The landscape of mobile app security and implications for your business

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TestFlight Testing

As businesses increasingly rely on technology, safeguarding your company’s data through mobile application security has become a critical concern. Mobile apps, serving as primary channels for business transactions and information exchanges, are susceptible to cyber threats. Consequently, maintaining optimal app security is crucial to safeguard confidential information and thwart malicious actors. This article delves into the evolving landscape of mobile app security and its implications for your business.

Exploring the future of mobile application security

Mobile applications have become integral to our daily lives, streamlining tasks with intuitive interfaces and user-friendly features. However, the surge in cyber threats raises security concerns. We as developers and security professionals continually innovate to bolster mobile app security, employing measures like multi-factor authentication, biometric identification, and advanced encryption techniques. Security testing and audits are also evolving to comprehensively identify vulnerabilities in the code.

Cyber attackers are adapting strategies previously successful on personal computers for mobile devices. Ransomware, mobile phishing, cryptocurrency mining, cross-platform banking, and infiltrating nearby devices are among the tactics employed. To counter these threats, it’s important to employ unique techniques, leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

Securing mobile devices against evolving threats requires staying abreast of emerging technologies. With AI, ML, and the Internet of Things on the rise, mobile app security must adapt to these trends.

Implications of the future of mobile application security for businesses

The future of mobile app security poses challenges and opportunities for businesses. Proactive measures are essential, with companies continually updating strategies to outpace evolving threats. Investing in training and hiring skilled professionals to develop and implement robust security measures is crucial. This not only fortifies defences against cyber threats but also ensures compliance with regulatory standards.

Anticipate a surge in advanced security methods and AI-powered solutions in mobile app security in the coming years. This trend promises enhanced protection for businesses and their customers, improving user experience by reducing friction associated with traditional security measures.

Contact PNP Digital for App Development or if you would like to investigate increasing security through the use of mobile applications.

Exploring artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) contribution to mobile app enhancement

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AI in Mobile Apps

In acknowledging the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on popular culture in 2023, it is imperative for mobile app developers to recognise its continual integration into app development practices. Contrary to misconceptions, our engagement with AI predates ChatGPT, as it has played a significant role in mobile app development for several years, presenting diverse and impactful applications in the evolving landscape of programming technology.

It is crucial to clarify that AI applications have not reached the stage of autonomously designing or creating mobile applications. However, this article focuses on delineating several ways in which AI features can augment the performance and user experience of mobile apps.

Enhanced search functionality

Modern AI technology, rooted in search engine algorithms, offers a notable benefit in enhancing search functionality within mobile applications. With users accustomed to the instant gratification of efficient search engines, integrating an AI-powered search feature into your app can revolutionise the customer experience. This enhancement enables users to make verbal requests and pose general questions, receiving prompt and accurate responses without grappling with keywords or sifting through multiple pages of results.

Customer service chatbots

In-app chatbots, powered by AI, provide users with the ability to communicate on their terms. These AI-driven customer service representatives efficiently handle routine queries, facilitating seamless navigation within the app. This not only saves time for your team but also expedites customer assistance, contributing to a more efficient user experience.

Intelligent data utilisation

Collecting, tracking, and analysing customer data has become integral to modern businesses, facilitating personalised app experiences. AI-powered apps excel in collecting diverse customer data points, enhancing user interfaces through customised product recommendations and targeted advertisements. Machine learning algorithms, although distinct from AI, can be seamlessly integrated to learn from individual customer behaviours, predicting the products or services they may require. These insights enable automatic tailoring of the app interface to align with customer usage patterns and preferences.

Emotional intelligence integration

AI’s innovative use within apps extends to analysing and interpreting human emotional states, allowing for more advanced personalisation efforts. By capturing indicators such as tone, facial expressions, and other emotional signals during customer interactions, AI empowers users to personalise content. This enables the app to offer recommendations and services that align more closely with the user’s emotional state.

What lies ahead?

AI provides developers and brands with an expansive toolkit for mobile app development, fostering innovation and personalisation. As technology continues to evolve, we remain committed to assisting customers in integrating the latest features and plug-ins into their apps to ensure an optimal customer experiences.

