Whether you need to develop a cybersecurity app for an existing business or are planning to market and sell it, an MVP development agency can help you create it.
Paradoxically, the most sophisticated pieces of technology are often more vulnerable to cyberattacks. The technology must be updated, lest it is not efficient enough to perform its duties. Even the floppy disks controlling the US nuclear missiles are now being replaced, despite reservations of many senior officials. As Lt. Col. Jason Rossi pointed out “you can’t hack something that doesn’t have an IP address”.
Cybersecurity is a pressing issue not only for governments but for myriads of large and small business owners. The devices contain confidential client information and various trade secrets, which must be protected.
Types of cyberattacks
Generally speaking, there are three main types of cyberattacks that everyone should be aware of.
Denial of Service Attacks
Have you completed challenges before entering the site to prove that you are a human? For instance, these could be strings of out-of-focus wavy numbers and letters that you should recognize. This is CAPTCHA, one of the ways website and application creators try to prevent the DoS (Denial of Service) attacks. When performing a DoS attack, criminals flood a network with fake traffic to the point when it cannot sustain it. As a result, legitimate users cannot access the service.
Malware
Malware is code written with malicious intent. CISA encourages organizations to remain vigilant and prepare for the possibility of a malware attack. Malware is a generalized term referring to any code that can disturb access to information, steal it, or make it impossible to use a device.
- Ransomware targets the drives and upon identifying them, starts the encryption process. When the files are encrypted, the program displays the instructions demanding a ransom for access to these files. The FBI doesn’t recommend paying the ransom. Various institutions, including hospitals, small and large businesses, schools, government agencies, and even law enforcement have been subject to ransomware. Antivirus and anti-malware software can help prevent the problem.
- Spyware is designed to be undetectable. You might already have it on your computer or smartphone, without even realizing it. It might be running in the background, doing its dirty business. Spyware collects users’ personal information, including passwords, names, credit card numbers, social security numbers, and anything else that may be of interest to ill-minded individuals. It often results in identity theft. There are several types of spyware, namely adware, tracking cookies, trojans, keyloggers, stalkerware (typically installed on a phone), and stealware.
Spoofing and Phishing
FBI’s “Common scams and crimes” blog section provides useful information about these types of cyberattacks. Spoofing is the process of disguising an email address, a phone number, a website URL, or a sender name. It is a technique often used by criminals during phishing. Phishing occurs when a criminal is trying to convince a person that they are interacting with a trusted source in order to steal their personal information.
Types of cybersecurity solutions
The functions of your MVP will depend on what type of solutions it is going to provide. The most common security solutions are antivirus programs, firewalls, and encryption programs.
Antivirus programs
Antivirus programs are software used to protect devices against malware. An antivirus must incorporate the following features.
Virus detection and removal
A good antivirus should incorporate a database with as many types of malware as possible. Regular updates, in this case, are also necessary to stay relevant.
Downloads scanning
One of the most common ways of getting malware is by downloading an infected file. Therefore, scanning downloads is an important preventive measure.
User-friendly interface
Antivirus apps should be perceived by users as their trusted friends. If your target audience is an average Android/iOS user, without any specific knowledge of cybersecurity, it is better to avoid confusing terminology and layout. Otherwise, an app might be perceived as intimidating and even alienating.
Firewalls
A firewall might be incorporated into an antivirus or used as a separate application. The main difference between firewalls and antiviruses is that the former protects users against external threats, while the latter from internal ones. Antiviruses scan files that are on the computer; firewalls scan and filter the incoming internet traffic. There are several functions that a firewall should perform to protect the user.
Packet filters
Packet filters are also called screening routers. Firewalls monitor incoming packets, analyze IP addresses, protocols, and ports of the source. Then they decide whether to allow them to pass or not.
Application gateway
An application gateway is also referred to as an application-level proxy. It acts as an intermediary between the user and their destination. This technique is quite secure, but it affects speed as twice the amount of connections must be made.
Circuit-level gateway
A circuit-level gateway is a virtual circuit between the user and the proxy server. It provides TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) connection security.
Encryption software
Encryption applications differ in their goals. From apps encrypting passwords, to those encrypting messages, there is no shortage of use cases for such software. Either type makes user data more secure. Encryption apps use ciphers to obscure the content. You can encrypt data in transit (like messages) or data at rest (files on your phone).
Cybersecurity MVPs vary in their types and functionality. Formulating comprehensive business and marketing strategies first might be helpful. This will deepen your understanding of what functions are essential for your app to attract the attention of your target audience.