Ensuring our online safety has become more essential than ever in a world where technology is part of our everyday routines. That is why we want to take a closer look at the comparison between web applications and mobile apps designed for our mobile devices, in order to understand the risks involved in each one.

These two digital worlds not only shape how we get online but also determine the level of risk we face from cyber threats. So understanding the differences between web and mobile apps is the key to face the security challenges they bring, finding the way to protect ourselves from potential online dangers.

Main differences between web and mobile applications:

Access

In the case of web apps, access is through a browser, where a web app resides on a server. Mobile apps, on the other hand, are accessed via an app store, involving the download of a binary file specifically compiled for the operating system. This is crucial as it implies downloading a compiled binary for the OS.

Platform

Browsers and web apps are generally platform-independent, allowing access from various operating systems and different browsers, offering extensive compatibility. Conversely, the design and functionality of mobile apps, except for certain specific programming languages, are often tailored for a specific platform, a particular operating system. This expands the attack surface because multiple binaries are required for the same application across different OS.

Types of updates

Web app updates occur on servers (server-side), and users need to keep their browsers updated. However, with mobile applications, one depends on downloading an updated version of the binary onto the device, creating another potential attack vector. Additionally, any fixes require deploying a new version and users downloading it. So for a web app user, this process is entirely transparent, with no downloads needed.

Development

The panorama for web applications is much broader: diverse environments, programming languages, and support simplify development. Mobile app development, in contrast, involves specific elements for platforms, such as the operating system and its model, adding an extra layer of complexity. Attackers often exploit these layers as attack vectors.

Mobile devices and information collection

Mobile devices play a unique role in information collection compared to traditional web browsers or computers. They accompany us everywhere, capturing a wealth of data that extends beyond the confines of typical online interactions. This increased mobility introduces additional considerations for privacy and security, demanding a nuanced approach to safeguarding sensitive information.

Network security challenges in mobile apps

Furthermore, mobile app binaries don't enjoy the protection of firewalls as web apps do, and they lack built-in SSL. This makes securing network communication, data storage, and data transfer in mobile apps inherently more complex. As these applications traverse diverse networks, the potential vulnerabilities increase, necessitating security measures to mitigate risks effectively.

Why hackers have an edge in Mobile Apps

Mobile apps harbor unnoticed vulnerabilities, due to the complexity of configurations in mobile apps surpasses that of web apps.

While web browsers come with default settings, mobile apps demand installing certificates, accepting restrictions, which complicates the setup process.

In a recent "Secrets of a Hacker" presentation during our Strike Session number seven, ethical hacker Arthusu analyzed an app in its web and mobile versions. The web version showed no vulnerabilities; everything was secure. However, the mobile version revealed numerous bugs.

The expert further highlighted the minimal practice of pentesting in mobile apps. Notably, Android Pentesting on APKs is more prevalent, whereas iOS Pentesting is harder to attain due to difficulties in emulation. Therefore, conducting an analysis of an iOS app requires a laborious setup with numerous rooted iOS devices, making it more challenging to pentest. With fewer pentesting endeavors, more vulnerabilities persist.

In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between web and mobile applications is the key to secure our digital interactions. Given that mobile apps hold a significant amount of our data and are exposed to theft, loss, and various Wi-Fi connections, securing and protecting them is indispensable.

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