Key factors to take into account when selecting a VPN service

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AWS migrations

In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding your online data from a spectrum of potential threats, from cybercriminals to government entities, is of paramount importance. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide that much-needed layer of security by encrypting data transmitted from your computer to the internet. However, the effectiveness of VPNs can vary significantly.

To make an informed choice when selecting one, it’s crucial to take the following factors into account:

Data encryption and logging policies

The choice of encryption protocol is a primary factor in deciding the level of security offered by your VPN. Different protocols, such as OpenVPN, IPSec/L2TP, SSTP, and IKEv2, are available. opt for a VPN service that employs the latest encryption standards like AES-256, considered military-grade encryption. Be cautious of VPN providers that keep logs of user activity, potentially compromising your anonymity and privacy. For truly anonymous browsing, seek a VPN service that does not log user data.

Cost-effectiveness

While free VPN services may appear attractive, they often come with hidden costs, such as compromising data privacy through activity logs or displaying intrusive ads. Paid options typically offer a wider range of servers, configurations, and advanced security features.

Server location

The geographical proximity of VPN servers significantly influences performance. Distant servers may result in latency and slower browsing. Select a VPN with servers found near your physical location for a smoother online experience. If you aim to bypass geo-restrictions, opt for a VPN with servers strategically positioned in regions where your desired content is accessible. This approach ensures the user has the best browsing speeds and unhindered access.

Data capacity

Understand the data limits imposed by your chosen VPN, especially if your online activities require large bandwidth. Review the provider’s data cap and terms of service to ensure it aligns with your needs. Additionally, assess the provider’s server count, as a larger server network shows better support for data-intensive tasks.

Cross-platform functionality

Ensure the VPN is compatible with various platforms, including laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. Choose a VPN that seamlessly integrates with your preferred devices, supplying consistent protection across your digital ecosystem. Prioritise VPN providers offering dedicated apps or robust configuration options for different devices.

Customer support

Explore the customer support options offered by the VPN provider. Look for readily available support channels like live chat, email, or phone, and consider user reviews to gauge the quality of help.

Everything new in iOS 17

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iOS 17 Preview

Apple recently revealed all in their upcoming iOS 17 update. It is expected to become publicly available some time in September, alongside the reveal of the new iPhone and other devices during their summer reveals.

Here’s some of the standout features from iOS 17 which you can expect…

StandBy Mode

StandBy is puts your device into a low power mode, and shows customisable information such as a clock, the weather, or basic information from the same widgets which are available on the home screen. StandBy can show incoming notifications, and other information. This mode could be used to replace an alarm clock if paired with a phone charging stand, as shown in the image above, making it seamless to turn off the alarm, grab your phone, and start your day.

AirDrop Upgrades

AirDrop is being improved, allowing you to share contacts, photos, videos, and more all from a quick tap of your phone to theirs. This improves on the previous method of having to select from a menu who you want to send the info to if you were sat next to the person at the time.

iOS 17 brings in “NameDrop” which will allow the sharing of contacts, simply by tapping the phones with each other. This can be the full contact, just the phone number, or the email.

Journal

Journal is a new app which automatically brings photos, music, and location, & more, all together from each day to give an outline of your day. Users are able to add notes and memories to these automatically generated days, as well as edit them to their liking. Apple claims that machine learning is used to build an understanding of how you like your journal to be, and make it more tailored to your preferences.

For anyone who is active, and a traveller, this will be a perfect addition to their phone, being able to make and share the memories which they have made each day with others.

Offline Maps

For the first time, Apple are allowing the downloading of certain sections of maps with Apple Maps. This has been possible with other maps such as Google Maps, for quite some time, but nevertheless, this is a welcome feature if you are going to be going somewhere with limited or no GPS signal or data.

And More…

We’ve listed just some of the major updates which have been introduced with iOS 17 so far, there are plenty of other smaller changes and updates to make iOS 17 the best version of iOS yet.

