App developers urged to boost cybersecurity

MANILA  —Cellphone users in the Philippines and across the globe have expressed awareness over mobile fraud amid the heightened digitalization, based on a study by Appdome, raising the need for app developers to incorporate safety measures.

In its 2023 Global Consumer Expectations of Mobile App Security study, the cybersecurity company noted that 82.4 percent of the surveyed consumers wanted a more proactive approach when it comes to mobile security. This means preventing fraud from happening instead of just resolving the matter when it occurs.

About 56 percent of the respondents said the responsibility for ensuring a safe consumer experience lies on the mobile brands and app developers.

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Some 67 percent of the surveyed consumers said they would stop using a mobile app “based merely on the perception that the app lacked sufficient protection.”

A majority or 85.6 percent of the respondents also said that implementing security features against malware is “equally or more important” than introducing new features.

Malware, or malicious software, is designed to illegally access computer systems with the purpose of inflicting damage or disrupting operations.

Brand loyalty

“Mobile apps remain a dominant force in the consumer landscape, shaping a narrative where the very foundation of brand loyalty could be anchored in security,” said Appdome CEO Tom Tovar.

“As more brands attempt to connect with their customers via mobile apps, it is imperative for them to work closely with cybersecurity teams to provide mobile app users with peace of mind when it comes to their demands for increased mobile app protection,” he added.

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Other fraudulent activities include identity theft, account takeovers and fake apps.

In a previous study, Appdome noted that Filipinos have become reliant on mobile applications for usual tasks. It found out that 76.6 percent of Filipinos are using mobile apps, higher than the 66.6 percent global average.

E-wallets, which have risen to popularity during the pandemic, are the most used app for Filipinos. These allow the users to do the usual cash transfers, bills payments and other functions via their phones.

Other top apps include social media and mobile games, followed by retail or shopping, mobile banking and food delivery.