Upwardly Mobile – API & App Security News
Upwardly Mobile - API & App Security News
Podcast Description
Dive into the high-stakes world of mobile app development and API security with Upwardly Mobile, your ultimate guide to defending apps in today’s volatile digital landscape. Hosted by Skye Macintyre and George McGregor, and proudly sponsored by Approov, the leaders in mobile app attestation and API security, this podcast unpacks the evolving threats and innovative solutions shaping mobile security.Explore why the built-in protections from tech giants like Apple, Google, and Huawei often fall short, leaving sensitive data vulnerable. Learn how advanced techniques—like runtime attestation and dynamic API security—thwart attackers and secure your app ecosystem. Each episode delivers insights into major data breaches, emerging trends, and actionable strategies to fortify your apps and APIs against ever-advancing cyber threats.From development best practices to navigating compliance and regulation, Upwardly Mobile equips mobile developers, security professionals, and tech enthusiasts with the knowledge to safeguard their creations. Stay informed, stay secure, and stay ahead with expert guidance on the future of mobile cybersecurity.Subscribe now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and elevate your security game!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers topics such as mobile app security, API vulnerabilities, compliance with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR, and the implications of tech giants' app store policies. Example episodes include detailed discussions on the risks of mobile spyware like Pegasus, the impact of China’s app distribution regulations, and effective strategies for securing financial apps against data breaches.
Think the App Store’s built-in security is enough? Think again.
Welcome to Upwardly Mobile, the podcast that exposes the gaps in iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS security. Hosts Skye and George take you into the high-stakes world of mobile defense, revealing why standard protections from Apple, Google, and Samsung often leave your sensitive data exposed. Sponsored by Approov—the gold standard in mobile app attestation—we move beyond the basics to tackle weaponized AI threats and dynamic API attacks. From runtime attestation to navigating complex compliance regulations, we equip developers and security pros with the actionable strategies needed to thwart attackers. Don’t leave your app vulnerable.
Subscribe now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to elevate your security game.
In this episode, we explore the landscape of “privacy-first” smartphones, focusing on the newly unveiled Punkt MC03. We break down whether this Swiss-designed, German-made device can finally offer a viable alternative to the data-harvesting giants of the mobile world. We discuss the trade-offs of leaving the Google ecosystem, the unique “subscription-based” operating system model, and whether the return of the removable battery signals a shift in hardware trends. Key Topics & Timestamps:
- The “De-Googled” Promise: The Punkt MC03 runs AphyOS, a custom version of Android that strips out Google Mobile Services to minimize background tracking and profiling.
- AphyOS & The Subscription Model: Unlike standard Android phones, the MC03 relies on a subscription model (approx. $10/month after the first year) to fund security updates and infrastructure rather than selling user data to ad networks.
- Security Architecture: The device splits the user experience into a secure “Vault” for vetted apps (like Proton and Signal) and a “Wild Web” environment for general Android apps, allowing users to isolate risky applications.
- Hardware Highlights: The phone features a 6.67″ OLED screen, IP68 rating, and a 5,200 mAh removable battery—a design choice driven by upcoming EU regulations regarding repairability.
- Overcoming Past Failures: We discuss how the MC03 improves upon the “difficult-to-recommend” MC02 with a smoother onboarding process, an improved 64MP camera, and the option to install the Play Store for users who can’t go fully cold-turkey.
- The Competition: How the MC03 stacks up against other privacy-focused devices like the Murena Fairphone and other non-GMS ROMs like GrapheneOS.
Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Approov. Protect your mobile APIs from scripts, bots, and modified apps. Ensure that the requests you receive are from the genuine mobile app you released.
- Visit approov.com to learn more about comprehensive mobile app security.
Relevant Links & Source Materials:
- ZDNET Review: Want real phone privacy? This $700 handset promises it – Coverage of the US launch, pricing, and removable battery features.
- Android Police Coverage: Can you de-Google without the headache? – An in-depth look at the onboarding improvements and specs.
- Punkt Official Site: The MC03 Product Page – Direct specs and philosophy from the manufacturer.
- Murena / /e/OS: The Murena Fairphone Review – Context on the competitor mentioned in the episode.
Keywords: Punkt MC03, AphyOS, Non-GMS, De-Google, Mobile Privacy, Data Sovereignty, Removable Battery, Android Security, Fairphone, Murena, Apostrophy OS, Mobile Security.
Disclaimer: Information regarding pricing ($699 device / $10 monthly sub) and release dates (Spring 2026 for US) is based on reports from ZDNET and Android Police coverage of CES 2026.
🎙️ Upwardly Mobile is hosted by Skye Macintyre & George McGregor. 🛡️ Sponsored by Approov: The only comprehensive solution for mobile app and API security. 👉 Subscribe & Review:Upwardly Mobile | Podcast
This episode includes AI-generated content.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.