5 Third Party Apps Foolproof Security Tips

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2 minutes

What is a third-party app?

Third-party apps are specific products developed to be used as open-source or commercial products. They are becoming increasingly popular among organizations as they help them finish tasks they couldn’t have done in-house due to a lack of certain skills or expertise. For example, if you have an e-commerce site and need a payment gateway, you would look for a third-party app that specializes in this domain while you can take care of your business.

Though third-party apps are a great way to reduce inessential overhead, they come with a greater risk. Third-party apps are the most vulnerable link for hackers who look to exploit software.

According to Trustwave Global Security Report 2014, “85 % of the exploits we detected last year were of third-party plug-ins, including Oracle Java and Adobe Acrobat, Reader and Flash

In our last post, we highlighted the hidden dangers of using third-party mobile apps, which every organization or individual should take note of. In this post, I am going to list the security measures that will help you secure your data from malware.

1. Get a security check by third-party security testing tools

Many organizations don’t have in-house security teams to do the security check, and developers often don't account for security checks while they build the application. Looking for reliable security vendors to test these apps comprehensively is always a safe option.

Protip: While you get a security check by a vendor testing tool, never share the source code with them, as it is the most sensitive data in a code.

Appknox is a third-party security testing tool that allows businesses to scan mobile applications and look for vulnerabilities in third-party apps. Our in-house ethical hackers do a thorough analysis by running the app in a business-specific environment, pointing out the insecure areas, and helping you fix the issue with relevant complaint solutions.

At Appknox, we want businesses to be proactive about security. Hence, we also offer free security analysis so businesses can take immediate measures and avoid becoming victims of hacks.

2. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks

Open Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops, hotels, and other places are convenient, but they are often not secure. If you connect to a public Wi-Fi and exchange information, it may be vulnerable to malicious sniffing.

Protect your information when using open Wi-Fi sources by sending information only to fully encrypted sites and avoiding using mobile apps that require personal or financial information.

Protip: Companies should adopt stringent acceptable network policies, provide VPN technology, and ensure that users connect through these secure channels only.

3. Install anti-malware

Anti-malware programs such as Avast, AVG, Kaspersky, etc., are good software programs that detect malware-infected devices and determine the nature of the threat and potential risk. Organizations should encourage users to install anti-malware on their devices, as they offer an extra layer of protection to prevent potential fraud.

Protip: While anti-malware software programs can be an excellent defensive measure, they are often insufficient. They need to be supported by solid policies and other security tools.

4. Update libraries and request patches

An organization using third-party applications should ensure that they update the libraries the vendor releases. Usually, users ignore such notifications, but updating libraries would ensure device safety.

If a business finds or experiences a security flaw, it is advisable to report it to the third-party vendor and request a security patch. A security patch can be a quick fix, but eventually, a better fix will be needed.

5. Ensure a high level of security while getting an app built by a vendor

If you are getting an app developed by a vendor, then be extra cautious about the security and ensure that they maintain the standard security norms and compliances.

Protip: It’s a good practice to create a security policy for your organization and ask the vendors to follow the guidelines while developing the app.

Here you go. These are the five foolproof security tips for using third-party apps. These security measures against third-party apps will help your device and data be safe from any threat injected through a third-party application.