A full list of all new iOS 17 features can be found on Apple’s website: apple.com/uk/ios/ios-17-preview/

E3 cancelled: gaming industry’s biggest event put on hold

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E3

E3 has served as the gaming industry’s landmark event, where developers, publishers, and enthusiasts gather to witness exciting game reveals, cutting-edge technology showcases, and engaging presentations. However, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the body responsible for organizing E3, had to make the difficult choice to cancel the event due to a combination of factors.

The Decline After COVID

Due to the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the ESA prioritized the well-being of attendees, exhibitors, and staff. Despite efforts to adapt the event to a virtual or hybrid format, the challenges associated with ensuring a secure and immersive experience for all involved proved to not be up to the previous experience offered by E3.

Other exhibitors, such as Nintendo, Sony, & Microsoft now all offer their own online announcement events which have meant they have no use in attending E3, and over the recent years, more and more developers have been pulling out from attending, preferring their own events which they have sole control over, and take all of the attention, with no rivals.

The End of the Biggest Gaming Event

With the future of E3 in doubt, gamers are having to turn to the individual events hosted by publishers. This could mark the turning point as E3 served as an important event before the rise of the internet and rapid communication where being able to show off to the press was more important to make an impact and generate hype, whereas this can now be done at any time and with more modern marketing techniques.

This demonstrates more than ever how important it is to keep up with the ever moving market and times. And how continual improvements and revisions are needed to ideas to keep them in the public’s eye. Staying stationary in technology is the fastest way to get left behind and forgotten.

PNP can revamp your existing systems and apps to make them modern and user friendly, constantly pushing forward with new and innovative ideas to keep your business relevant.

How ChatGPT is changing the coding process

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ChatGPT

Traditionally, coding has been a meticulous and time-consuming task that required developers to possess a deep understanding of programming languages and syntax. However, ChatGPT has introduced a new level of simplicity and efficiency by providing developers with an intuitive and conversational interface to interact with their code.

Get a Helping Hand

One of the most significant advantages of ChatGPT is its ability to assist programmers in generating code snippets, solving programming problems, and offering suggestions. With a few simple prompts, developers can ask questions, seek guidance, and receive immediate responses from ChatGPT, which draws upon its vast knowledge base to offer relevant and accurate solutions. This feature not only saves time but also encourages collaborative problem-solving, as developers can engage in dynamic conversations with the AI model.

Furthermore, ChatGPT’s natural language processing capabilities enable it to understand and interpret code-related queries in plain English, making it more accessible to developers of all skill levels. It can break down complex concepts, explain intricate algorithms, and even assist in debugging code. This empowers novice programmers to overcome hurdles more easily and learn from experienced developers, as ChatGPT acts as a knowledgeable and patient mentor.

Not a Replacement For a Human

Whilst ChatGPT is a powerful tool, it requires an exact and well formed request to be asked to get the best results out of it. Even then, the ending result is likely not usable within an existing system as coding standards and methods will differ, and the code may not even compile/run. It is intended for more as a base, or aid when stuck on an issue as it will provide different solutions which a developer may not have considered.

Paired with an experienced and knowledgeable coder, ChatGPT can be leveraged to simplify a complex request and give the developer a new perspective on the problem which can allow them to reach the end result faster.

AI is no replacement for a human, it can’t deal with specific client requests, or interact with clients like a developer can. It may be able to generate small snippets of code, but it is unable to make anything bigger than a few lines of code. Meaning it is unable to generate entire complex systems at one request. Even if it could generate a base system, there would be no way it could mould it into what a client would want, and make a system which could be well maintained and built on for many years to come.

If you are in need of a CMS made by humans who care, and lovingly craft each system/app, then consider PNP.

The difference between Native, Hybrid, & Progressive web applications

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There are multiple ways to develop a mobile application, and choosing the right one for you is important before starting the project. Selecting the correct method can save time and money, while providing the same, or better experience for the end user.

What Type Of Application Do You Need?

First the main outline of the application must be decided.

