Code Lifting

1. What Is Code Lifting?

Code lifting is the unauthorized extraction of proprietary code-such as software development kits (SDKs), libraries, or application logic-from a deployed application. Once lifted, the code can be analyzed, modified, repackaged, or even embedded into a competitor's application, often with no attribution or license. It's a common threat for companies that ship advanced capabilities in mobile, desktop, or embedded apps-particularly those offering client-side SDKs used for processing barcodes, biometrics, AR, or financial transactions.

2. How Code Lifting Targets Client-Side Applications

Client-side code-whether compiled into a mobile app or running in a web browser-is inherently exposed. Attackers can use tools like decompilers, debuggers, and disassemblers to extract proprietary logic and assets. Once the code is lifted, it can be reverse-engineered to remove licensing controls, repurposed by competitors, or weaponized in rogue applications. Because these threats don't rely on traditional "vulnerabilities," standard SAST tools don't detect them. Effective defense requires hardened, obfuscated, and self-protecting code that resists inspection and repackaging.

3. Business Impact of Code Lifting

For companies whose value depends on proprietary client-side functionality, code lifting can translate directly into lost revenue. Imagine a company generating $400 million annually across four products. One flagship SDK accounts for $100 million of that revenue. If a competitor or threat actor lifts and repackages the SDK-offering a free or lower-cost version-it could gradually erode that $100M product's market share. Even a modest 25-30% annual decline due to imitation and licensing circumvention could wipe out this revenue stream within three years. Worse still, the company could be forced to litigate IP theft after the damage is already done.

4. How Digital.ai Helps Prevent Code Lifting

Digital.ai Application Security protects your client-side code through a layered defense strategy designed to make code lifting impractical and unprofitable:

  • Code Obfuscation: Makes it difficult for attackers to understand or reuse your proprietary logic
  • Anti-Tamper Protections: Detects and responds to attempts to modify or repackage your app, or to run your app on an OS that has been modified or in a debugger/emulator
  • Dynamic Checks: Identifies if the app is being run in a debugger or emulator
  • Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP): Shuts down the application if unauthorized behavior is detected
  • Monitoring and Alerting: Integrates with SIEM tools to report suspicious activity, including unauthorized reuse

5. Why Industry Leaders Trust Digital.ai

A global technology provider in the supply chain space trusts Digital.ai to protect its IP. After evaluating multiple solutions, the company chose Digital.ai for its ability to deliver strong, customizable protection across Android, iOS, Linux, and desktop platforms. Not only did Digital.ai's protections meet their performance standards, but the vendor's fast support for emerging platforms and timely updates helped them stay ahead of evolving threats. They've since recommended Digital.ai to multiple partners and expressed interest in participating in future customer reference programs.

6. See How Your App Stands Up Against Code Lifting

Want to know if your app would survive a code lifting attempt?