Low-code platforms make app development faster and easier, but they come with serious data privacy risks. Here’s what you need to know:
- Security Limitations: Many low-code tools restrict custom security features, making apps vulnerable to breaches.
- Third-Party Dependencies: Relying on external integrations increases the risk of data leaks.
- Inexperienced Developers: "Citizen developers" often lack the training needed to implement strong security measures.
- Past Breaches: Misconfigurations in low-code platforms have exposed millions of sensitive records, like healthcare and financial data.
- Compliance Challenges: Meeting regulations like GDPR and HIPAA is harder with low-code due to limited flexibility.
Quick Comparison: Low-Code vs. Native Apps
| Feature | Low-Code Platforms | Native Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Security Control | Limited, predefined options | Full customization |
| Data Storage | Shared infrastructure | Secure, platform-specific |
| Compliance | Template-based | Tailored to regulations |
| Developer Skills | Often inexperienced | Professional expertise |
| Speed of Development | Faster | Slower, but more secure |
For industries handling sensitive data, like healthcare or finance, native apps often provide better security and compliance options. While low-code platforms are faster, they can lead to costly breaches if security isn’t prioritized.
Key Privacy Vulnerabilities in Low-Code Apps
Security Protocol Limitations
Low-code platforms often limit the ability to implement detailed, custom security measures, leaving apps more vulnerable to breaches. The abstraction layer that simplifies these platforms also restricts users from tailoring security protocols to their specific needs. This lack of flexibility can make applications more susceptible to attacks.
For example, healthcare organizations frequently require encryption protocols that meet HIPAA standards. However, many low-code platforms only provide predefined security options, forcing organizations to adjust their needs to fit the platform rather than the other way around.
The OWASP Top 10 Low-Code/No-Code security risks highlight how such limitations can lead to issues like authentication failures and misconfigured security settings. These challenges become even more concerning when sensitive data is involved, as external platform dependencies can introduce additional risks.
Reliance on Third-Party Platforms
Low-code apps often depend on third-party platforms, which can introduce vulnerabilities. Each integration with an external service or technology creates a potential entry point for attackers.
A well-known example is the 2013 Target data breach. Attackers exploited weak integration security between a vendor’s system and Target’s network, exposing credit and debit card details of over 40 million customers, as well as personal data for 70 million individuals. Such risks underscore the importance of securing every integration point in low-code environments.
Factors Increasing Data Breach Risks
Several key factors heighten the risk of data breaches in low-code applications:
| Risk Factor | Impact | Mitigation Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Inexperienced Developers | Poor security practices leading to weak configurations | Providing adequate security training for citizen developers |
| OData Injection Threats | Sensitive data exposure through unchecked inputs | Difficulty in implementing custom validation rules |
| Shadow IT Development | Apps built without proper oversight | Lack of centralized control over app development |
Inexperienced developers, often referred to as "citizen developers", may lack formal security training, leading to vulnerabilities like unchecked external inputs. This, combined with the absence of formal bug tracking, creates additional security gaps.
Additionally, while 98% of organizations rely on open-source software, many low-code platforms fail to offer visibility into their underlying components. This lack of transparency makes it harder to identify and fix potential weaknesses in the platform’s core.
Data Privacy Breach Examples
Low-Code Data Breach Analysis
In 2021, UpGuard identified a major issue with Microsoft Power Apps portals, where OData APIs were mistakenly set to allow public access by default. This misstep exposed 38 million records across 47 organizations, showing how a single platform misconfiguration can lead to widespread problems.
Here are some notable cases:
- J.B. Hunt Transportation: Over 905,000 records were exposed, including 253,288 Social Security Numbers and 51,028 drug screening test records with dates and locations.
- American Airlines: Nearly 400,000 records in the "contacts" collection and 470,000 records in the "test" collection were compromised. Details included full names, job titles, phone numbers, and email addresses.
- State of Indiana: Sensitive COVID-19 case data affecting 749,618 individuals was exposed. This included 339,260 records with full names, county information, and dates of birth.
These incidents highlight not only the technical flaws but also the financial and operational challenges that follow. Beyond the immediate data exposure, organizations face steep costs and disruptions.
Cost of Privacy Failures
The types of data exposed in breaches like these can have far-reaching effects:
| Data Type | Impact Scale | Industries Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Records | 280,410+ records | State Health Departments |
| Employee Data | 78,865+ records | Transportation, Government |
| COVID-19 Information | 632,171+ records | Healthcare, Public Sector |
| Personal Identifiers | 253,288+ SSNs | Transportation Industry |
For example, the Denton County, Texas breach exposed 632,171 vaccination appointment records. This included appointment details, employee IDs, and personal identifiers.
"Recognise security in software as a problem before it becomes an emergency" – Ben "The Hosk" Hosking
Organizations not only face immediate financial losses but also endure long-term impacts like regulatory scrutiny, reputation damage, and legal action from those affected.
Security Risks with Low-Code and No-Code Application …
sbb-itb-7af2948
Native Apps: A More Secure Option
Native applications stand out by offering customizable security measures that address the risks commonly associated with low-code apps.
Native App Security Features
Native mobile apps provide advanced security options tailored to protect sensitive data. By utilizing platform-specific tools like iOS Keychain Services and Android Keystore, developers can implement high-level security measures that surpass basic encryption.
