More than ever before, users choose mobile applications to traditional desktop applications for the majority of their digital tasks. In 2015, people spend 54 percent of their digital media time on mobile devices, actively utilizing mobile apps, in the United States alone. These programs have access to a vast amount of user data, much of which is sensitive and must be safeguarded against unwanted access. All popular mobile platforms have security measures to assist software developers in developing secure applications. However, it is frequently left up to the developer to select from a plethora of security solutions. A lack of vetting can result in the adoption of security features that are easily evaded by attackers.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the most secure smartphone options available. Even the least tech-savvy person couldn’t go more than a few hours without a smartphone, and practically everything can now be done with a few clicks and touches. As useful as these mobile devices are, they are also prone to cyber attacks, privacy breaches, and even identity theft (opens in new tab) because many of us save data on the phone or in the cloud, which becomes easily accessible once your phone falls into the wrong hands. In terms of security, smartphone manufacturers have taken the initiative to include security features that protect data and information, therefore we’ve compiled a list of the top secure smartphones to put your mind at ease.
Common problems with mobile apps include:
- Storing or unintentionally leaking sensitive data in ways that other programs on the user’s phone could read.
- Poor authentication and authorisation checks that could be circumvented by hostile programs or users
- Using data encryption methods that are known to be weak or easily broken.
- Sending sensitive data over the Internet without encryption.
- These flaws could be exploited in a variety of ways, such as by malicious programmes on a user’s device or by an attacker who shares the same WiFi network as the end user.
What exactly is mobile app security testing?
Mobile application security testing entails putting a mobile app through its paces in the same way that a malicious user would. Effective security testing begins with a thorough understanding of the application’s business objective and the data types it manages. Following that, a combination of static analysis, dynamic analysis, and penetration testing yields an efficient holistic evaluation to uncover vulnerabilities that would otherwise go undetected if the approaches were not employed properly together. The testing procedure consists of the following steps:
- Using the application and learning how it stores, receives, and transmits data.
- Decrypting application portions that have been encrypted.
- Decompiling the application and examining the generated code
- Static analysis is used to identify security flaws in decompiled code.
- Using reverse engineering and static analysis knowledge to drive dynamic analysis and penetration testing.
- Using dynamic analysis and penetration testing to assess the effectiveness of the application’s security controls (e.g., authentication and authorisation rules).
- There are a variety of free and commercial mobile application security solutions available that examine applications with varied degrees of effectiveness utilising static or dynamic testing approaches.However, no single tool can provide a complete evaluation of the application.
- To give the best coverage, a combination of static and dynamic testing, as well as manual review, is required.
- Mobile application security testing is a pre-production examination to confirm that security controls in an application perform as expected while protecting against implementation problems.
- It can aid in the discovery of edge cases (which turn into security issues) that the development team may not have foreseen.
- To ensure that errors are found before going live, the testing procedure considers both code and configuration concerns in a production-like environment.
What is the Security Testing technique at Synopsys?
Synopsys’ mobile application security testing approach is based on over 20 years of security experience.
To detect vulnerabilities in mobile apps, we use proprietary static and dynamic analysis technologies designed exclusively for the mobile landscape, as well as manual verification and analysis. These tools are updated and tested on a regular basis against new releases of the underlying mobile platforms, assisting us in identifying issues that may be caused by a mix of application code and platform version.
In addition to looking for vulnerabilities in the app itself, our testing looks for problems in the back-end services that the app uses. We ensure that all parts of the application are covered during testing by focusing on both the app and its back-end services.
1. Employ strong passwords and biometrics
Unauthorized access is practically difficult with strong passwords combined with biometric features such as fingerprint authenticators. Passwords should be eight characters or more in length and contain alphanumeric characters.Don’t be afraid to utilise two-factor authentication if your mobile device supports it. You don’t want to be vulnerable to unexpected attacks.
Because of the intricacies of your passwords in other apps, you may be tempted to save them in the same way that a browser does – that is, by using the’remember me’ option. This feature should be avoided at all costs because it increases the likelihood of your password being faked. If you lose your device, another individual may have complete access to it. Furthermore, remember to update your password on a regular basis (at least every three months).
