Mobile Application Security
Mobile App Vetting
Security and control for company mobile applications
Mobile applications are a key part of productivity and operational efficiency. However, with the rise of cyber threats and the increasing complexity of mobile apps, the use of unverified applications can expose companies to significant risks. App Vetting is an in-depth assessment process that analyses mobile apps to ensure they are secure, compliant with regulations and free of vulnerabilities that could compromise corporate data. This process not only detects malware, but also assesses how the app handles sensitive data, connects to external networks and adheres to corporate security policies.
Adopting a structured app vetting process helps organisations maintain a secure environment, protecting the integrity of corporate information and customer data. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), mobile app vetting is essential to prevent attacks based on known vulnerabilities or insecure development practices. (Source: NIST SP 800-163r1)
Benefits of App Vetting
Mitigation of Security Risks
App Vetting identifies critical vulnerabilities that could be exploited to compromise the app or corporate data, reducing risks like hidden malware, data exfiltration or unauthorised access. By detecting and eliminating threats before deployment, it ensures long-term protection.
Law Compliance
Companies must comply with strict regulations like GDPR and NIS2 to protect personal and corporate data. App Vetting assesses applications to ensure compliance with standards, reducing risk of fines and increasing customer and stakeholder confidence.
Protecting sensitive data
App Vetting checks the permissions requested by the app and how it handles sensitive data. This ensures that apps do not have unnecessary permissions, preventing data leakage and minimising the risks associated with exposing confidential information.
How does app vetting work?
1
Selection of applications - The apps candidates for company use are collected and cataloged for analysis. This includes both internally developed apps and third-party apps, whether public or custom.
2
Static analysis - The source code and installation files are analyzed without running the app, identifying structural issues and misconfigurations.
3
Dynamic analysis - The app runs in a controlled environment to monitor behaviour in real time, detecting any suspicious activity such as unauthorised connections or the misappropriation of data.
4
Evaluation of security policies - The app is compared against corporate security policies to ensure it meets internal requirements and relevant regulations.
5
Report - Based on the results, the app is approved, rejected, or sent for corrections. A detailed report is generated, outlining all detected vulnerabilities and mitigation recommendations.
Operating specifications and regulatory references
In a context where 67% of data breaches originate from vulnerabilities in mobile applications, according to an OWASP report, app vetting has become a critical element for business survival and success.
App Vetting helps prevent emerging threats, strengthen IT ecosystem security, and enhance user trust, while promoting a safer and more resilient digital environment. Companies that adopt these practices reduce the risk of penalties and reputational damage, while also accelerating the adoption of new technologies with greater peace of mind, setting themselves apart from less-prepared competitors.
Additionally, the App Vetting process provides valuable insights to businesses for continuously improving applications, optimizing not only security but also the overall performance of the app. The ability to deeply analyze app behavior helps identify not just critical vulnerabilities, but also operational inefficiencies, ensuring smoother, faster, and more reliable applications.
With the increase in global regulations and the exponential growth of mobile app usage in the enterprise sector, app vetting becomes a fundamental element to ensure secure and sustainable innovation in the long term. Companies that consistently implement these processes position themselves as leaders in their industry, capable of facing digital challenges with awareness and responsiveness.
