Anti-tamper
- React Native course
- Expert
- Lesson 40/47
- 5 min
Learn anti-tamper and jailbreak detection.
What is anti-tamper?
Anti-tamper means stopping or limiting the app on a modified device. Jailbreak (iOS) and root (Android) detection are run. On these devices app data can be stolen; that is why sensitive features are turned off.
In React Native detection is done with react-native-jailbreak-detect or expo-secure-store. When jailbreak is detected the app hides sensitive screens or closes entirely. This is standard in payment and banking apps. Full protection is not possible; but detection makes the attacker's job harder. Anti-tamper is most effective when paired with obfuscation.
Practice Write a jailbreak detection function
Write an isJailbroken function. If the platform is 'ios' return true (simple skeleton). Use Platform.OS.
Starter code
import { Platform } from 'react-native';
// Add the isJailbroken function hereSample solution
import { Platform } from 'react-native';
function isJailbroken() {
if (Platform.OS === 'ios') {
return true;
}
return false;
}Reacting to detection
When jailbreak is detected the app can react in two ways: hide sensitive features or close entirely. Banking apps usually close; e-commerce apps only hide the payment step.
Example: if (isJailbroken()) { return <View><Text>This device is not supported</Text></View>; }. This informs the user and also stops someone trying to steal data. Detection is not always 100% accurate; that is why it is paired with encrypted storage like expo-secure-store. Encrypted storage makes data unreadable even on the device.
Questions and answers
Review the lesson questions together with their answers. To test yourself, solve the lesson interactively.
1 Which platform has root?
isRooted()- Web
- Windows
- Android Correct answer
- iOS
Explanation: Root is the modified state of Android devices.
2 Platform check
if (____.OS === 'ios')if (Platform.OS === 'ios')Explanation: Platform.OS comes from react-native.
3 Match each piece to its role
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
jailbreak |
iOS modification |
root |
Android modification |
isJailbroken |
Detection function |
expo-secure-store |
Encrypted store |