When it comes to the most popular mobile operating systems, iOS 12 definitely emerges as a strong contender. When it was released a couple of years ago, the version was widely acclaimed for the outstanding features it offered. Excellent performance, group notifications, group FaceTime, enhanced AR experiences, and a range of Siri shortcuts were some of the features that made it so popular. Beyond these experiential features, one fact that made iOS 12 a popular choice for businesses that want to invest in iOS app development is the unmatched security it offers.
Here are the iOS 12 security-related facts that both users and developers should absolutely know about.
From the user’s perspective
The biggest security upgrades that iOS 12 brought primarily outright new features. They were generally included towards privacy in terms of giving the users more control over the collection and use of their data and towards better device and password security. The key security features that benefit the users include:
Default updating: With iOS 12, automatic software updates are turned on by default. This augurs well for the users as they get to update to the latest (which is also more secure) version of the app automatically.
Password auditing: The password auditing tools in iOS 12 tell the users when they use the same password more than twice. In this way, the device itself encourages them to create secure and strong passwords while logging into their apps. Additionally, the OS maintains a record of the passwords a user creates and also stores them on the iCloud.
2FA integration: Another exemplary security feature that iOS 12 offers is a better integration with two-factor authentication. For an app usesing2FA and sending a security code to a phone over text, iOS 12 autofills the field for security code for the user.
Safari upgrades: Safari’s mobile version will, by default, prevent the websites from using the tracking cookies without explicit permission from the user.
USB connection: If the user has not unlocked a iOS 12-powered device in more than one hour, USB devices will not be able to connect.
From the developer’s perspective
The security features of iOS 12 are equally brilliant from the perspective of an iOS app developer as well. They have the opportunity to leverage the capabilities of this version to build better and more robust apps for the platform.
Automated password generation: Since the launch of iOS 11, developers can label their username and password fields, which allows the users to populate these fields automatically with the saved information for a specific app or web page. With the new functionality of iOS 12, users can now generate a unique and strong password which fills the password field when prompted by an app.
Sandboxed apps: All third-party apps are now sandboxed by default and cannot access the files modified by the other apps. For altering files outside its specific home directory, an app will have to rely on iOS. For running a background process, an app will have to use the system-provided APIs.
App frameworks: Another good news for any iphone app development company is that developers now have access to new frameworks like HomeKit with iOS 12. HomeKit facilitate the creation of apps which configure with IoT devices and smart home appliances. Similarly, SiriKit lets the developers update apps to work with the user requests which originate from Siri and Maps.
Content sharing: Another security-related feature that iOS apps offer is that the apps developed by the same developer can now share content, such as stored data and user preferences, with each other when they are configured within an App Group.
Handoff: The new Handoff feature of the version lets developers design apps so that the users can use the app on one device and then transfer their activity seamlessly to another. The feature serves developers while working on apps which also have web versions.
Better security with updates in App Store review guidelines
Besides the specific iOS 12 features that strengthen the security of apps for users and developers, there are some updates in App Store review guidelines that steer these apps towards better security. Developers can now collect only limited data from the user’s address book for adding social functionality to their apps. Further, there are certain constraints on how apps can use the data so collected. Also, Apple now bans the sale of user information to third parties. Every iphone application development company has to be aware about these new norms to ensure that the app they create is approved by App Store.
Some additional security tips for iOS 12 users
Though iOS 12 is relatively strong from the security perspective, there are certain measures that users can take to make their device, data, and apps secure. Here are some tips to help:
- Ensure that automatic updates are turned on
- Turn on the USB restricted mode
- Disable lock screen options
- Enable the Find My iPhone feature
- Use additional encryption while backing up
- Use a VPN while working with public WiFi
- Set a strong device password
- Monitor privacy settings periodically
- Set up two-factor authentication
- Use FaceID or TouchID
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is app security important?
The core reason why businesses need app security is that they have to protect data, user data in case of consumer-facing apps and business data for enterprise apps. A compromise of data may account into loss of money as well as reputation of the business.
What are the common security vulnerabilities that mobile app users face?
Malware, device vulnerabilities, and data leaks are some of the key issues that mobile app users come across. These may happen for both Android and iOS devices and app developers need to be extra vigilant while developing apps to counter these vulnerabilities.
How can you make your app more secure?
There are certain development best practices that developers can follow to make apps secure enough to prevent loss of data. These include writing a secure code, encrypting data, using only authorized APIs, deploying proper session handling, and using high-level authentication.
Are iOS apps secure?
iOS implements strict security guidelines and the apps on the App Store are sandboxed for making them more secure. Still, users should take all the steps to download the reliable ones and also secure their devices on their own.
Conclusion
As a business, the security of your app should be your priority and you should convey the same to the iOS app development company you collaborate with for your project. The idea is to find an app development partner with the right skills and experience to create a solution that excels on every front, performance, security, and stability. When you look for a company for taking your project, do assess their experience and track record and make sure that they have a team capable enough. Knowing about the latest versions of the platform is another plus.
At OrangeMantra, we offer a complete range of app development services for businesses. You can connect with us to hire iphone app developer or team for creating an app that is compatible with all the versions of the platform. Just share your requirements with us and we will have a perfect app solution for them.
