Career Technology Cyber Security INDIA

Insecure Cryptography in Mobile Apps Threat Agents: Attackers exploit weak cryptography to decrypt data, manipulate encryption, or gain unauthorized access. Attack Vectors (Exploitability: AVERAGE): Weak algorithms, poor key management, and flawed implementations allow brute-force, MitM, and downgrade attacks. Security Weakness (Prevalence: COMMON | Detectability: AVERAGE): Weak encryption, insufficient key lengths. Poor key storage & management. Insecure transport (e.g., missing HTTPS). Weak hash functions without salting. Impact (SEVERE): Data breaches (PII, financial data leaks). Intellectual property loss (decrypted proprietary data). Financial & legal consequences (fraud, non-compliance). Prevention: Use strong encryption (AES, RSA, ECC). Secure key storage & management (HSMs, vaults). Implement secure transport (HTTPS, certificate validation). Use strong hashes (SHA-256, bcrypt) with salting . Regularly update cryptographic libraries ...

Insecure Data Storage in Mobile Apps Threat Agents: Hackers, insiders, cybercriminals, state-sponsored actors, and competitors exploit weak encryption, poor access controls, and insecure storage. Attack Vectors (EASY): Unauthorized access, weak encryption, data interception, malware, and social engineering. Security Weaknesses (COMMON, AVERAGE Detectability): Storing sensitive data in plain text. Weak/no encryption, poor access controls. Exposure through logs, caches, and misconfigured cloud storage. Impact (SEVERE): Technical: Data breaches, account compromise, data tampering, unauthorized access, compliance violations. Business: Reputation loss, legal penalties, financial loss, competitive disadvantage. Are You Vulnerable? Lack of encryption, weak access controls, exposed logs, misconfigured cloud storage. Prevention: Encrypt data at rest/in transit, use secure storage (Keychain/Keystore), enforce access controls, secure transmission (HTTPS/TLS), and update dependencies. Example ...

Security Misconfiguration in Mobile Apps Threat Agents Attackers exploiting misconfigured security settings, permissions, or controls to gain unauthorized access. Threat agents include: Attackers with physical device access Malicious apps exploiting vulnerabilities Attack Vectors (Difficult to Exploit) Insecure default settings (weak security configurations) Improper access controls (unauthorized data access) Weak encryption/hashing (exposing sensitive data) Lack of secure communication (eavesdropping risk) Unprotected storage (plain-text sensitive data) Insecure file permissions (world-readable/writable) Misconfigured session management (session hijacking) Security Weakness (Common, Easy to Detect) Misconfigurations arise from time constraints, lack of awareness, or human error. Common issues: Debugging features left enabled in production Insecure communication (HTTP instead of HTTPS) Default usernames/passwords unchanged Weak access controls allowing unauthorized actions Impacts (Sev...

What is identification and authentication failure? When users log into a system, they identify themselves (eg.- username or email) and authenticate using a password or other security methods. If this process is weak then attackers can: 1. Steal passwords and log in as other users. 2. Bypass authentication using vulnerabilities in the system. 3. Exploit weak security settings (like no multifactor authentication or 2FA) Example:- Imagine an online bank where users log in with only a password. If a hacker guesses or steals the password, they can access the account and make transactions. This is known as Authentication failure. Common Causes 1. Weak or Default passwords- Many users still use simple passwords like '123456' or 'password.' 2. No Multi-factor Authentication- Without an extra layer of security accounts are easy to hack. 3. Broken Session Management- Attackers can hijack user sessions if a system does not properly handle logins and logouts. 4. Insecure Password...

  Threat Agents & Attack Vectors Attackers target app binaries to steal secrets (API keys, cryptographic data), reverse-engineer critical logic (e.g., AI models), or manipulate the app (bypassing payments, injecting malware). They may also use an app to find backend vulnerabilities. Binary attacks are easy since apps can be downloaded from stores or extracted from devices. Two common methods: Reverse Engineering – Extracting secrets, algorithms, or vulnerabilities. Code Tampering – Modifying binaries to unlock paid features, bypass security, or insert malicious code. Security & Business Impact All apps are vulnerable, with higher risk for those storing sensitive data or being widely used. Hardcoded secrets are especially dangerous since leaks can be costly. Manipulated apps could damage reputation or revenue if repackaged and redistributed. Prevention Obfuscation – Makes reverse engineering harder. Minimize Local Secrets – Store only essential data in binaries. Backend ...

