German institute presents app security test tool for companies at CeBIT 2014

The Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology (SIT) presented Friday an app security testing tool which is simple and straightforward to use for companies at CeBIT 2014. Fraunhofer SIT presented at CeBIT tech fair in Hanover with Appicaptor, a tool for the automated security testing of apps and available as a testing service for Android and iOS apps now. Many apps contain weak spots, of which attackers can take advantage to gain access to passwords or sensitive company related date, said Fraunhofer SIT. So the companies take too many risks, if employees install random apps at company's own devises and smartphones, according Fraunhofer SIT. Companies can now check with the Appicaptor test service, whether an app meets the necessary security requirements, in a way that Appicaptor provides test reports to help IT managers decide which app is allowed for their company. "Appicaptor is aimed primarily at companies that want to test many apps, "says Jens Heider from the Testlab Mobile Security at Fraunhofer SIT, "Companies can use the results instantly without having to install anything." As the apps updated frequently, Appicaptor repeats the test regularly to keep them up to date with current developments, said Fraunhofer SIT. Furthermore, companies can test the vulnerability of self-developed apps or apps from the company's own app stores automatically on a regular basis.