Jailbreak Detection
Jailbreak detection is a mobile app security technique that identifies when an app is running on a mobile operating system that has been tampered with. When a phone or tablet is “jailbroken,” it has been modified in some way. The modification, in most cases, makes it possible to run apps that have been tampered with. Apps with built-in Jailbreak detection identify these compromised devices, which in turn protects mobile apps and the back-end servers they connect to. The OWASP MASVS Resilience-1 control specifically calls for Jailbreak Detection.
Jailbreak detection works by scanning devices for signs of unauthorized changes. This can include checking for unusual files, altered system settings, or the presence of apps and services that shouldn’t be on a standard device.
Ready to discuss how Digital.ai’s Jailbreak Detection can help you protect your apps? Talk to a security expert today.
Request a Demo
How Digital.ai Detects Jailbreaks
Digital.ai checks for unusual files, altered system settings, or the presence of apps and services that shouldn’t be on a standard device. We use a combination of real-time monitoring, behavioral analysis, and system integrity checks to detect jailbreak attempts as soon as they happen. If a device is flagged as jailbroken, the app can respond by limiting access, alerting IT teams, or even blocking usage altogether. This proactive process helps stop threats before they can cause harm.
We use jailbreak detection tools like heuristic and signature-based methods to identify new and evolving jailbreak techniques. We continuously update our detection algorithms to keep pace with the latest jailbreak methods, ensuring that even sophisticated attempts are caught. This dynamic approach allows organizations to maintain a strong security posture and protect sensitive data from exposure through compromised devices.
Why is Jailbreak Detection Necessary?
Mobile apps are everywhere, and they handle enormous amounts of valuable data and intellectual property (IP). Jailbroken devices are exposed to malware, data breaches, and unauthorized access, which puts company data and customer information at risk. For industries such as finance (think: retail, payment, and banking apps) and healthcare (think: wearables connecting critical health data to phones), jailbreak detection is a must-have. By integrating this technology, organizations not only reduce risk and maintain compliance, but also demonstrate to customers and partners they take security seriously—which builds trust and safeguards their reputation.
Moreover, jailbreak protection supports a proactive security strategy by enabling organizations to quickly identify and isolate apps that are running on compromised devices—before they can cause widespread damage. In a world where data breaches can lead to severe financial and reputational consequences, jailbreak protection is a key tool for any organization serious about keeping their apps secure.