2. Ensure that public or free Wi-Fi is secure.
Use software that safeguard your connection or at the very least give you the state of the Wi-Fi to which you are connected to protect yourself from Wi-Fi hacking. When compared to WEP, WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is more secure (Wired Equivalent Privacy). To be safe, you should also turn off wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) while you are not using it. This will not only help you avoid automatic connections to unencrypted networks, but it will also preserve your battery.
3. Use a VPN
If you are unsure about the security of the network to which you are connected, you must use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) client. A VPN allows you to safely connect to a network. Simultaneously, whatever surfing activity you conduct on public Wi-Fi will be protected from prying eyes. It is also beneficial while visiting less secure websites.
Anyone who knows how to utilise networking and vulnerability tools can see non-HTTPS sites. These sites are vulnerable to Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, which allow for eavesdropping and password sniffing. When it comes to combating cybercrime, you must adopt a fresh perspective.
4. Secure your device
Most mobile devices include an encryption option by default. The technique of rendering data unreadable is known as encryption. Decryption is the process of transforming unreadable data into readable data. This is useful in the event of theft and prevents unauthorised access.To encrypt your smartphone, simply locate this function on your mobile device and input a password.
5. Install an anti-virus programme
The files you download and applications you install on your mobile device may include dangerous code. Once activated, this malware could transfer your data to hackers, leaving you vulnerable and stripping you of your privacy. Installing a trustworthy antivirus application will protect you against this. Some antivirus software also provide other features, such as wiping your data if you lose your mobile device, tracking and blocking strange callers who may pose a threat, and informing you of which applications are unsafe. They also offer to clean your internet history and eliminate cookies. Cookies are little software tokens that save your login information and may be disclosed if they are compromised.
6. Install the most recent software
The firmware on your mobile device may also be subject to security risks. New vulnerabilities may be exploited, leaving your device vulnerable to threats; to avoid this, always upgrade your firmware/device. Major mobile device firmware providers, such as Google Android and Apple’s iOS, release new upgrades on a regular basis. The majority of those updates serve as security patches for known vulnerabilities on your device.
You can configure updates to be manual or automatic.
Other factors to consider
Avoid using autofill – When you visit some websites or programmes, they will automatically fill in your username.
This is because of the autofill function. As quickly as possible, turn it off.
Log out
When you are through using mobile applications, especially ones that are linked to one another, such as Google apps, make sure to log out. Only download programmes from trusted stores – You should only download software from trusted stores, such as Apple’s App Store. This is determined by the platform on which your mobile device operates. It is not an easy effort to safeguard your mobile device, but it should be your top priority. Because new vulnerabilities are discovered on a daily basis, it’s critical to be vigilant of any strange activity on your device.
Top Smartphone Security Manufacturers For Mobile
These are the following smartphone security manufacturers for mobile :
Bitdefender’s Android security app provides nearly faultless malware protection, has a minimal performance impact, integrates with the Android Wear watch, offers a VPN client, and a malicious-website blocker that works with most Android browsers. It also includes strong privacy-protection features such as an app lock, a Wi-Fi scanner, anti-theft protections, and data-breach notifications. Scam Alert, a new function, detects potentially harmful URLs in SMS text messages, messaging apps, and screen notifications.
#2. Norton Mobile Security
Norton Mobile Security (formerly known as Norton 360) provides the best malware protection of any Android antivirus app we evaluated. Unfortunately, it no longer offers anti-theft capabilities, contact backups, or the Link Guard malicious-link filter. Norton also eliminated Norton Mobile Security’s free tier, which was the best of all the Android antivirus apps we recently evaluated. This has been replaced by a $15-per-year security-only app for a single device.
3. Avast Mobile Security
Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus is one of the top Android antivirus apps, with features ranging from a privacy advisor to a system optimizer to a configurable blacklist. However, while Avast’s virus protection is adequate, it is far from ideal. Some of Avast’s anti-theft features did not perform well for us, and its call-blocking functionality did not function at all. (It has since been taken down.) The advertising and repeated nags to upgrade in the free version are also unpleasant and obtrusive.
