As the demand for mobile applications continues to soar, so does the importance of ensuring their security. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, app developers must stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities and protect user data from malicious attacks. For developers looking to bolster their knowledge in mobile app security, there are numerous courses available that offer valuable insights, tools, and best practices. Here are some of the top mobile security courses that every app developer should consider:
1. OWASP Mobile Security Testing Guide (MSTG)
Provider: OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project)
Overview: OWASP is one of the most trusted names in the world of web and mobile security. Their Mobile Security Testing Guide (MSTG) is a comprehensive resource that covers the essentials of secure mobile development. It provides in-depth knowledge on mobile application security risks, secure coding practices, and security testing methodologies. The MSTG helps developers understand common vulnerabilities, such as insecure data storage, improper session handling, and insecure communication, while also introducing tools and techniques to conduct effective security assessments.
Why Take It?
• Industry-recognized framework
• Covers both Android and iOS security
• Practical guidance for developers and security professionals
Website: OWASP MSTG
2. Android Security Fundamentals
Provider: Google
Overview: Google offers a free course designed specifically for Android app developers to help them understand the security model and best practices in Android application development. The Android Security Fundamentals course covers topics like securing sensitive data, authenticating users, and defending against malware. Developers will also learn how to implement encryption, understand Android-specific vulnerabilities, and effectively use the Android platform’s security features to build secure apps.
Why Take It?
• Directly from Google, the creator of the Android OS
• Covers key Android-specific security features
• Great for both beginners and experienced developers
Website: Android Security Fundamentals
3. iOS Security for Developers
Provider: Coursera (offered by University of California, Irvine)
Overview: This course offers a comprehensive introduction to iOS security, tailored specifically for developers who are building apps for Apple’s ecosystem. The course covers the fundamentals of iOS app security, from using Apple’s built-in security features to coding practices that mitigate common vulnerabilities. Topics include keychain usage, secure data storage, authentication mechanisms like Face ID and Touch ID, and app hardening techniques.
Why Take It?
• Tailored to iOS development
• Taught by experts from a prestigious university
• Provides practical tips on integrating Apple’s security tools
Website: iOS Security for Developers on Coursera
4. Mobile Application Security by SANS
Provider: SANS Institute
Overview: SANS Institute offers a specialized mobile application security course, focusing on identifying vulnerabilities in both Android and iOS apps. This course goes beyond basic security concepts and dives into the techniques attackers use to exploit mobile apps. It teaches developers how to perform mobile app penetration testing and provides hands-on exercises to practice securing apps in real-world scenarios.
Why Take It?
• High-quality, in-depth material
• Focus on mobile penetration testing and vulnerability assessments
• Taught by experienced cybersecurity professionals
Website: SANS Mobile Application Security
5. Mobile Security Essentials
Provider: Pluralsight
Overview: Pluralsight offers a course aimed at developers and security professionals who want to deepen their understanding of mobile app security. The course covers a wide range of topics, including threat modeling, secure coding practices, vulnerability analysis, and mobile app defense mechanisms. It also discusses how to protect mobile apps from common attacks such as man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, reverse engineering, and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Why Take It?
• Available on a well-known platform with a variety of tech courses
• Covers both Android and iOS security essentials
• Clear and easy-to-understand content for all skill levels
Website: Mobile Security Essentials on Pluralsight
6. Mobile App Security by Udemy
Provider: Udemy
Overview: Udemy offers various mobile app security courses, each covering different aspects of mobile app protection. One popular course, Mobile App Security – The Complete Guide, dives into security vulnerabilities in both Android and iOS applications. It provides developers with the tools to prevent, detect, and address common mobile security risks such as insecure data storage, broken cryptography, and insufficient app authentication.
Why Take It?
• Affordable and accessible
• Wide range of topics covered
• Learn at your own pace
Website: Mobile App Security on Udemy
7. Mobile Device Security
Provider: LinkedIn Learning
Overview: LinkedIn Learning offers a range of courses focused on mobile security, with Mobile Device Security being one of the most popular. This course teaches developers how to secure mobile devices, which is a critical aspect of mobile app security. It includes a review of platform-specific security features, managing mobile app permissions, encryption, and protecting app data from theft or unauthorized access.
Why Take It?
• Integrated with LinkedIn for career networking opportunities
• Great for developers who want to secure mobile devices as part of their apps
• Flexible learning with a free trial available
Website: Mobile Device Security on LinkedIn Learning
8. Building Secure Mobile Applications
Provider: edX (offered by Stanford University)
Overview: This course, offered through edX by Stanford University, is designed to help developers build secure mobile applications for both Android and iOS. It covers mobile app architecture, data protection strategies, app communication security, and security testing practices. The course takes a hands-on approach, allowing developers to apply what they’ve learned by building secure apps throughout the program.
Why Take It?
• From a prestigious university
• Includes practical coding examples and projects
• Covers both Android and iOS platforms
Website: Building Secure Mobile Applications on edX
Conclusion
With the ever-growing number of cyber threats targeting mobile applications, understanding mobile security is essential for developers who want to create secure, reliable apps. By taking these top courses, app developers can gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to defend against vulnerabilities and ensure that their apps are safe for users. Whether you’re looking for Android, iOS, or cross-platform security expertise, these courses provide valuable learning paths to enhance your mobile development career and your security skill set.
Ad
Join over 500,000 cybersecurity professionals in our LinkedIn group “Information Security Community”!