Blocking User Information Collection through Fake Apps – A Case Study of LIAPP, a Mobile App Security Service
Hello. Today, we'd like to share a case study of a company operating an O2O (Online to Offline) mobile service. They recognized the threat of user information collection through fake apps and effectively blocked it with the mobile security service LIAPP.
The Issue: The Emergence of "Fake Apps" Impersonating Brands
Recently, a popular O2O app operating in Korea has begun receiving unusual complaints from users.
Users have reported complaints such as, "I logged in through the app, but my points disappeared," and "I feel like my personal information has been leaked." Our investigation confirmed that fake apps disguised as official apps are being distributed.
Key characteristics of fake apps:
• Disguised with the same icon, name, and UI as the official app
• Distributed through separate marketplaces (unofficial channels)
• Sending user input information to external servers
• Involved in malicious activities such as advertising revenue generation, account hijacking, and location data collection
Notably, customers were unaware of the counterfeit nature of the app because it was so similar, and this threatened to damage the image of the official app.
Countermeasures: Establishing a system to detect counterfeit apps and prevent user misuse using LIAPP
To counter this threat, the company immediately adopted the mobile app security service LIAPP, establishing a multi-layered security system that verifies app integrity, detects forgery, and blocks execution.
Key Features of LIAPP Implementation
1. Detect app forgery and repackaging
• Perform integrity checks upon app execution
• Detect repackaging (app code modifications and redistribution)
• Forged apps are immediately terminated and notifications are processed
2. Protect the execution environment and detect hacking tools
• Detect debugging tools, hooking attempts, and malicious frameworks
• Block analysis tools commonly used in fake apps
3. Integration with a system to prevent user abuse
• Restrict user access in abnormal execution environments
• Collect and analyze security event logs
• Automatically filter out users who abuse the app through marketing/operation databases
Application Results
After implementing the LIAPP security module, the following effects were confirmed:
• Successfully detected and blocked fake apps distributed on unofficial app markets
• Maintained zero login and personal information theft incidents through fake apps
• Established a proactive blocking system for suspected users based on user abuse logs
• Reduced customer service inquiries by 47%, restoring user trust
Above all, a company values its brand. We've successfully protected our image and customer trust, and we've also secured the secure management of customer location and payment information, which are crucial for O2O services.
In conclusion
Recently, sophisticated counterfeit apps that mimic official apps have been on the rise. Many attacks disguise themselves as legitimate apps, but steal user information or target advertising revenue. In an era where "app imitation" itself poses a security threat, simple UI blocking or antivirus software alone is inadequate.
LIAPP's mobile security features are essential, verifying the integrity and authenticity of apps in real time and preventing counterfeit apps from even running on user devices.
Take the first step toward protecting your brand and customer trust with LIAPP today.
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