Today's consumers use a number of cloud applications each day, many without even realizing it. As cloud computing becomes more effective and easy to use, application developers will likely leverage this technology more frequently.
In the development process – and after an app has gone to the marketplace – developers rely on SMS verification to maintain the integrity of their user base. After all, no one wants to manage an app solely populated by bots.
While there are other methods of verifying users, an SMS token is more elegant, simple and cost-effective. Plus, the newest release of the Android OS will make it easier for app developers to use SMS authentication.
Android O's New SMS Feature
The latest version of Android, simply code-named "O," will make life a little easier for app developers to use SMS authentication tokens.
One of the biggest hurdles developers face is the dreaded "permission." When a user installs an app, he or she is typically asked to agree to any number of phone permissions. Sometimes, a developer using SMS authentication will ask users to grant the app permission to read the phone's SMS history. In doing so, users won't have to type in their verification code, but they're also potentially giving up some of their privacy.
Apptimize reported that asking for too many permissions, or poorly explaining the need for permissions, often leads to low retention rates. A low user retention rate could seriously damage a developer's business. That's what makes this small addition to Android O so interesting.
According to XDA Developers, Android O will contain a new API that can tell the phone an app is expecting to receive an SMS message soon. The phone then automatically grants a limited permission to read only that expected message. That's one fewer permission a user must agree to, which could potentially benefit app reviews in the marketplace.
Enhancing Cloud Application Security
The cloud is not inherently secure. With so many incoming and outgoing connections, there are many of opportunities for malicious infiltration. Developers may be especially open to this risk during testing periods when a widespread group of users makes connections to the developing app.
"SMS tokens can keep bots out of your app."
At that stage, a preliminary security audit can spot breaches in the defense – but even then, some form of gatekeeping is necessary to prevent unwanted bots from accessing the cloud. SMS tokens can ensure that everyone who accesses the cloud capabilities of the app is indeed a human being.
Today, this level of security is more important than ever. Cloud IT security firm SkyHigh reported that the average enterprise uses 1,427 distinct cloud services and each employee uses an average of 36 cloud services each day. From productivity software to communications platforms, the modern office relies on the cloud to function efficiently. This environment is great for cloud developers – so long as they understand how to keep their systems secure.
Making Room for Innovative Ideas
The mobile industry has made impressive strides over the past decade, and as its future is in the cloud. Cloud app developers need an SMS authentication solution because it gives them the freedom to innovate.
When security concerns are properly managed, development teams can explore, innovate and disrupt current trends.
To learn more about how your development team can optimize its SMS authentication method, contact the team of experts at Swift SMS Gateway today!
