Top 15 Android App Security Practices to Secure Your App

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Picture this: someone downloads what looks like a legit Android app. It is something official, maybe from law enforcement, urging them to “verify their account before it’s flagged for fraud.”

It looks and feels as real as it can get. So you tap and give it your permissions and data.

Boom. Personal data? Gone. Bank info? Compromised.

The app was a repackaged clone, rigged with just enough social engineering to slip past suspicion. It didn’t need complex malware to do it.

This wasn’t some hypothetical cyberattack in a sci-fi movie. It happened. In 2023. Hackers used fake APKs disguised as government apps to hijack thousands of Android users’ financial data across China. All because the original apps lacked a few small but critical defenses.

No, repackaging protection or Certificate pinning. Tamper detection? Nah.

Moreover, these APKs never even went through the Play Store. They spread through third-party sites and social channels, leaving users and devs completely exposed.

So here’s the uncomfortable truth:

If your Android app can be cloned, it can be used against your users.

If it can be tampered with, someone will.

Before your app ends up in someone else’s malicious toolkit, here are 15 security practices that go beyond the usual checklist. Let’s see how we can save your team a nightmare down the line.

What exactly is Android App Security?

We all have a general sense of security in software. But Android app security is something different. You need to understand it well if you want to make sure your app doesn’t get messed with. We’re talking about protecting it from hackers and sneaky malware. Basically, app security Android takes care of anyone trying to poke around where they shouldn’t.

Android is everywhere. It’s in your pocket and even your smart fridge. It’s become the go-to platform for building apps. But it’s super open. That’s where the problem starts.

That’s why security isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore. It’s your first line of defense against shady stuff like data leaks and apps getting hijacked by clones. With the right security steps in place, you’re not just protecting code, you’re protecting real people using your app every day.

Is Android App Security as important as it seems?

6.3% of smartphones in 2024 had a malicious app installed without even knowing. These apps were probably monitoring everything on these users’ devices. From personal info to banking details, nothing was safe. It’s all because these apps had malware on them, and the users had no idea.

When you’re not careful about your Android application security, you put a lot at risk. When users download your app, they trust you.

What are the 15 Best Android App Security Practices to Secure Your App?

So, we’ve talked about why Android app security matters. But now comes the big question: what can you actually do about it? Not just the textbook stuff like “use encryption”

In this blog, we’re going deeper. Below are 15 underrated and surprisingly easy security practices that’ll help keep your app locked down, even when things get messy out there.

1. Use the Android Keystore System for Sensitive Info

Don’t store API keys or passwords in plain text. It literally works as bait for hackers. The Android Keystore lets you store cryptographic keys securely. You can even do so in hardware-backed storage. It’s like keeping your secrets in a vault instead of your sock drawer.

  • Keys stay inside the secure container. They are not accessible even if the app is decompiled.
  • Supports hardware-level protection (if the device allows)

2. Log Sensitive Data Wisely

Debug logs are helpful until they accidentally expose user emails or access tokens. Always assume your logs could fall into the wrong hands from the beginning, especially during production. Better to log smart than log sorry.

  • Strip sensitive info from logs before deploying
  • Use conditional logging for dev vs. release builds

3. Run Security Checks in Native Code

Java/Kotlin code is way easier to reverse-engineer than native C/C++. So, if you’re checking for things like tampering or rooting, move those checks to the native layer. Hackers tend to attack every 3 seconds. So, this adds a solid wall of complex work for attackers.

  • Use Android NDK to write security-sensitive logic
  • Harder to hook or modify via dynamic analysis tools

4. Use SafetyNet or Play Integrity API

These APIs help your app check if the device it’s running on is safe. They can spot things like rooted devices and emulators. This also means it sees apps that have been changed. In this way, you can quickly stop any suspicious activity.

  • Block access or limit features based on trust verdict
  • Helps secure in-app purchases and API endpoints

5. Enforce Secure WebView Practices

WebViews are very powerful, but they are just as risky if you’re not careful. A poorly configured WebView is basically an open door for phishing and code injection attacks. And the worst part? Hackers attack up to 26,000 times a day on average!

  • Disable JavaScript unless absolutely necessary
  • Always validate URLs before loading them in WebView

6. Execute strict password policies

Weak passwords are like unlocked front doors. Hackers can breach a basic 8-character password in just a few minutes. This is why you should set rules that actually challenge users. Ask them to add long lengths and mixed characters. Request them not to reuse old passwords.

  • Enforce password strength on both client and server
  • Add checks for password reuse and common patterns

7. Set Up Tamper Detection Mechanisms

If someone cracks open your APK and tweaks it, your app should know. It shouldn’t leave it undetected. Tamper detection lets you flag changes to critical files. It even helps verify your app’s signature on launch. They are like silent watchers catching loud problems.

