Code Tampering: Effects on App Security and Tips to Prevent it

 

Mobile phones have invaded every single aspect of our lives. It is almost impossible to even think of going a day without using smartphones. Moreover, in the current times, there are millions of apps available online. People can download apps for several different tasks - shopping, banking, learning, and entertainment. However, as the market has grown in recent years, so has the complexity of applications. Hence, it is also crucial to pay keen attention to mobile app security. 

 

Everything You need to know about Code Tampering 

 

Code tampering refers to the practice of changing the source code of an application with malicious intentions. The idea is to repackage the app so that it mimics the original app. These apps usually end up getting installed on third-party stores. Unaware users might install this app and lose all of their data. Some adversaries also make use of phishing attacks for tricking users into installing these applications. Even the Owasp mobile top 10 list mentions code tampering as one of the most common app-security-related problems

 

The security of the app then ends up becoming a major issue between threat agents and app developers. However, more often than not it is the users that end up suffering. And this can result in a loss of reputation and capital for companies that offer applications. In order to ensure app security, it is crucial to employ anti-tampering practices when developing apps. 

 

The Vulnerability Scale of Code Tampering 

 

Technically, all mobile applications are at risk of being tampered with. Since mobile applications run in a different environment than web applications, it is relatively easier for threat agents to alter the code of the environment and then change the source code of the application. However, developers can take certain precautions to make it more difficult for attackers to reverse engineer the app and tamper with the code. 

 

Tips to Prevent Code Tampering 

 

The following are some ways in which code tampering can be prevented: 

Code Obfuscation 

Code obfuscation can make it much harder for attackers to understand the logic and flow of the code. This can prevent attackers from exploiting the code. It’s certainly not foolproof but it increases the amount of time that an attacker would need for tampering with the code, providing enough time for developers to come up with a counterattack. You can increase the complexity of the code by making use of C/C++ libraries for iOS. As for Android apps, it is advisable to avoid using JNI. 

Don’t Use Simple Logic 

Using simple logic tests in your app increases their risk of getting attacked. You can enforce privileges for untrusted sessions, write codes that are difficult to decrypt, and make authentication mandatory till a session is determined to be trusted. 

 

Conclusion

You also need to ensure that the attackers cannot employ reverse engineering to tamper with the code of your app. You can make use of algorithms that can detect when an application is jailbroken, cross-check all digital signatures and additional authentication should be required if there is a change in the flow of functions from the user end.