Top 15 Major Risks Imperiling Mobile App Security
In the rapidly evolving mobile landscape, businesses are confronted with a range of significant security threats. As mobile activities become increasingly prioritised for operational efficiency and productivity, it's essential to stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding mobile apps and users.
Current Threats
Smishing and Phishing Attacks
Smishing, SMS-based phishing, has seen a significant surge, with threats growing by 692% in just two months. AI-generated messages are becoming more sophisticated, making detection difficult. AI-crafted emails are also targeting users, leading to a spike in identity theft and financial fraud.
Malware and Spyware
There was a 151% increase in Android malware in the first half of 2025. Spyware increased by 147%, often distributed through apps that appear legitimate. SOVA Android Malware, distributed via phishing emails, leads to ransomware demands and file encryption.
Third-Party SDK Risks
The use of third-party SDKs introduces vulnerabilities due to implicit trust relationships, often bypassing traditional security reviews.
Emerging Threats
AI and Vibe Coding Risks
As AI coding assistants become more prevalent, there's an increased risk of security exposures due to oversight in authentication and encryption.
Application Security Posture Management (ASPM)
The need for ASPM is growing as it helps prioritize risk, automate policy enforcement, and manage multi-cloud environments.
Software Supply Chain Risks
The reliance on open-source components necessitates curated catalogs and supply chain scanning to mitigate risks.
Mitigation Strategies
To combat these threats, businesses can employ several strategies:
- Implement Robust Security Tools: Use AI-powered security solutions for detection and remediation.
- Secure Coding Practices: Ensure that coding practices include secure design principles even when using AI tools.
- Regular Audits and Monitoring: Conduct comprehensive audits and continuous monitoring to identify vulnerabilities early.
- Use Zero-Trust Principles: Apply zero-trust models to minimise unauthorised access within apps.
- Educate Users: Inform users about phishing and smishing tactics to prevent successful attacks.
By staying aware of these threats and employing proactive security measures, businesses can better protect their mobile apps and users in 2025 and beyond. It's also crucial to address issues such as reverse engineering, cyberattacks targeting lower levels of the mobile device stack, unfixed bugs in mobile apps, and the ever-increasing number of endpoints and threats. With vigilance and a commitment to security, businesses can ensure the safety of their valuable data and operations.
[1] Source: Cybersecurity Ventures [2] Source: Symantec [3] Source: OWASP [4] Source: Trend Micro [5] Source: Gartner
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