Mobile App Security Best Practices 2025 – Secure Your App, Protect Your Users

Mobile cyberattacks are no longer a distant threat — they are actively targeting the devices we use daily. In 2024, Kaspersky’s detection systems identified an average of 467,000 malicious files daily, marking a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Trojans saw a particularly sharp rise, with detections surging by 33% from 2023.

With greater dependence on mobile technology comes an increased need for mobile security. Understanding the changing face of mobile threats keeps your app — and your users — safe. Let’s review best practices for securing mobile applications in a high-risk environment.

Mobile app security has never been more vital, as mobile applications have become an essential part of our lives and enable us to do many things. However, this dependency increases the chances of cyberattacks and data leaks.

Today, it is vital to consider mobile app security in order to protect personal data, prevent financial losses, and win users’ trust.

Protecting sensitive user information is one of the major reasons for a focus on security in mobile applications. Mobile apps generally contain a lot of personal information about users. And should information such as names, addresses, and contact details be compromised, it is highly susceptible to misuse for identity theft.

Financial information may include credit card details and bank account information, which could lead to unauthorized transactions. Additionally, information comprising photos, messages, and other private information may be publicly exposed to breach users’ privacy and trust.

Apart from protecting private information, securing mobile applications protects companies from financial losses resulting from breaches and cybercrime. Breaches may lead to costs linked to client compensation, which companies frequently agree to in order to regain lost customers.

Other costs are related to lawyers and lawsuits, as businesses can be sued for failing to protect clients’ information.

Marketing becomes another cost, as after a breach, a company loses sales and has to invest in repairing its brand image. Building a strong security framework is an investment that protects the company’s current revenue and also helps the company grow in the future.

User trust is a real treasure in the competitive app market. People tend to choose applications that they think will keep their data secure. For this reason, attention to app security allows companies to improve their reputation and enhance user loyalty. Customer satisfaction also increases since users are assured their information is secure.

Developers should implement robust security practices to maintain user trust and protect sensitive data. Here are some critical strategies to enhance mobile app security.

A report by Contrast Security found that custom code accounts for 93% of application vulnerabilities. This underscores the need for robust secure coding practices, which focus on writing code that minimizes potential security risks during development. While secure coding practices lay the foundation for safety, they must be complemented by rigorous testing and auditing to ensure that the final source code itself is secure, free of bugs, and devoid of exploitable flaws.

Developing secure code is one of the foundational steps in creating a secure mobile app. Writing code with security in mind helps prevent vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Important practices include:

Developers can establish a solid foundation for app security by adhering to secure coding practices, which focus on implementing security measures during the coding process. These practices are essential for producing secure code—code that is resilient against vulnerabilities and ensures the overall safety of the application.

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools scan code for vulnerabilities early in development without requiring a completed application. They validate code in real time, immediately alerting developers to issues. 

The major advantage of SAST tools is their efficiency: they can analyze large volumes of code in a few minutes, providing quick and accurate insights that complement rather than replace developers’ manual reviews.

At IT Craft, we encourage clients to automate code analysis and validation using SAST tools, ensuring clarity and consistency in identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities.This allows developers to review and fix errors during coding. Once an application’s functionality and security have been thoroughly validated — typically through automated tools and manual testing — it is prepared for deployment.

Data security extends beyond protecting data during transmission; it’s equally important to secure data at rest. Best practices for data storage include:

Prioritizing secure data storage safeguards user data and builds trust in the app’s reliability.

Security testing should be an ongoing process throughout an app’s lifecycle. Key testing methods include:

Regular security testing is essential to keep the app secure as it evolves.

While developers focus on building a secure app, educating users about security is equally important. Educated users are better equipped to prevent unauthorized access and respond effectively if issues arise. Suggested practices:

Security best practices require that there be organized steps for each stage of application development and maintenance. This is how mobile application developers secure their applications.

Security begins with the code itself. Developers should write code that minimizes vulnerabilities, as poorly written code is a primary target for attackers. Essential practices include:

Authentication mechanisms are the cornerstone of app security, ensuring only authorized users can access the application. While authentication focuses on verifying a user’s identity (e.g., through passwords, biometrics, or multi-factor authentication), it also encompasses session management to maintain secure interactions once the user is authenticated. Key approaches include:

Data encryption is critical to protecting user information. Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit to ensure it remains unreadable even if intercepted. Important encryption practices include:

APIs are often vulnerable points in mobile apps, making it essential to secure them properly. Best practices for securing APIs include:

Regular updates are essential for app security, as new threats constantly emerge. 

By keeping your app up to date, you can protect it against known vulnerabilities. Our recommendations include:

Security testing helps to identify potential issues before they become threats. Conduct various tests during development and after deployment to ensure the app remains secure. Types of security testing include:

Implementing a secure software development lifecycle (S-SDLC) is essential for embedding security into every stage of the application development process. By integrating specific security practices, the S-SDLC helps in proactively identifying potential vulnerabilities and mitigating risks, ensuring the delivery of a secure and high-quality product.

Advantages of S-SDLC adoption include:

Adhering to the S-SDLC strengthens application security and builds a solid foundation for trust and reliability in client relationships.

Mobile applications face several challenges that require vigilance and adaptation. App developers must deal with scores of issues arising from emerging threats to protect sensitive data and maintain user trust.

One of the foremost challenges in mobile app security is the risk of data breaches. Mobile apps often store and process vast amounts of personal information, from contact details to financial records. If this data is exposed due to weak security protocols, it can lead to identity theft, economic losses, and privacy violations. 

Additionally, strict laws like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) demand robust data protection practices, and failing to comply can result in legal repercussions and loss of user trust.

Many mobile applications handle sensitive information that needs to be protected both during transmission and while stored. Inadequate encryption or improper storage practices can leave this data vulnerable to unauthorized access, compromising user security.

Similarly, data sent over unsecured channels might be sniffed by attackers and intercepted for theft or exposure. Proper encryption and data transmission protocols play a major role in securing sensitive information.

Weak or poorly implemented authentication mechanisms make mobile apps vulnerable to unauthorized access. Without strong authentication protocols, such as two-factor authentication or biometric verification, it becomes easier for attackers to gain access to user accounts.

Additionally, improper role-based access control (RBAC) can grant excessive permissions, increasing the potential for misuse of sensitive data within the app.

Many mobile apps rely on third-party libraries and APIs to enhance functionality. However, these external components may contain vulnerabilities that can compromise app security if not properly managed.

Outdated libraries or insecure APIs can serve as entry points for attackers, making it crucial to regularly update and secure all external integrations to reduce risks.

Mobile apps are also prone to phishing and social engineering attacks, where attackers trick users into revealing sensitive information. These attacks may involve fake login screens, fraudulent messages, or impersonation attempts, which can lead to unauthorized access to user accounts.

Educating users on recognizing phishing attempts and incorporating in-app security alerts can help mitigate these risks.

At IT Craft, we prioritize your app’s security at every stage of the development lifecycle. With over 20 years in the market, 300+ products built, and a team of 330+ experts, we bring extensive experience and expertise to ensure your mobile app’s security. Our professionals implement industry best practices to provide you with the most effective solutions to guarantee data and user security. Here’s how we can help:

With 60+ positive reviews from satisfied clients, IT Craft ensures your app delivers value and peace of mind to users. Partner with us to make your mobile app secure and resilient.

In 2025, security is not optional, but strong security can be your application’s secret weapon to win users’ trust and rule the competitive market.

Integrating state-of-the-art security practices such as robust encryption, airtight authentication, and proactive testing will protect your users’ data and help you build a brand people can rely on.