Cryptography in Mobile Applications: Best Practices

   March 12, 2019  Posted in Survival 0 Likes 6 Views

Cryptography in Mobile Applications: Best Practices

Introduction

In the realm of mobile application development, the importance of cryptography cannot be overstated. It is a bastion against the myriad of security threats that abound in today’s digital landscape. From safeguarding user data against unauthorized access to ensuring the integrity of the information transmitted between devices and servers, cryptography is an essential component of mobile app security. This article delves into the best practices for implementing cryptography in mobile applications, drawing on the principles of robust security, user privacy, and seamless functionality.

The Cornerstones of Cryptography in Mobile Applications

Cryptography, at its core, is the art of writing or solving codes. In the context of mobile applications, it is predominantly about encoding data in such a way that only those who are authorized can read and process it. There are several cryptographic techniques at the disposal of developers, including but not limited to symmetric key encryption, asymmetric key encryption, hash functions, and digital signatures. Each serves a specific purpose and offers a different level of security and functionality.

Symmetric Key Encryption

Symmetric key encryption, wherein the same key is used for both encryption and decryption, is efficient for encrypting large volumes of data. It is ideal for scenarios where data does not need to be shared across different entities and remains within the secured environment of the application. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is an example of a widely used symmetric encryption algorithm.

Asymmetric Key Encryption

On the other hand, asymmetric key encryption, which employs a public and a private key pair, is suited for scenarios where data needs to be securely shared between parties. RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) is one of the most common algorithms used for asymmetric encryption.

Hash Functions and Digital Signatures

Hash functions are cryptographic algorithms that convert input data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a hash value. This technique is crucial for verifying the integrity of data. Digital signatures, derived from asymmetric key encryption, ensure the authenticity of the sender.

Best Practices for Cryptography in Mobile Applications

Implementing cryptography in mobile applications requires a thoughtful approach to balance security and performance. The following best practices can guide developers in creating secure and efficient mobile apps.

1. Use Proven Cryptographic Libraries

Never implement your own cryptography.

This adage underscores the complexity and nuances of cryptographic algorithms. It is advisable to utilize well-tested and widely accepted libraries such as OpenSSL or Bouncy Castle rather than trying to implement cryptographic algorithms from scratch.

2. Opt for Strong Encryption Algorithms

When choosing encryption algorithms, opt for those that are widely acknowledged as strong and have withstood the test of time, such as AES-256 for symmetric encryption and RSA-2048 for asymmetric encryption.

3. Securely Manage Keys

Key management is critical in cryptography. Keys should be securely stored, never hardcoded into the application, and must be accessible only by authorized entities. Use secure storage solutions like Android Keystore or Apple’s Keychain to store cryptographic keys.

4. Implement Proper Key Exchange Protocols

When keys need to be shared between parties, such as in the case of asymmetric encryption, implementing proper key exchange protocols like Diffie-Hellman is essential to prevent interception by unauthorized parties.

5. Regularly Update Cryptographic Practices

Keep abreast of the latest security threats and updates in cryptographic standards. Regularly update the cryptographic algorithms and practices used in your application to mitigate vulnerabilities.

6. Ensure Compliance with Legal Regulations

Cryptography is subject to a myriad of legal and regulatory requirements, varying by jurisdiction. It is crucial to ensure that your application complies with laws such as GDPR in Europe, CCPA in California, or any other applicable regulations concerning data protection and privacy.

Links and Further Reading

To deepen your understanding of cryptography in mobile applications and to stay updated on best practices, visit the following resources:

References

  1. Algorithms, Protocols, and Standards for Secure Mobile Applications. (n.d.). Cryptography Techniques and their Applications.
  2. Data Security in Mobile Applications. (n.d.). Best Practices for Developers.
  3. Encryption Standards and Techniques. (n.d.). Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) & RSA.
  4. Secure Storage Solutions for Mobile App Cryptographic Keys. (n.d.). Evaluating Android Keystore and Apple’s Keychain.
  5. Legal and Regulatory Considerations in Cryptography. (n.d.). A Guide to GDPR, CCPA, and More.
Author: Emma Goldman