9 Best Security Practices for E-Commerce App Developers

Smartphones have become a central part of our lives, surpassing the popularity of desktops and laptops. That's why brands and companies these days need to take on a mobile approach when designing and creating applications. 

Why? Because an overwhelming number of mobile users spend their time these days on mobile apps. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the security of your mobile app. That way, all your sensitive data is safe and secure. 

In this post, we'll walk you through the nine best security practices for eCommerce app developers, but first, let's walk you through the basics:

What Is Mobile App Security?

Users leave their digital footprint behind when they make online purchases or transactions. This can be in the form of:

• Name
• Street Address
• Phone Number
• Banking Information

All of the data optimizes the user experience. However, this data also makes you susceptible to external threats.

So, when talking about mobile application security testing, we mean all the measures you need to take to secure the applications from external threats. 

That way, hackers can't access personal and financial information and confidential data collected from lost and stolen devices.

9 Best eCommerce Security for App Developers

Here are the nine best security practices eCommerce developers should adopt: 

1) Write a Secure Code

When you build an ecommerce website, one of the best ways to secure mobile apps is to write reliable code. It will protect your app from possible attackers. Usually, these attackers will attempt to tamper with your code. So, you need to ensure that it's obfuscated and minified. 

Regular app security testing and fixing bugs are essential to a security code. If your code gets breached, you must ensure it's agile enough. That way, you can easily make updates. 

2) Penetration Testing

More than ever, testing methods like SAST testing (Static Application Security Testing) have become mandatory for IT organizations. 

Usually, these tests will get your source code and then try to find any micro security issues. However, our advanced Penetration Testing allows testers to look for vulnerabilities in applications with the same techniques that hackers would use in a real-time environment.

Here is a quick guide on the top 5 penetration testing tools to get you started.

3) Use Authorized APIs Only

Developers are heavily relying on API security testing to make their job simpler. But the thing with APIs is that they can also be highly susceptible to external breaches. We recommend that APIs are centrally authorized to ensure maximum security. 

Usually, unauthorized APIs are loosely coded and can unintentionally grant the hackers access. So, for maximum security, ensure that your APIs are centrally authorized. 

4) Patch Constantly

Security isn't something that you design once when developing a mobile app. It needs regular patches. Usually, these patches are defined on the requirement of time. 

The security measures you place on your mobile app today might not be enough to keep enterprise mobility security intact over time. To surpass these obstacles, you have to update security measures continuously. 

5) Use Transit Encryption

Each time your app will transmit API keys, usernames, passwords, and any critical data, use transit encryption. Many internet-connected devices rely on open WiFi access in airports, coffee shops, etc. However, these can also make it easy for malicious individuals to look at and intercept your data. 

That's why, as a developer, you must use TLS in the form of HTTPS. If you're using HTTPS, utilize a digital certificate and ensure that your app correctly checks it. Getting an excellent digital certificate from a reputable vendor is relatively inexpensive. 

It also ensures that your customers communicate with your servers, not anyone else. In the same way, you should also keep an eye on current technologies and use the latest security features. 

6) Be Careful While Using Third-Party Libraries

Third-party libraries make mobile development easier. But it doesn't mean that it doesn't have consequences. 

To make the most of mobile application security, you must test the code before using it in an app that relies on third-party libraries. Another excellent piece of advice is to limit the number of libraries used in a code. It would be best if you also had a policy on handling them. 

An established policy like third-party elements will help you ensure mobile app security much more quickly. 

7) Use High-Level Authentication

Not using high-level authentication can lead to security breaches. That's why, as a developer, you need to design your app in a way that accepts solid alphanumeric passwords. 

Aside from that, it would help if you also made it mandatory for users to change their passwords periodically. For sensitive apps, you can strengthen your security by having a biometric authentication that uses fingerprints or a retina scan. 

It would help if you also encouraged users to authenticate this to avoid potential security breaches. 

8) Use Trusted Payment Processors

One of the most valuable data you'll likely have is your users' credit card information. Whether you're storing it yourself or passing it on to a third-party service, you must ensure that the link in the payment processing chain is adequately secured and reputable. 

9) Try To Minimize the Storage of Sensitive Data

To protect users' sensitive data, many developers prefer storing it in the device's local memory. But one of the best practices is avoiding sensitive information as this can pose a security risk. 

You can also minimize the log by adding an auto-delete feature that automatically deletes data after a certain period. Crisp's Auto-Delete plugin removes customer conversations and then deletes them from the servers for improved privacy. That means greater peace of mind for you as a developer and your customers.

Over to You

It is anticipated that individuals will increasingly rely on their mobile phones. With all of its capabilities, there is no doubt that they have already become a vital part of our lives. Knowing the potential risks that may arise from security issues and learning the right strategies to keep your data secure are critical to mobile application protection. 

Practices like regular security testing, coding practices, and penetration tests all enhance security significantly. If you're an e-commerce app developer, adopting these best security practices can create a virtual protection shield from security issues and hackers. Good luck!