General security updates address the issues with vendor-specific hardware and software, permission controller, and MediaProvider. Device-specific security updates resolve the issues and vulnerabilities discovered in specific device models. If you worry about your privacy and security while using Android apps, you should know that many moving pieces are on the board. Here are the most noteworthy Android application security trends bound to protect your data in 2023.
New security app releases
The security apps market for Android has never been more dynamic than it is now. There are new app releases regularly, while the best security app providers continue to release updates to address newly discovered vulnerabilities and cyberattack vectors. New security apps will need to meet high expectations. They must provide excellent protection against malicious websites, malware, viruses, theft, and data breaches and leaks while having a minimal performance impact. New apps will ship out with user-friendly privacy-protection features to enable easy app locking. Scam alerts are also a massive deal, like critical notifications such as alerts on data breaches.
App development with a focus on security
Many Android development teams already code apps following the best security practices. However, the new trend in the development lifecycle is bound to change the way developers address security forever. This trend is called DevSecOps. It introduces security as one of the vital aspects of every app development lifecycle. It implies that security should be a critical part of all the stages of the development lifecycle, including:
Coding.Triggering builds.Deploying packages.Monitoring for issues in the runtime.
DevSecOps best practices will also apply to coding, testing, and implementing new features, thus ensuring that security is a vital part of app development. Everything that DevSecOps needs to become a mainstream methodology is already here, including Static Application Security Testing, Software Composition Analysis, and Dynamic Application Security Testing.
Proactive security
More and more Android users depend on mobile applications to manage their cryptocurrencies. Given the considerable value of some crypto tokens, these users are a target of cybercriminals who want to snatch their crypto savings. Until now, mobile app security solutions have been more reactive. The new trend announces in-app security measures that are more proactive. It all boils down to being able to detect the threat and prevent it rather than fixing the damage it causes. Proactive mobile app security will benefit both mobile app brands and users. It has the immense power to reduce cybersecurity risks, reduce costs, and instill trust in mobile users.
New mobile application security standards
Google is continuously working on expanding mobile app security standards in the Play Store. It’s one of the most efficient ways to protect end users and ensure their data is safe. Next year, we should expect to see Google advocating for best new security practices. The chances are that Google will not be alone in it. The App Defense Alliance shares Google’s view on mobile app security standards. These two big names have already started advocating for organizations that provide free resources on the best mobile application security practices, including the OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project). We should see new mobile application security standards, such as the latest version of the Mobile Application Security Verification Standard. The new version of the MASVS says that security testing should follow all stages in the app development lifecycle, which we’ve already addressed when talking about DevSecOps. The only thing that remains to be seen is how many Android software developers will adopt the OWASP standards and whether there will be more pressure on firms that test mobile applications for higher security.
Conclusion
The new security trends in the Android app development niche tell us that the Android OS and the apps available through the Google Play Store will be safer (at least a bit) than they were this year. We should expect many more releases of new security apps, the rise of DevOps, proactive security measures, and new mobile application security standards. It’s comforting to see that professionals are taking many crucial steps on many fronts to protect mobile users’ privacy and data. If you want to stay tuned to the latest developments in this field, feel free to keep tabs on Android Security Bulletin, as it regularly publishes details of security vulnerabilities affecting Android smartphones and tablets.
