App development requires precision, innovation, and security. However, cyber threats have evolved into a significant risk across various industries. What are the implications of this?
In our daily lives, we all use apps for communication, work, transactions, shopping, and countless other tasks. The use of apps has become routine.
Curiously, many of us have never stopped to consider what an app truly entails. From its conception and development to its proper functionality.
When an app fails, we simply judge it. We don’t often think about the immense effort behind app development. The goal goes beyond just making the app work; what really matters is ensuring that it is secure, functional, and reliable.
Yet, all of this often goes unnoticed by the average user. For them, an app is just a tool, without realizing that a team of developers worked tirelessly to prevent data breaches and privacy threats.
A development team that continuously works to protect apps from persistent cyber threats, even after their launch. This effort is often invisible to most users.
Main cyber threats affecting app development
According to IBM, in 2024, attacks on mobile and web apps increased by 30% worldwide. And this trend will continue. This confirms that security is not an option, it is a necessity.
Let’s explore the five most common cyber threats in app development and, more importantly, the most effective strategies to mitigate them.
1. Vulnerabilities in source code: the entry point for attackers
One of the most common mistakes companies make in app development is failing to secure their source code properly. Any vulnerability in the software can be exploited by cybercriminals.
When attackers breach this barrier, they can access confidential data or take control of the app. In fact, according to the OWASP Foundation (Open Web Application Security Project), 76% of apps worldwide may have critical vulnerabilities.
Code injections, such as SQL Injection or Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), remain persistent threats. These allow attackers to manipulate databases or execute malicious scripts on users’ devices.
How can this be mitigated?
First, it is crucial to implement rigorous validations and adopt secure frameworks. It is also important to recognize that using open-source libraries poses a risk if not managed properly.
For this reason, regular audits and security patches are essential to minimizing risk. Additionally, security scanning tools should be used, and access should be restricted to authorized personnel to prevent breaches.
A Synopsys study revealed that 84% of software contains at least one security vulnerability due to open-source components.
2. Malware attacks: a hidden danger in app development
Malware remains one of the top cyber threats in app development. According to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab, last year there were more than 3.5 million malware attacks on mobile devices.
Malware can infiltrate an app through compromised third-party libraries or vulnerabilities in the code. Once inside, it can steal credentials, track user activity, or even remotely control the device. A very serious situation.
A recent example is the case of fake applications on Google Play and the App Store, which mimicked well-known services and deceived thousands of users before being removed.
How can this risk be mitigated?
To reduce this risk, all code dependencies must be validated, and apps should be analyzed for suspicious behavior before launch.
Companies must also take an educational approach. They should inform users about which permissions they should and should not grant. Many apps request access to unnecessary data, increasing the risk of personal and corporate information leaks.
3. Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks
These attacks can completely crash systems. Alarmingly, according to Cloudflare, denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks have increased by 150% in the past five years.
DDoS attacks aim to overload servers and systems, making them inoperable. This affects both app availability and user experience.
Poorly protected infrastructure is the perfect target for these attacks. Apps that rely on centralized servers without proper protections are especially vulnerable.
What to do to mitigate DDoS attack?
To mitigate the impact, it is advisable to use content delivery networks (CDNs) or cloud mitigation services like AWS Shield or Cloudflare. These solutions distribute traffic and absorb attack impacts.
Additionally, continuous network traffic monitoring and intelligent firewall rules can help detect suspicious patterns before an attack causes significant damage.
4. Data theft and information leaks
This is one of the most serious threats, as data protection is a priority for any company. Especially when handling financial or sensitive user information.
Data breaches can be extremely costly for app developers. According to IBM’s cybersecurity report “Cost of Data Breach 2024,” the average global cost of a data breach increased by 10% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Globally, the average cost of a data breach was $4.88 million. The highest recorded in history.
Poorly protected apps can be vulnerable to man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. Where cybercriminals intercept communication between the user and the server.
How can this be prevented?
To avoid such incidents, it is vital to use secure protocols like HTTPS and TLS 1.3, which encrypt communication between users and servers. Additionally, multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be implemented to restrict unauthorized access to accounts and systems.
Constant monitoring is key. Security audits and penetration testing play a crucial role in detecting vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
5. The human factor or social engineering in cybersecurity
Technology advances, but the weakest link remains the human factor. Verizon statistics indicate that 85% of security breaches involve human error.
That’s right. Social engineering attacks, such as phishing, remain one of the leading cyber threats for businesses.
Humans are vulnerable, emotional, and impulsive. Developers and users are often tricked into revealing credentials or executing malicious code without realizing it.
How to stay alert?
To counteract this, training is essential. Companies must invest in educating their teams on digital security and establish strict access and identity verification policies.
Using phishing detection tools and implementing measures like biometric authentication can significantly reduce these risks.
Security is an investment, not an expense
Cyber threats in app development are a reality. That is why every stage of development must consider security as a fundamental pillar.
It is proven that companies that prioritize cybersecurity and protect their information, as well as their users’ data, avoid multi-million-dollar losses from breaches and attacks.
Investing in protective strategies, security audits, and staff training is the best way to tackle these challenges.
So, the next time an app fails, remember it’s not just an isolated error. Behind every app, a team is working hard to fix any issues and ensure everything runs smoothly, securely, and efficiently.
Let’s try to be more empathetic. Keep in mind that a solution is in progress and that these small setbacks are part of continuous improvement efforts.