  • Type of Application: Deciding on what your application will be required to do will have an impact on which method is used.
  • Time and Budget: Each method of development has a different amount of time required to achieve the end result. If you need iOS, Android, and Web support, one option may take up to three times longer to develop, which has an affect on the final cost.
  • Operating System: What device type are your main target audience using? (iOS, Android, Windows)
App Differences.

Native Applications

Native applications are developed with one specific device type i.e. iOS users in mind. This means that the application is going to be tailor made for that device, and is able to use all of the device specific functionality.

Advantages:
  • Fast performance – Because the code is written with that device type in mind, the code is therefore more efficient.
  • Functionality – Apps can make use of the specific special functions that a device might have.
  • Higher Security – Any device specific known security risks can be individually addressed.
  • Improved UI/UX – The code can take advantage of the native appearance and frameworks to create a modern looking application.
Disadvantages:
  • Higher Cost – Each operating system requires it’s own codebase, and if iOS and Android apps were required, this would require two completely separate sets of code to create and maintain.
  • Longer Development – Because the code is being specifically designed to work on one set of devices, it is more involved to create, maintain, and test.
  • Specialists Required – A team of highly skilled app developers is required who have an in-depth knowledge of the system, adding to the cost.

Hybrid Applications

Hybrid applications are the best of both worlds from both mobile and web development. It allows developers to code in one language, then be able to deploy applications for iOS, Android, and Websites. At PNP Digital, we have over 10 years experience in developing hybrid applications for our clients.

Advantages
  • Shorter Development Time – Only one codebase is required to deploy to iOS, Android, and Web. Saving three times the work.
  • Lower Costs – Shorter development time, means less costs!
  • Easy to Maintain – Because there’s only one codebase, it is easier to maintain and update.
  • Integrated – Hybrid allows for simple integration into web services and APIs.
  • Fast Deployment – Building the app to run on Android or iOS is quick and easy, requiring almost no changes to the process.
Disadvantages
  • Complexity – More complex applications will likely run slower than a native application.
  • Equality – The app will run the same regardless of the device, it can’t use device/operating system specific functions.

Progressive Web Applications

Progressive web applications are almost identical to hybrid applications, with the main difference being that they are able to be installed as an application on any device, then be able to work offline and send notifications. This is the newest method of development.

Advantages
  • Accessible – The app can be found on any app store, or accessed through the website and the end user experience will be the same.
  • Loading Speed – Because everything is web based, loading speed are quick no matter the device age.
  • Works Offline – Cached versions of the application are able to be used when offline.
  • Responsive – The application is able to easily and dynamically change to the device type and size.
  • Cheap & Fast – Development times are fast because only a website is being developed, then scaled for mobile devices.
Disadvantages
  • Hardware Limitations – Because the application needs to be installed, older and slower devices may not be supported.
  • Apple Support – Support for Apple devices is more limited, and performance is often much worse on iOS devices.
  • Battery Power – Higher battery consumption is used due to the application doing processing on the device, rather than the web.

How to find your Apple device’s UDID

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A UDID is an acronym used for Unique Device ID. It is a feature of Apple iPhones and their other devices. Each individual Apple device has their own ID that is being fetched by Apple servers. When testing a new mobile application on an Apple device we need a UDID from the iPhone, iPad or iPod.

Finding your UDID is a simple process, all you will need is an internet connection, and a few minutes.

UDID
  1. First, go to https://udid.tech on your device, then select the “Tap to find UDID” button located at the top of the screen.
  2. You will then be prompted to accept a configuration file. This file allows the site to read the device information from your phone, so you’ll want to allow this.
  3. Next go to the Settings application, and at the top a “Profile Downloaded” option should now have appeared.
  4. Go into the “Profile Downloaded” menu, and in the top right, press install and accept the prompt which appears.
  5. Once this is complete, you can then go back to https://get.udid.io/ and your UUID will appear. You then have the option to view all the information gathered, or the option to email it.

Android apps in Windows 11

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Insiders of the Windows update program have started to be able to use Android apps as promised in Windows 11. These apps run natively on your computer, and act just like they would on your mobile device. Any app on the Google Play Store is instantly available to use on your PC. But what problems arise from this?