  • Validate the app’s signing certificate at runtime
  • Monitor hash values of important files or resources

8. Use App Signing by Google Play

Instead of managing private signing keys on your own, let Google Play handle it for you. Their infrastructure is harder to crack and reduces the chance of accidental key leaks. Thanks to this, people also don’t have to remember extra passwords and usernames.

  • Your signing key is stored securely in Google’s infrastructure
  • You can still use key rotation and advanced signing features

9. Disable Screenshots for Sensitive Screens

Ever switched apps and found a sensitive screen saved in your multitasking preview? It definitely isn’t pleasant. With just one line of code, you can block screenshots on sensitive screens like login and payments. This helps keep the information secure.

  • Use FLAG_SECURE to block screen captures
  • Prevents both screenshots and screen recording across apps

10. Short-lived tokens for Sessions

Access tokens don’t need to live forever. So shorten their lifespan. Then, pair them with refresh tokens to lower the risk of misuse. This way, if one gets hijacked, the damage will be minimal. These short session tokens are especially helpful in banking apps.

  • Issue short TTL (time-to-live) tokens for high-risk actions
  • Combine with token rotation and server-side revocation logic

11. Detect Rooted Devices

Rooted devices are like phones with no security filters. They give malware full control, thanks to this, hackers love these devices. Detect rooting early. This way, you can either restrict the functionalities or block access entirely. No trust, no entry.

  • Use SafetyNet or libraries like RootBeer
  • Restrict sensitive actions or trigger alerts on rooted devices

12. Limit Permissions to an Absolute Minimum

Asking for too many permissions is a red flag, both for users and attackers. No matter which app is asking for them. Only the necessary permissions are important. Keep it tight and ask only what your app actually needs when it needs it.

  • Use runtime permissions instead of preloading them
  • Regularly audit and remove unused permissions

13. Use Obfuscation

Obfuscation scrambles and messes up your code. This way, reverse engineers see gibberish and don’t understand a thing. Instead of clean logic, they are faced with a new problem. It doesn’t make your app unbreakable, but it makes cracking it 10x harder.

  • Enable R8 or ProGuard in release builds
  • Obfuscate class names and method calls

14. Sanitize User Inputs

Just because it’s a mobile app doesn’t mean it’s safe from input-based attacks. Any kind of input can potentially be dangerous. Poorly sanitized input can lead to SQL injections and logic flaws. This can even result in crashes. Clean it up before it causes chaos.

  • Validate and sanitize all input, especially if it hits a backend
  • Use parameterized queries and strict type checks wherever possible

15. Block Tapjacking with Secure UI Layers

Tapjacking is when a malicious app overlays fake buttons or screens on top of yours. This way, it tricks users into tapping on them. It’s sneaky and can cause dangerous problems. Yet, they are surprisingly easy to prevent with secure UI flags.

Set filterTouchesWhenObscured=true on sensitive views

Add runtime checks using onFilterTouchEventForSecurity() for extra control

Conclusion

A data breach can cost a corporation almost $1.3 million in lost business. And this is just an estimate. If your app’s security isn’t powerful enough, it not only puts your company details and info at risk. It damages the privacy that your users and clients trust you with. This means a harmed reputation that no business can truly recover from.

Securing Android apps should be the first and foremost aim of a business. And this starts all the way at the development. So, if you’re planning to secure your app, we’ve got some real serious devs to help around. Don’t let a data breach be the reason you go out for help. Stabilize and secure your business today with Linkitsoft. Contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I check the security of my app?

You can run regular security audits that help identify vulnerabilities in both your code and app behavior. This can be done using tools like:

  • MobSF
  • OWASP MASVS checklists
  • Penetration testing.

Does the code play any role in an app’s security?

The code needs to be solid and trustworthy. That’s actually where the security starts. Insecure code is often the first entry point for attackers. Secure coding practices and avoiding hardcoded secrets all play a critical role in app security.

How will Linkitsoft guarantee the security of my app?

Linkitsoft follows industry-standard security protocols. We do this by using secure APIs and encrypted communication. We are also careful about code obfuscation and regular vulnerability assessments to keep your app protected.

How often should I update or audit my app’s security features?

You should do it at least once every quarter or immediately after OS updates or changes to dependencies. Regular audits ensure you’re not exposed to new threats.

Can Linkitsoft help with securing user data and compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA)?

Easily yes! Linkitsoft builds apps with data privacy in mind. We implement encryption and secure storage. This helps you stay compliant with GDPR, HIPAA, and other relevant regulations.

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