Developing with languages like Swift or Kotlin gives developers full control over security, enabling features such as:
- SSL Certificate Pinning: Protects against man-in-the-middle attacks by embedding trusted certificates.
- Custom Authentication: Supports biometric authentication and role-based access control.
- Secure Storage Options: Leverages platform-specific secure storage for sensitive data.
- Code Obfuscation: Makes reverse engineering significantly more difficult for attackers.
These capabilities provide a stark contrast to the limited options available in low-code environments.
Security Feature Comparison
The table below highlights the differences in security capabilities between native apps and low-code platforms:
| Security Aspect | Native Apps | Low-Code Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Security Control | Full control over implementation | Limited by platform capabilities |
| Authentication | Custom mechanisms possible | Pre-built solutions only |
| Data Storage | Platform-specific secure storage | Shared storage infrastructure |
| Update Management | Direct security patches | Dependent on platform updates |
| Compliance Implementation | Custom compliance features | Template-based compliance |
Secure Native App Examples
In sectors like healthcare, where data privacy is critical, native apps shine. With a 75% rise in healthcare data breaches in 2024, robust security measures are non-negotiable. Native app development supports:
- End-to-end encryption for patient data.
- Role-based access control for medical personnel.
- Secure local storage for offline access.
Best Practices for Native App Security
To maximize the security of native apps, developers should follow these key practices:
-
Access Control Implementation
Use strict authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication and biometric verification, and regularly validate user permissions. -
Data Protection Measures
Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest using platform-specific APIs and secure key storage solutions. -
Regular Security Updates
Consistently patch vulnerabilities. For example, over 40% of Android users still operate on versions below 7.0, which lack system-wide file-based encryption.
Data Privacy Protection Steps
Recent breaches highlight the urgent need for strong security measures.
Security Assessment Guide
Before starting any app development project, it’s essential to evaluate security risks thoroughly:
-
Initial Risk Analysis
Identify data types and map out data flows to find potential weak points. As DPO Nico van Rooyen explains, "App security continues to be a top priority for businesses of all sizes. With hackers finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in your app, merely having app security measures in place isn’t enough". -
Compliance Verification
Review regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA to ensure your app meets legal standards. Failing to comply can be costly – Advocate Health Care Network paid a $5.5 million penalty after exposing 4 million healthcare records. -
Technical Infrastructure Review
Assess server setups, third-party integrations, and authentication systems. Research shows 90% of vulnerabilities stem from application code.
For low-code platforms, which often have inherent security constraints, targeted updates can address specific weaknesses.
Low-Code Security Improvements
To strengthen low-code platforms, consider these measures:
| Security Measure | Implementation Method | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Data Encryption | Use platform-supported encryption for data at rest and in transit | Reduces the risk of unauthorized access |
| Access Controls | Enforce role-based access and multi-factor authentication (MFA) | Minimizes internal threat exposure |
| API Security | Ensure all external connections use proper authentication | Blocks unauthorized API access |
| Monitoring | Deploy continuous security monitoring tools | Speeds up threat detection |
While these steps reduce risks, they don’t eliminate them entirely. In high-risk situations, low-code platforms may not be enough.
Native Development Decision Points
When low-code platforms fall short, native development is often the better choice for high-risk data scenarios:
-
Healthcare Data Processing
Native development offers better security for Protected Health Information (PHI). For example, the Feinstein Institute faced a $3.9 million fine after exposing data from 13,000 research participants. -
Financial Transactions
Apps handling financial data demand advanced security measures. Native development allows for custom encryption and secure storage solutions. -
Research Data Management
Sensitive research data benefits from native development, which supports advanced techniques like differential privacy.
"Regulatory pressure is very, very real right now", says Rob Navarro in an interview with Tonic CTO Andrew Colombi.
It takes an average of 204 days to detect and contain a security breach. Regular security assessments – conducted annually and after major updates – are critical for maintaining strong data protection standards.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right App Development Approach
Industry-Specific Guidelines
Healthcare organizations need to prioritize app development methods that address data sensitivity and comply with strict regulations. Low-code apps, while convenient, often fall short in security, making them a risky choice for industries like healthcare. Cyberattacks on healthcare systems are on the rise, with ransomware incidents doubling annually. Past breaches highlight the severe consequences of inadequate security for sensitive data.
| Industry | Requirements | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Research | Data encryption, secure storage | Breaches of participant privacy, loss of grant compliance |
| Finance | Transaction security, audit trails | Financial fraud, identity theft |
For example, in 2025, HIPAA violations cost covered entities $137 million in penalties. These challenges make it clear: industries handling sensitive information need expert advice to establish strong security protocols.
Working with Security Experts
Shifting from low-code to native app development often requires collaboration with security specialists to protect critical data. These experts focus on measures like end-to-end encryption, role-based access controls, secure API setups, and regular security audits. Striking the right balance between fast development and rigorous security is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information.
Between 2009 and 2020, over 2,500 major healthcare data breaches impacted more than 385 million medical records. Security professionals help mitigate such risks by implementing features like secure logout processes and Information Access Management (IAM) systems, while ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations. For healthcare and research organizations, the decision between low-code and native development hinges on their risk tolerance and the sensitivity of their data. Weighing the need for quick deployment against the potential costs of a breach – both financial and reputational – is essential.
