Understanding an organization's mobile application landscape is critical for robust security and risk management. This landscape encompasses not only the apps the organization develops but also third-party applications and those used within the supply chain. This article explores the importance of discovering and analyzing "Related Mobile Apps" and how ThreatNG's solution simplifies this process.

Why it Matters

Every mobile app represents a potential vulnerability. Shadow IT, or unauthorized app usage, can introduce unapproved connections and data flows. Third-party apps may have security flaws unknown to the organization. Supply chain vulnerabilities can expose sensitive information through interconnected apps. Organizations can proactively identify and mitigate risks by uncovering this interconnected mobile app ecosystem.

Who Benefits?

This analysis benefits multiple stakeholders. Security teams can identify and prioritize vulnerabilities. Business leaders gain insights into potential disruptions caused by third-party app issues. IT teams can optimize mobile app deployment and usage within the organization.

The Investigators: Data Collection and Analysis

Security analysts or dedicated data security specialists are typically responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on related mobile app data. Their technical proficiency allows them to utilize data collection tools and threat intelligence feeds. Additionally, business acumen is crucial to interpreting and translating the findings into actionable insights for different teams.

Access and Technology

Collecting app data requires access to various resources. Public app stores provide basic information, but deeper analysis may necessitate specialized tools and threat intelligence platforms. These solutions leverage automation and advanced analytics to streamline the process.

Manual Discovery: A Laborious Task

Discovering and analyzing related mobile apps manually can be incredibly time-consuming. It involves scouring app stores, manually searching for connections, and individually assessing each app's security posture. This approach is prone to human error and leaves a significant vulnerability window.

ThreatNG's Advantage: Automated Mobile App Discovery

ThreatNG's "Mobile App Discovery" capability, integrated within its EASM and DRP solution, automates this process. It leverages advanced techniques to discover related mobile apps across the organization, its third parties, and the supply chain. This provides a distinct advantage by:

• Efficiency: ThreatNG automates discovery and analysis, saving significant time and resources.

• Comprehensiveness: It goes beyond traditional app stores, uncovering a more comprehensive range of connected apps.

• Actionable Insights: ThreatNG prioritizes risk-based vulnerabilities, allowing for focused mitigation efforts.

Why Unveiling Hidden Apps is Crucial for EASM, DRP, and Security Ratings

Imagine your organization as a well-guarded castle. But what if secret passages are unknown to you, allowing attackers easy access? This is the hidden danger of "shadow IT," unauthorized mobile apps used by employees, or lurking within your supply chain. ThreatNG's "Mobile App Discovery" capability acts as a castle-wide scanner, revealing these hidden passageways.

Here's why this capability is essential for any EASM, DRP, and Security Ratings effort:

• External Attack Surface Management (EASM): EASM focuses on identifying and managing vulnerabilities outside the traditional network perimeter. Mobile apps, especially those unknown to IT, create a vast external attack surface. Discovering these apps allows EASM to assess and mitigate risks effectively.

• Digital Risk Protection (DRP): DRP proactively safeguards your organization's reputation. Unsecure mobile apps used by third parties or within the supply chain can expose sensitive data and damage your brand. Mobile app discovery empowers DRP to identify and address these risks before they become a PR nightmare.

• Security Ratings: Accurate security ratings require a complete picture of your organization's security posture. Hidden mobile apps skew this picture, leading to potentially misleading ratings. By uncovering all connected apps, ThreatNG ensures a more accurate assessment and helps improve your overall security posture.

Mobile app discovery is the foundation for a strong EASM, DRP, and Security Ratings strategy. With it, you're building on a solid base, leaving your organization vulnerable to unseen threats. ThreatNG's capability fills this critical gap, providing a comprehensive view of your mobile app ecosystem and empowering you to manage risk proactively.

Complementary Solutions: A Security Symphony

The Mobile App Discovery capability within ThreatNG's Sensitive Code Exposure Investigation Module complements other security and risk management solutions by offering a specialized focus on identifying vulnerabilities within mobile applications, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the organization's cybersecurity strategy. For instance, when integrated with vulnerability scanners, it can uncover vulnerabilities specific to mobile apps that traditional scanning tools might overlook, ensuring a more comprehensive security posture. Similarly, when combined with threat intelligence platforms, it provides insights into potential threats targeting mobile applications, enabling proactive threat mitigation measures. This collaboration benefits stakeholders across IT, cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance departments, empowering them to mitigate risks effectively and safeguard the organization's digital assets.

Benefits and Desired Outcomes

Organizations gain a multitude of benefits from ThreatNG's mobile app discovery capability. These include:

• Reduced Risk of Breaches: Early identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities within the mobile app ecosystem.

• Improved Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrating a proactive approach to mobile app security.

• Enhanced Third-Party Risk Management: Mitigating risks associated with third-party applications.

• Streamlined Security Operations: Automation saves time and resources, allowing teams to focus on strategic initiatives.

Ultimately, ThreatNG empowers various stakeholders within the organization:

• Security teams: With faster and more comprehensive threat detection.

• Business leaders: By improving overall security posture and reducing reputational risk.

• IT teams: Through optimized mobile app deployment and usage.

Answering Key Questions

ThreatNG's mobile app discovery capability addresses critical questions across technical, strategic, operational, and financial domains. Here are some examples:

• Technical: Are there any insecure or outdated mobile apps being used?

• Strategic: How can we ensure third-party app integrations don't compromise security?

• Operational: How can we streamline the management of mobile apps across the organization?

• Financial: What are the potential economic implications of a mobile app-related security breach?

By answering these questions, ThreatNG empowers organizations to make informed decisions about their mobile app security posture, ultimately leading to a more resilient and secure environment.

To explore and experience the transformative power of our Mobile App Discovery capability within the ThreatNG platform, we invite you to visit threatngsecurity.com/overview. In today's digital landscape, understanding your organization's mobile application ecosystem is paramount for effective security and risk management. By uncovering the interconnected web of "Related Mobile Apps," ThreatNG equips you with the insights to mitigate risks and safeguard your digital assets proactively. Whether you're a security professional, a business leader, or part of the IT team, our solution offers tangible benefits, from reduced breach risk to streamlined security operations. Embrace the future of cybersecurity with ThreatNG and unlock a world of possibilities.