New research reveals that mobile app security gaps are far more widespread than many organizations believe while 93% of firms think their apps are secure and 97% report having updated security policies, 62% still experienced security breaches in the past year, with an average of nine incidents per organization.

Common Threats and Where Things Go Wrong

The survey shows that malware attacks struck 52% of companies, data breaches occurred in 45%, unauthorized access in 37%, and credential theft likewise in 37%. A leading cause? The push for faster time-to-market: 74% of developer teams said they face pressure to accelerate releases, and 71% admit security often suffers as a result.

Gaps Persist Despite Some Protective Measures

While many organizations have started implementing defensive steps 69% use data encryption, 63% conduct application testing, and 59% employ threat‐monitoring more advanced protections are still lagging. Nearly 70% do not use code obfuscation, and 60% lack Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP). Shockingly, 39% depend on DIY or OS-level security features alone.

The Human and Business Impact

When breaches hit, the damage goes beyond tech: over half of affected firms reported operational downtime, 48% suffered data leaks, and 41% saw erosion in customer trust. What’s more, 85% of organizations said they only upgrade security after an incident instead of proactively. a reactive mindset that experts warn is risky.

Expert Takes & What Can Be Done

Roel Caers, CEO of Guardsquare, warns that viewing security as a barrier is a costly mistake: “The trade-off between speed and security is a false choice. Organizations need a proactive approach where security supports, not hinders, innovation.” 

Melinda Marks, from the Enterprise Strategy Group, emphasizes urgency: “Attackers exploit mobile app vulnerabilities. Security teams must adopt proactive measures with the right tools to stay ahead of evolving threats.”

Steps to Strengthen Mobile App Security

• Embed security early in the development lifecycle, not after products are built.

• Adopt advanced protections like RASP and code obfuscation.

• Regularly test and monitor apps for vulnerabilities.

• Boost security training and awareness among dev teams, especially with pressure to deliver fast.

• Shift from reactive to proactive security investments prevention, not just response.

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