The Security Paradox: Why Top U.S. Apps Are Failing at Security

100% of the Most Downloaded U.S. Apps Failed Security Benchmarks

When using the most popular apps, the least a user can expect is transparent data practices and basic app security standards. However, the top 35 U.S. apps that we tested across several categories at Appknox showed considerable security gaps.

Our research with 1,000 U.S. consumers shows that 

• 88% prefer apps to be tested independently for security,
• More than half will uninstall apps for requesting excessive permissions, and
• Nearly two-thirds will abandon apps that share data without clear consent.

These disconnects represent more than a security problem. It's a competitive landscape waiting to be reshaped—a business opportunity that top businesses are overlooking.

Download this whitepaper to learn more about the security gaps in the most downloaded U.S. apps, the most vulnerable app categories, breach case studies, and actionable solutions to fix such security loopholes.

Key takeaways

What’s inside the report? 

• Scan results from 35 of the most-downloaded U.S. apps.
• Insights into real-world breaches, user behavior, and trust erosion
• What 1,000+ U.S. users expect from apps in terms of security
• Category-by-category security risk breakdowns (AI, health, dating, banking, etc.)
• Deep dive into hardcoded secrets, encryption failures, missing API validation, and more
• What CISOs, product teams, and compliance leaders can do now to win higher customer loyalty.

Who is this report for?

• CISOs & Risk Leaders: Discover the trust gap affecting user retention and compliance
• DevSecOps & AppSec Teams: Learn where mobile security is failing in real-world apps
• Product & Engineering Heads: Understand what features now drive loyalty and churn
• Compliance & Privacy Officers: Get a user-backed roadmap for regulatory alignment