Personal security and app privacy have been growing concerns after the birth of massive companies like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google. Websites all over the online marketplace track data, and mine personal information for targeted and personalized marketing, or even worse, for sale, and in the darkest of cases, for the purpose of fraud. As COVID-19 has the entire economy operating almost entirely online and remotely; the stress on personal security, company-accessible sensitive information, and privacy concerns is greater than it’s ever been before.

There were some recent updates to website security, and tracking laws, in order to try and combat the malicious or hidden collection of personal data, and shed light on some of the shady business practices that have been previously overlooked or skirted under the rug. Especially from a business perspective, with so many companies opting to operate online, with file-share tech, cloud-based tech, and communication software like Zoom; companies that are privy to private consumer information are open to increased cyber-threats and need to prioritize the security of consumer information.

Similarly, companies need to protect their own private information and do their best to fortify cyber-security efforts in a preventative measure.

Privacy Takeaways

In mobile app design, it’s not only beneficial to pay attention to the competition, but necessary. Despite reaching over 300 million daily users at the end of last month, Zoom is withstanding serious back-lash from a security lapse that left 500,000 Zoom account credentials in the hands of the highest bidder.

While the account credentials were not accessed from a Zoom breach directly, and rather a series of work-around tactics hackers employed; the event raised awareness on cyber-threats and privacy concerns, and brought a landslide of bad press to Zoom. That said, time has proven once again that there’s really no such thing as bad press, as Zoom continues to surge during the pandemic, and acts as the #1 communication software available to businesses.

Zoom was fortunate in proving resilient to the backlash from the security lapse; though the communication company benefited from the fact that the account information was made available through alternative hacking methods rather than a direct system-invasion. That said though, other companies that have suffered a breach in security, were not so easily forgiven.

“60 Percent of Small Businesses Fold Within 6 Months of a Cyber Attack.”
–INC.COM–

Considering the study above by INC, building a multi-layered security system into mobile-apps should rise to the top of the priority-list. It’s becoming increasingly important to provide users with a comfortable in-app experience without the thought of their personal information being sold even crossing their mind.

The mobile app market is absolutely buzzing, and there’s an excellent window of opportunity for those willing and brave enough to invest in the current climate, but anyone looking to develop a mobile app should be realistic to the necessity of robust and fortified security systems to protect consumers and company stake-holders alike.

NS804 is dedicated to bringing mobile app development to the average person with a great idea; as such we preach safety and security in app-design, and are here to help make sure users and partners alike can rest assured your app is secure.