows the storage of sensitive data in plain text on the device. Whereas, if you use iOS keychain and android keystore then you should keep the data safe from unauthorised access. Whereas, encrypt all the sensitive data at the end and in transit.
You may avoid storing the personal information like, passwords, full payment details, and national ID numbers unless it’s legally required.
- API & Backend Security
A mobile app development company in Abu Dhabi stated and shared it with the clients that API and backend security helps in keeping the data secured from unauthorized access.
It protects through authentication tokens (JWT with short expiry), rate limiting, and IP throttling. Perhaps, with instant validation of all the input, and monitor it for unusual behaviour and abuse that frustrate the end users. Whereas, they focus on building separate environments for development, staging and production purposes.
- Compliance with Middle East Regulations
If we talk about compliance then, it’s one of the biggest concerns reported by any firm within the GCC region as without it, it’s impossible to manage everything up. Businesses should adhere to the regional and international data protection law that includes: UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), Saudi Arabia Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), GDPR (for apps handling EU user data), and Industry-specific standards like HIPAA and PCI-DSS.
Perhaps, compliance ensures that the user data is handled properly without any hassle. Also, it comes with legally transparent methods that protect the businesses from heavy penalties.
- Regular Security Testing & Updates
The sixth concern associated with mobile app development in the GCC region is to do regular security testing and updates to make the app up to the mark. It’s not a one time process, instead it includes processes like, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and code reviews that comes with timely updates and patch management for offering a secured experience.
Final Thoughts – Minimising Vulnerabilities, and Bringing A Way Of Ease
Therefore, as mobile app development grows in the GCC region, security has become one of the crucial needs for the businesses especially within the GCC region. Referring to this concern, building a secure architecture and coming up with authentication makes the regulatory compliance more phenomenal and it’s actually really important throughout the processes and at each step.
You can choose the right mobile app development in Saudi Arabia or similar states within the GCC region that can make you get your desired mobile app with a secured, scalable and future-ready app experience. So, if you are planning to launch a mobile app and want to deliver a secured and scalable digital solution then you will have to partner with an experienced app development firm that comes with the smartest way of managing the data, and know how to keep it secured from unauthorised access.
