HTML5, along with CSS3 and JavaScript, enables developers to create a single mobile app that looks good and runs seamlessly across many devices, operating systems and browsers. Also, the single code base makes it easier for developers to maintain and update the HTML5 applications without putting extra time and effort. But the developers have to overcome various shortcomings of HTML5 to make the cross-platform mobile apps popular in the longer run. At the same time, they also need to explore ways to keep the HTML5 mobile app safe and secure by overcoming the common security issues.

5 Simple Ways to Enhance Security of HTML5 Mobile Apps

1) Use the Basic Security Model of HTML5
The developers can always keep the mobile application secure by leveraging the basic security model provided by HTML5. Unlike native mobile apps, an HTML5 app resides inside the secure shell of the browser sandbox. Thus, the app code remains separated from the mobile device. Also, the interaction between the application code and device is limited. The users can run HTML5 apps securely on their mobile browser without affecting the device and other apps. At the same time, the application logic of the HTML5 mobile app remains on the server, and does not rely on the client. Hence, it becomes easier to keep the application code and logic by focusing on the structure of the application. They must minimize data caching and clear all cache data, along with implementing passwords, tokens and security profiles.

2) Review the App Code and APIs thoroughly
Often minor flaws in the app code make it easier for cyber criminals to send and execute malicious code through Bluetooth, WI-Fi or text messages. The malicious code enables hackers to take control of the mobile device, access sensitive user information, and perform undesired tasks. The developers can easily eliminate the security vulnerability by picking and using right APIs. Hence, they must check all APIs used by the HTML5 mobile app in detail. Also, they need to assess the app code, images, music files and other resources that can be used by cyber criminals to inject malicious code into the applications.

3) Optimize Security of Local Data
Nowadays, users store a wide range of personal and business data on their mobile devices. So the developers need to ensure that the HTML5 app is not affecting the data and files stored on the user’s mobile device adversely. They must use a robust cross-platform mobile app development tool to encapsulate both data models and object models residing within business objects. The encapsulated models will handle the local data in a more secure way, and prevent common security threats like SQL injection. The encapsulation of business data will further provide a stronger firewall for the information stored on the mobile device.

4) Use Secure Browsers
While developing an enterprise mobile application, the developers must recommend the client to implement a robust mobile device management (MDM) strategy. As part of the MDM strategy, the businesses must ask employees to access the HTML5 enterprise mobile app only on secure browsers. The secure browser will allow employees to access only enterprise-approved URLs. Also, the secure browsers can be seamlessly integrated with the virtual private network (VPN) of the enterprise. Also, the secure browser will make the HTML5 app interact with underlying devices, operating systems and networks in a more secure way.

5) Integrate MDM Solutions
The developers also have option to make the HTML5 mobile apps using a number of mobile device management solutions. These solutions allow programmers to implement enterprise access control policies and security standards effectively. They can restrict access to the HTML5 app by implementing passwords and authentication, and using advanced encryption mechanisms. However, the developers must remember that the MDM solutions are designed specifically by keeping the native mobile apps in mind. So they must choose the right MDM solution, and include features in the application to meet the enterprise’s security standards and access policy.

One of my previous post i have shared Mobile web performance optimization in HTML5, it helps to understand web testing performance and It is also important for the mobile app developers to perform elaborate security and penetration testing of the HTML5 mobile apps. They must perform a variety of tests to identify and eliminate the security vulnerabilities in the cross-platform mobile applications. However, the security testing must be performed by combining various mobile devices, operating systems and browsers.