Ordering a take away through a food delivery app risks a potential trade of convenience for increased security risks. Through mobile app security testing and improvement, these risks can be countered.

In November, a number of Deliveroo accounts were compromised when hackers started ordering food paid for by other customers. A spokesperson for Deliveroo, said the company refunded all fraudulent costs to their customers and helped to secure their accounts. He also added that the passwords of all those accounts were stolen from some other companies, and and cross referenced to to Deliveroo accounts to place the fraudulent orders.

Other food delivery apps are also concerned about the security of their apps. Foodpanda has set up a mobile app security testing program that will help them to protect their app from hacking. UberEats claims to ensure the app’s security as well as that of its customers through adhering to regulation and rigorous mobile app security testing.

According to the UK Manager of Trend Micro, David Siah, many mobile apps, especiallyones that are free to download, collect user data such as contacts and location, to sell on to advertising companies. Third-party advertisers are not to be trusted to protect user information.

As ecommerce has integrated with consumer mobile apps, companies need to invest in mobile app security testing and encrypt user data to protect their mobile first strategy.

How to secure online accounts:

• Use a different password for each account
• Check the permission and data requests when you download a mobile app
• Use public app stores, avoid third party downloads
• Install mobile device security apps
• Enable transaction notifications for your bank accounts

Codified Security is here to help make your mobile app secure whether it’s for iOS, Android, or to make sure you’re clearing the OWASP Mobile Top 10. For mobile app security testing try out Codified Security.