What is code obfuscation?

At its core, obfuscation describes the act of obscuring or making something harder to understand. Thus, code obfuscation is a method of modifying an app’s code to make it difficult for attackers to read or comprehend. While the functionality of the code remains the same, obfuscation helps to conceal the logic and purpose of an app’s code.

How does code obfuscation work?

The process consists of some simple but reliable techniques and, when used together, can build a strong layer of defence in order to protect an app’s source code from attackers. The classification of obfuscation techniques depends on the information they target. Some transformations target the lexical structure of the software, while others target the control flow.

Some examples include simply renaming functions, methods, classes in order to use less descriptive names. Additional techniques include removing debug information, such as parameter type, source file and line number, as well as removing java annotations.

Obfuscate your mobile apps with Promon SHIELD™

Promon’s Application Shielding software, Promon SHIELD™ obfuscates parts or all of your app’s code, making it significantly more difficult for an attacker to analyse.

Why Promon SHIELD™

• Makes your business less prone to licencing fraud, reverse engineering and intellectual property theft.
• Protects your apps from malware or real-world attack scenarios.
• Includes a state-of-the-art security feature that provides you with the ability to easily store app secrets locally on the end-user device in a secure manner.
• Monitors your app’s runtime behaviour and detects whether the app is executing in an insecure environment.
• Enables your app to modify its behaviour in real-time to interrupt potential attacks.

How to handle complex mobile security threats

Mobile app developers should strongly consider utilising app code obfuscation in combination with a multi-layered In-App Protection solution, particularly if those apps run in an untrusted environment (Operating System).

Promon’s App Shielding software, Promon SHIELD™ obfuscates parts or all of your app’s code, making it significantly more difficult for an attacker to analyse.