What are Vulnerable and Outdated Components? Using old or weak software parts can put your system at serious risk. This issue, called Vulnerable and Outdated Components , is a major security concern in the OWASP Top 10 . What’s the Risk? Every software is built using different components like libraries and frameworks. If these are outdated or have security flaws , hackers can easily exploit them . Why It Matters? 1. Data Theft – Hackers can steal sensitive information. 2. System Takeover – Attackers gain control of your system. 3. Financial Loss – Fixing breaches costs time and money. Common Causes- 1.   Using Old Software – Running outdated programs without updates. 2. Ignoring Security Patches – Not fixing known security flaws. 3. Using Weak Libraries – Third-party software that hasn’t been updated. 4. Unsupported Software – Tools that no longer get security updates. How to Stay Safe? 1.   Update Software Regularly – Always use the latest versions. 2. Apply Securit...

Inadequate Privacy Controls Privacy controls protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) like names, addresses, payment details, and sensitive personal data. Attackers exploit PII for fraud, blackmail, or data manipulation, leading to confidentiality, integrity, or availability breaches. Threats & Risks Attack Vectors: PII is stored in app sandboxes, logs, and network transmissions. Attackers may exploit weak storage, insecure communication, or device backups. Weakness: Many apps collect excessive PII, increasing risk. Poor handling makes it easy for attackers to access. Impact: While technical damage is low, business risks are severe—legal violations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.), lawsuits, reputational harm, and financial losses. Prevention Minimize PII collection and retention. Avoid storing/transmitting PII unless necessary. Use encryption, secure storage, and authentication. Prevent logging sensitive data or exposing PII in URLs. Secure backups and ensure controlled data access....

Security Misconfiguration is a significant concern in the OWASP Top 10 list, highlighting vulnerabilities arising from improper software and systems configurations. These misconfigurations can serve as entry points for malicious activities, leading to severe security breaches. What is Security Misconfiguration? Security Misconfiguration occurs when security settings in software applications, servers, databases, or networks are inadequately defined or left at insecure defaults. Such oversights can expose systems to potential attacks, compromising sensitive data and system integrity. Common Examples of Security Misconfiguration- Default Credentials: Leaving default usernames and passwords unchanged, making unauthorized access easier. Verbose Error Messages: Providing detailed system information in error messages that can be exploited by attackers. Unpatched Systems: Failing to apply security patches or updates, leaving known vulnerabilities unaddressed. Overly Permissive Permissions: ...

Insecure Communication in Mobile Applications Threat Agents Mobile applications often exchange data over networks, making them vulnerable to interception if insecure communication methods are used. Threat agents include: Attackers on the same network (e.g., compromised Wi-Fi). Rogue network devices (e.g., malicious routers, proxy servers). Malware on the mobile device. Attack Vectors Many apps rely on SSL/TLS, but flaws like: Deprecated protocols or weak configurations. Accepting invalid SSL certificates. Inconsistent encryption across workflows. Security Weakness & Impact Common & Detectable : Many apps have security inconsistencies. Severe Impact : Can lead to data leaks, account takeovers, and identity theft. Moderate Business Impact : Privacy violations, fraud, and reputational damage. Are You Vulnerable? Any insecure transmission of sensitive data (e.g., passwords, session tokens, encryption keys) is a risk. This applies to data moving via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, SMS, and o...

Insecure Design is a critical security risk highlighted in the OWASP Top 10 list, focusing on vulnerabilities arising from flaws in software architecture and design.These weaknesses can be exploited by malicious actors, leading to significant security breaches. What is Insecure Design? Insecure Design refers to shortcomings in a software system's architecture, design, or logic that can be exploited by attackers. Such flaws often result from inadequate consideration of security during the planning and design phases of software development. Common Examples of Insecure Design:- Lack of Security Policies: Not enforcing security principles, allowing unauthorized access or actions. Inadequate Authentication: Weak or absent mechanisms to verify user identities. Insufficient Access Controls: Users gaining access to data or functions beyond their permissions. Poor Input Validation: Failing to properly check user inputs, leading to potential exploits. How to Prevent Insecure Design:- 1. ...