The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
This is a pre-release checklist for developers and bank teams configuring a mobile banking app—not a guide to personal preferences inside an app. The five items below group practical OWASP mobile security controls and NIST vetting guidance; they are not an official five-setting standard. Some protections must be enforced by the bank’s backend, not just by the app.
1. Set authentication and reauthentication for sensitive actions
Use secure authentication and authorization flows, and require an additional authentication check before sensitive actions such as changing account security or payment details. The app should handle authentication securely, but the remote service must independently authorize requests. A biometric or PIN prompt displayed locally does not, by itself, authorize a banking transaction.
OWASP treats secure protocols, local authentication, and additional authentication for sensitive operations as distinct controls. Build those checks into the relevant user flows rather than treating a successful app unlock as permission for every action. OWASP MASVS-AUTH
2. Configure session expiry and token handling
Set sessions to expire after inactivity, handle expired tokens cleanly, and store authentication tokens in platform-appropriate secure storage. Support token revocation or remote logout where the service design allows it. Do not store account passwords on the device.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Choose an inactivity period based on the product’s risk assessment and requirements; the cited guidance does not prescribe a universal number of minutes. Token expiry and revocation also need service-side support, so an app-only timer should not be treated as a substitute for backend session controls. OWASP Mobile Application Security Cheat Sheet
3. Keep sensitive details out of notifications
Default push notifications to generic event messages. Do not put balances, transaction details, one-time codes, or other sensitive values in notification titles or bodies. Let users authenticate in the app before viewing account-specific details, and use the relevant iOS or Android mechanisms to redact lock-screen content.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Lock-screen alerts may be visible to anyone holding the device, and on platforms that allow notification access, other apps may also be able to access notification content. Check the behavior against every operating-system version the app supports. OWASP MASWE-0037
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
4. Minimize permissions, data collection, and SDK access
Request only device resources and data the app needs to provide its banking functions. Explain why access is needed and obtain informed consent. Avoid blanket permission prompts and unnecessary collection of location, contacts, or other personal data.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Review third-party SDKs and their data flows before release. Verify that they do not collect data before consent or disregard consent signals. OWASP’s privacy control states: “The app minimizes access to sensitive data and resources.” OWASP MASVS-PRIVACY-1
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Protect stored data and network traffic, then verify the release
Use platform-appropriate protections for sensitive local data and tokens, and HTTPS for network communication. Check for unintended exposure through logs, caches, and background-app snapshots. Review platform-specific behavior on the operating-system versions the app supports.
Rank #4
- HARDWARE 2FA AND MFA: FIDO Alliance Certified FIDO2 v2.1 with CTAP2 plus legacy U2F and CTAP1 for strong two-factor login and passwordless sign-in on services that support security keys
- BUILDING ACCESS ON ONE CARD: MIFARE DESFire EV2 4K applet with AES encryption adds office door and physical access control alongside digital authentication
- CERTIFIED SECURE ELEMENT: An NXP Common Criteria EAL6+ certified secure controller and Java Card platform protects your keys on a tamper-resistant chip
- DUAL INTERFACE SMART CARD: Contactless NFC ISO 14443 plus ISO 7816 contact reader support in an ISO 7810 ID-1 format that is passive and needs no battery
- SWISS ENGINEERED DESIGN: Built by Cryptnox as a single card for authentication and access control and backed by a 2 year warranty
Turn these requirements into documented tests and release checks, and have security staff validate the results. OWASP MASVS groups mobile controls across storage, cryptography, authentication, network, platform, code, resilience, and privacy; it is a broader framework than this five-part checklist. OWASP MASVS
NIST SP 800-163 Rev. 1 describes an organizational process for vetting mobile applications against security requirements and assessing vulnerabilities and defects. Published April 19, 2019, it can inform a review process, but this checklist alone does not establish regulatory compliance or prove that an app is secure. NIST SP 800-163 Rev. 1
Quick Recap
Pre-launch release checks
- Confirm sensitive actions require suitable authentication and backend authorization.
- Test inactivity expiry, token expiration, and revocation behavior.
- Inspect notification content on lock screens and supported platform versions.
- Review permissions, consent handling, SDK collection, and data flows.
- Test storage, network protection, logs, caches, and background snapshots; record findings and security sign-off.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