Android Apps Native in Windows 11

How to Install Apps on Windows 11

Once you have Windows 11, you might be wondering how to install apps. They are located on the “Microsoft Store” with all other applications and games. Search for your app, then simply press download and it will install onto your computer just like any other software. However, this may change in a future update before it is pushed out to the public to be in their own category, but the process will be otherwise the same.

When Will it be Available to the Public?

Currently, it is unknown when this will be available for anyone to download. However, if you sign up to the “Windows Insider Program” it is possible to get these features now. Historically, Microsoft release features from the Insider Program only a few months after being initially available to testers.

Will My App Run on Windows 11?

If you’ve had a mobile application developed by Pipe & Piper, as with all apps on the Google Play Store, it will appear to download on Windows 11. While it should act just like the mobile application, it might require some changes and optimisations in order to best preform on Windows 11.

Going forward, testing on Windows 11 natively is going to become a part of our extensive testing process so your apps will work no matter the platform.

If you want to be sure that your app works on Windows 11, please contact us.

What is two factor authentication and why should you use it?

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What is two-factor authentication? 

Breaking it down to the most simple explanation, it’s basically adding a second layer of protection to your account, app or system to go alongside your regular method of logging in. In most instances, this involves receiving a code by SMS to your mobile number, but increasingly apps and services are sending a confirmation number to your device as a notification instead. Sometimes you can just tap the notification to approve the login. More commonly though, emails are sent containing the 6 digit code which you then use alongside your normal username/email and password.

How does two-factor authentication make your account more secure? 

The idea is that you’re adding a confirmatory step to your sign in attempt. Using the SMS example, it means no one can log into the account in question from a new device, even if they have your password. When using two-factor authentication via email, again it requires access to the email account associated with the platform you’re attempting to log in to.

When someone tries to log into your account from a new device, or even new browser, with your password, when they hit “enter” or “submit”, it’ll take them to a new screen asking for a code. This code has been sent to the registered mobile number as an SMS, a notifications via an app or to your email account. 

Some apps that use notifications also send you a code. But increasingly, apps are just sending a notification to your key devices so you can just confirm it was you signing in (in ther words, there’s no code)

Does two-step authentication always need a mobile number? 

As an example, WhatsApp can’t use your mobile number as its second verification method, because that’s the primary method for logging in. So instead, it asks you for a six-digit PIN number every so often, or when you log in from a new smartphone. 

While Apple does use SMS verification for iCloud account security, it also uses its “Trusted Devices” method. Using this method, it sends a four-digit code directly to a trusted and verified device, which then pops up in a little window on the screen once you unlock your iPhone or iPad. 

Where SMS isn’t used there’s often the option of getting a two-factor authentication code from a dedicated app like Google Authenticator. These sorts of apps simply offer access to a time-sensitive code that changes after a given period of time and so is constantly secure but gives you quick and easy access to your account. 

What if I’ve lost my phone? 

Most services – as mentioned – offer more than just the phone number SMS method for logging in. Nearly all of them will offer you the ability to generate backup codes or, like Apple, give you a recovery key that’s a really long chain of letters and numbers which you can input instead of using your password and SMS code.

Be sure to set up a recovery key, and store it somewhere safe like in a password-protected document and/or secure password app. 

Is it worth it? 

Yes. Absolutely. Once it’s set up it only adds one extra step to logging into your account from a new device or browser.

It’s always worth doing and failing to do so can often lead you open to privacy nightmares. An revealed just how dangerous this can be. There have been several reports of incidents where owners of smart home cameras have had their devices hacked and been spied upon by criminals simply because they failed to use a secure password and activate two-factor authentication.

On the off-chance that someone has got your password, and tries to get into your account, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that they can’t get in without also having your phone (or access to your email account) which – even if they have – is likely locked and protected behind a password, pattern or fingerprint scan. 

To add further privacy, there are settings within Android and iOS to ensure that you can stop SMS notifications from showing up on a lock screen. Just head to Settings > Notifications and select which apps you want to have display information on the lock screen, or choose to hide sensitive information (on Android).

More information can be found on PocketLint