Appdome has been at the forefront of bridging gaps in existing anti-bot products, particularly focusing on mobile defense solutions. I recently had the chance to speak with one of Appdome’s executives and asked for their insights into their company’s latest initiatives toward the evolving landscape of mobile bot threats. Appdome is a no-code solution for mobile application integration that allows users to add various features, Software Development Kits (SDKs), and security measures to mobile apps without the need for code changes.
Jan Sysmans, Mobile App Security Evangelist at Appdome, shared with me that a global cybersecurity community involving penetration testers from around the world, including the Philippines has recently been launched. This community aims to streamline the discovery and delivery of vulnerabilities, enhancing overall cybersecurity awareness. Sysmans also introduced the groundbreaking MOBILEBot™ Defense solution tailored specifically for mobile devices. Unlike traditional anti-bot solutions at the network layer, Appdome’s MOBILEBot™ Defense is optimized for bot traffic originating from mobile or fake mobile devices.
Traditional anti-bot solutions have faced challenges in keeping up with the dynamic landscape of mobile applications, often attempting to apply bot defense strategies originally designed for web applications to mobile frameworks. This approach results in a mismatch that compels mobile app developers to modify the application network stack, compromise TLS protection on network connections, or restrict bot defense to individual hosts. Consequently, this leaves substantial portions of the mobile infrastructure susceptible to various threats such as mobile bot attacks, fraud, account takeover (ATO), API abuse, and credential stuffing, posing significant risks in an economy increasingly reliant on mobile apps.
Addressing these vulnerabilities, the innovative MOBILEBot™ Defense solution emerges as a game-changer for mobile brands, offering unparalleled bot detection, comprehensive intelligence, and swift defense mechanisms against malicious bots, credential stuffing, and ATOs within mobile app business lines. Developed by Appdome, MOBILEBot™ incorporates a diverse range of defense methods to fortify mobile apps against bot-related threats. Supporting all major mobile languages and frameworks, including Obj-C, C+, Java, JS, C#, C++, Swift, Kotlin, Flutter, React Native, Unity, Xamarin, Cordova, and more, MOBILEBot™ ensures seamless integration with mobile apps through a No-Code, No-SDK, and Fully Automated Delivery approach, tailored to effortlessly integrate into mobile DevOps pipelines.
“These bot attacks are becoming more and more sophisticated, and traditional cyber protections will not stop them. We really need to have custom protections for mobile and tools that are being used to prevent these attacks from happening,” shared Sysmans.
The prevalence of mobile bots has significantly impacted businesses in the Philippines. Sysmans pointed out examples like scalpers using bots to purchase event tickets, leading to immediate negative consequences for consumers. Mobile bots are also employed in sophisticated attacks such as credential stuffing, posing a threat to user accounts and financial transactions. The need for robust mobile app security measures is crucial to safeguard businesses and consumers alike.
The Appdome representative emphasized the distinct differences between web and mobile applications, highlighting the challenges businesses face when applying web application defense methods to mobile frameworks. With the majority of consumers in the Philippines preferring mobile as their primary digital channel, businesses must align their cybersecurity investments with the evolving landscape to ensure cyber resilience.
Sysmans explained that Appdome employs application fingerprinting to distinguish legitimate mobile apps from non-human traffic. He correlates connection risks, allowing businesses to make informed decisions on handling traffic from devices with potential security risks. These innovations provide a more sophisticated level of threat intelligence and protection against modern mobile bot attacks.
As consumers shift towards mobile devices, Sysmans foresees a corresponding shift in threats. The bad actors will increasingly target mobile platforms due to the higher volume of interactions and transactions. The landscape of mobile bot threats is expected to evolve with more sophisticated and harder-to-detect attacks. Appdome emphasizes the importance of app makers taking responsibility for user protection, as consumers rely on brands to ensure the security of their mobile experiences.
Appdome’s research and development initiatives focus on staying ahead of emerging threats. The security research team actively monitors dark web forums and chat groups where potential threats are discussed. By learning from the techniques shared in these forums, Appdome’s team collaborates with engineers to develop and implement protections within the platform. This proactive approach ensures that their customers receive continuous updates and defenses against evolving mobile bot threats.
As businesses in the Philippines and globally continue to prioritize mobile engagement, the need for robust mobile app security becomes paramount. Appdome’s advancements serve as a beacon in the cybersecurity landscape, providing effective protection against the ever-evolving challenges posed by mobile bots.