BTerrell Group Blog

by Concur

This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series Super Powers of The Cloud. Previous entries can be found here.

Mobile app security is a concern for most app users, especially with the seemingly daily news stories of data breaches striking large companies. And it’s not just large companies being affected. For every security breach story that breaks, many more go untold. Symantec reports that companies with fewer than 250 employees were the focus of 31 percent of all cyber attacks in 2012, up sharply from 18 percent in 2011. 

It’s understandable for app users to feel unsure about the security of mobile apps, especially if these mobile apps require them to input sensitive information. And let’s face it; no one wants to feel vulnerable.

Like superheroes need capes and armor, app developers and app users need to know their environment is secure before they can wholeheartedly focus on doing superhuman work. Security is the platform upon which all productivity and collaborative benefits of apps can spring forward. Without security, all the perceived benefits of mobile apps can quickly become a mirage.

For example, Starbucks recently promised to tighten security on its IOS app because of a multitude of mobile app breaches. Because the app contained security flaws – including a lack of encryption, no password protection, and a clear-text data file that is easily exposed – the convenience benefits can be easily offset by security concerns, rendering the app useless for many users.   

Concur’s investment in security

Perhaps a more concerning trend than the amount of apps being hacked is the amount of companies who don’t seem to care about security.

This certainly is not the case at Concur, where mobile app security is a top priority. The Concur Trust Platform with PCI Compliance, ISO and SSAE 16 certifications are combined with data encryption and remote wipe capabilities, ensuring a secure solution for all users. And for those who argue that traditional, paper-based expense tracking is more secure, how is carrying around a stack of receipts and paperwork more secure than a locked, password-protected phone?

Concur’s mobile app security does not allow sensitive credit card data to be stored on the mobile device when transactions are conducted. What this means is that the most sensitive client information (e.g. credit card info) is housed only in Concur’s secure data center, not on the mobile device. Whether clients use Concur’s web-based service or mobile app, they can rest assured their information is safe.

If you’re considering mobile app usage to increase capabilities, productivity and employee satisfaction at your business – but are concerned about mobile app security implications – rest assured that Concur’s top priority has been, and will continue to be, the security of our users.

Expenses affect every part of your company. Learn why more organizations are leveraging Concur’s automated expense tracking solutions to not only address mobile app security, but financial security as a whole. Don’t wait, fix it.