4. Checkpoint Security & Antivirus
Lookout Mobile Security, currently rebranded as Lookout Security and Antivirus or Lookout Personal, was one of the earliest and, for a long time, the best Android antivirus app. Its success can be attributed to its ease of use, clear interface, and lack of advertisements. However, Lookout’s charges might easily add up. The free tier is basic; it only searches for malware and locates misplaced phones. The premium fee is justified by an unrestricted VPN and a data-breach notification service. The “premium plus” plan, which costs $100 per year, is actually a reasonably priced identity-protection programme that provides many of the same benefits as LifeLock or IdentityForce. It might be worthwhile to spend the money.
5. McAfee Mobile Security
McAfee, like Avast, has a slew of valuable features, but its free version is riddled with advertisements and upsell proposals. The malware protection is adequate, if not exceptional. McAfee Mobile Security phased down many of its most useful features (opens in new tab) in the summer of 2021, including App Lock, Guest Mode, Anti-Theft, Memory Booster, and Storage Cleaner. Other than “adjusting our product portfolio,” it’s unclear why this was done.
6.Google Play Security
Google Play Protect is pre-installed on every Android device that supports Google Play, and it would be fantastic if it worked properly. Unfortunately, Google Play Protect’s poor malware detection makes the case for using a third-party Android antivirus programme even stronger.
7. Sirin Labs Finney U1
The Finney U1 (opens in new tab) protects against cyber security concerns by running on the Sirin OS, which is well-known for its levels of security (Security Suite) and decentralised apps. This ultra-secure Blockchain (opens in new tab) smartphone also includes an embedded cold storage crypto wallet (opens in new tab), its own token conversion centre, and embedded apps from the D-Apps (Decentralized Apps) store. The Sirin OS’s enhanced security ensures that all of your data remains private.
8. Bittium Tough Mobile 2 C
Bittium is well-known for secure military communications, so it’s no surprise that they’ve opted to enter the smartphone market, stressing security above all else. Bittium Tough Mobile 2 C (opens in new tab) has multiple layers of protection to protect your data. These layers include capabilities such as encryption, authentication, and key management, as well as security checks from boot to runtime, a privacy mode, and an impermeable information security platform based on the AndroidTM 9 Pie operating system.
9. Purism Librem
Purism is well-known for its numerous features aimed at allowing you control over your programme while also protecting your sensitive data from typical dangers. The Purism Librem 5 (opens in new tab) includes a kill switch for specific pieces of hardware (3 in total), allowing you to disable their sensors. Kill switches can be found in cameras and microphones, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and the cellular baseband.
10. Silent Circle Blackphone
The Silent Circle Blackphone 2 retains all of the functionality expected of a smartphone while encrypting your data in the best way possible. In reality, while not being designed at the general consumer market, the Blackphone 2 is easy to use. The Silent OS on the Blackphone 2, which is effectively a modified Android version, allows you more control over your privacy than any other smartphone. You can also encrypt your SMS messages, phone and video calls, file sharing, and conference calls (for a monthly charge, but it’s a little price to pay for security). Because encryption is performed on the device, all discussions are kept secret, limiting the possibility of anyone outside your group listening in.
FAQs
What is the world’s most secure phone?
The most secure phone in the world was created with security and convenience in mind. On the surface, it provides a user-friendly experience, as one would expect from most new smartphones nowadays. On a deeper level, the most secure phone also includes built-in security protections to protect all of your critical data.
What is the safest phone to buy?
The most secure phone to buy includes a plethora of features and capabilities designed expressly to protect your identity and information. Secure biometrics, disc encryption, complete user control over settings, and other features are among them.
Which phones are the most frequently hacked?
The most frequently hacked phones are the most popular and least secure. However, regardless of the smartphone you own, you are likely to be hacked in some fashion. This is why it’s critical to invest in a secure smartphone to safeguard your personal information. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an unhackable phone, therefore data loss is always a possibility. You can, however, reduce this danger by using a secure phone.
Is the iPhone safer than Android?
Both the iPhone and Android phones have numerous security mechanisms that keep you safe while using them.
However, iPhones outperform Android phones in some areas while falling short in others. iPhones, for example, have a more secure operating system, although Android phones have more flexibility in terms of user permissions and changeable settings.
