Insecure Data Storage in Mobile Applications Poses Security Issues

Insecure Data Storage in Mobile Applications Poses Security Issues

Users’ data might be more at risk than they realize. A new study shows that three quarters of mobile application have insecure data storage issues, putting passwords, financial information, personal data, and correspondence at risk.

  • By Kaitlyn DeHaven
  • Jun 24, 2019

Three quarters of mobile applications have vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to steal sensitive information from both Android and Apple users.

Researchers discovered and listed these insecure data storage problems in their report Vulnerabilities and Threats in Mobile Applications 2019.

According to the report, the most common issue in mobile applications is insecure data storage. 76 percent of mobile applications had insecure data storage, putting passwords, financial information, personal data, and correspondence at risk.

In addition, high-risk vulnerabilities were found in 38 percent of mobile applications for iOS and in 43 percent of Android applications.

Users may not believe they are at risk unless their phone is physically stolen, but in reality, 89 percent of vulnerabilities can be exploited using malware, with no physical access needed.

The vulnerabilities have been classified as medium risk by researchers, but 29 percent of tested applications have been found to contain what has been classed as a high risk – insure interprocess communication.

Leigh-Anne Galloway, cybersecurity resilience lead at Positive Technologies, told ZDNet that since developers pay less attention to data insecurity, users must take steps to secure their own data.

“Developers pay painstaking attention to software design in order to give us a smooth and convenient experience and people gladly install mobile apps and provide personal information. However, an alarming number of apps are critically insecure, and far less developer attention is spent on solving that issue,” Galloway said. “We recommend that users take a close look when applications request access to phone functions or data. If you doubt that an application needs access to perform its job correctly, decline the request.”

About the Author

Kaitlyn DeHaven is the Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Paving the Way to Smart Buildings

    In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, the convergence of on-prem, edge and cloud technologies are critical. The physical security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid digitalization of buildings and the evolving needs of modern organizations. As the buildings sector pivots towards smart, AI and data-driven operations, the integration of both edge and cloud technology has become crucial. Read Now

  • The Cybersecurity Time Bomb

    If you work in physical security, you have probably seen it: a camera, access control system, or intrusion detection device installed years ago, humming along without a single update. It is a common scenario that security professionals have come to accept as "normal." But here is the reality: this mindset is actively putting organizations at risk. Read Now

  • Deploying in a Hybrid, Cloud Environment

    The way organizations manage access control is evolving. Traditional on-premises systems come with high IT and server requirements. At the same time, fully cloud-based solutions may not meet the needs of every facility. Read Now

  • Facing Facts for Facilities

    Despite the proliferation of constantly evolving security solutions, there remains a troubling trend among many facility operators who often neglect the most important security assets within their organization. Keys and shared devices like radios, laptops and tablets are crucial to successful operations, yet many operators are managing them haphazardly through outdated storage systems like pegboards and notebooks. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Security Training Reduces Global Phishing Click Rates by 86%

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its “Phishing by Industry Benchmarking Report 2025” which measures an organization’s Phish-prone Percentage (PPP) — the percentage of employees likely to fall for social engineering or phishing attacks, indicating the organization’s overall susceptibility to phishing threats. This year’s report found a global average baseline PPP of 33.1%, meaning a third of employees interact with phishing simulations before taking part in best-practice security awareness training (SAT).COVER 2025-PIB-NA-Report_EN-US Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.