When I was a Windows user (back in the Dark Ages), I always had to worry about malicious software from hackers. Then I made the switch to Apple devices. I felt pretty safe for a while, but not anymore. A recent iOS security report found that no iPhone is safe.
Hacking is everywhere these days. It affects software, email… even movies! Of course, I’m talking about the crazy stuff that went down with The Interview. A group called the ‘Guardians of Peace’ attacked Sony and there was a major fallout.
Hackers strike for many reasons and it’s never good news for the victim. Attacks can be used to steal personal or financial information… or even to intercept or eavesdrop on conversations.
Both big and small developers are at risk. A recent Tinder hack had dudes flirting with other dudes. If it can happen to a major company like Tinder, it can happen to pretty much anyone.
Don’t let your app be affected by illegal activity. Keep your users and your revenue safe by taking some easy precautions.
Avoid malware like the plague
Malware is malicious software that can damage or disable computer systems. It’s already a HUGE problem in the Android world. There’s a crazy exploit out there that lets hackers infect up to 50% of Android phones with malware.
The iPhone is generally considered to be more hack-proof than Android phones. Every iPhone has built-in security features that hackers have trouble cracking. But hackers are getting more sophisticated and iPhone attacks have already happened.
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Find and Call was the first iOS malware found in the App Store. It stole your phonebook details and sent spam SMS messages to all your contacts. A more recent attack happened late last year with WireLurker. It first infects Mac OS X machines then infiltrates connected iOS devices.
New exploits are popping up all the time, and it’s only going to get worse. Mobile security experts believe that 2015 will bring a new wave of iOS attacks.
How do you protect yourself and your users from malware?
Don’t connect your phone to a public computer. It might contain malware that could infect your iPhone and other Apple devices.
Resist the urge to jailbreak your iPhone. Yes, it removes a lot of limitations, but it also bypasses the built-in security features that make iPhones generally more hack-proof than Android phones.
Only download apps from the App Store. Apple screens every app in the App Store to make sure it’s safe. Though it can happen, very few bad apps get past the screening process.
Every developer I’ve ever met wants to protect users and make the world a better place. The vast majority of developers have your best interests in mind. For example, check out this app called Nextdoor. It’s a location-based social network that connects neighbors.
Good stuff, right? So, stick with trusted Apple developers and skip jailbreaking and third-party apps.
Stick with big name brands
When developing an app, you’re not likely to go wrong with major players like Google Analytics, Flurry, Facebook, Chartboost, and Applovin. These companies have invested in top-notch privacy and security features. Hackers will have a hard time finding exploits, so your users will be safe.
Google Analytics and Flurry are two of the best analytics tools on the market. And both are free for developers. With Chartboost and Applovin, monetization is a breeze. And Facebook recently released new marketing and monetization goodies for app developers.
These tools are designed to help you build, grow, and monetize apps. The big name brands offer pretty much everything you’d need as a developer. It’s a good idea to play it safe and go with highly respected companies.
Always thoroughly vet your partners and read the fine print. If you see anything suspicious, run the other way. You’re better off safe than sorry.
Additional tips to help keep your iPhone hack-free
If a user reports a hacked iPhone, ask if it’s jailbroken. Educate your users and encourage then to install updates. Users should also check the general settings for any unnecessary permissions.
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If a device is acting funky, don’t connect it to your computer or other devices. The malware could spread and create a more complicated problem. Instead you should restore the device to the factory settings and contact Apple immediately.
Stay on high alert
Fortunately, iPhone hackers aren’t a huge problem just yet. It actually only happens to less than 1 percent of users. But the point is that it DOES happen. And it can happen to anyone, from the smallest indie developers to big companies like Tinder.
Hackers are becoming more creative, so we all have to watch our backs and look out for potential threats. It’s important to protect your apps, devices, and reputation. Your business depends on it.
Have you been the victim of a hack attack? Tell us your story in the comment section.