Upwardly Mobile - API & App Security News

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Think the App Store’s built-in security is enough? Think again. Welcome to Upwardly Mobile, the podcast that exposes the gaps in iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS security. Hosts Skye and George take you into the high-stakes world of mobile defense, revealing why standard protections from Apple, Google, and Samsung often leave your sensitive data exposed. Sponsored by Approov—the gold standard in mobile app attestation—we move beyond the basics to tackle weaponized AI threats and dynamic API attacks. From runtime attestation to navigating complex compliance regulations, we equip developers and security pros with the actionable strategies needed to thwart attackers. Don’t leave your app vulnerable. Subscribe now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to elevate your security game.

  1. The "Rootless" Revolution: Inside the Dopamine Jailbreak & The EBT Security Crisis

    FEB 6

    The "Rootless" Revolution: Inside the Dopamine Jailbreak & The EBT Security Crisis

    The "Rootless" Revolution: Inside the Dopamine Jailbreak & The EBT Security Crisis 🎧 Episode Summary In this episode of Upwardly Mobile, we dive into two critical stories reshaping the mobile security landscape. First, we unpack the architecture of Dopamine, the modern "rootless" jailbreak that has cracked iOS 15 and iOS 16 without touching the system partition. We explore how it bypasses Apple’s Signed System Volume (SSV) and what this means for app developers trying to detect compromised devices. Then, we shift gears to a systemic failure in government fintech: why the "Lock Card" feature in EBT mobile apps is failing to stop fraud. We break down how attackers are bypassing mobile controls using legacy magstripe rails and bot attacks. 🚀 Key Topics Discussed The Dopamine Architecture: Understanding the shift from "rootful" to "rootless" jailbreaking.How it Works: The exploit chain, including PAC and PPL bypasses, and the creation of the fake root environment in /var/jb.Detection Challenges: Why traditional jailbreak detection methods struggle against rootless environments and the reliance on finding tweak injection libraries like ElleKit.The EBT Mobile Failure: Why locking your EBT card in the mobile app doesn't actually stop thieves at the register.API Abuse: How botnets are hammering IVR and app APIs to time their theft perfectly.🔗 Resources & Links Dopamine Jailbreak: Official Project: Dopamine GitHub (opa334)Installation Guide: iOS CFW GuideTechnical Insight: ElleKit - Tweak InjectionEBT & Mobile Fraud Analysis: The Mechanics of Theft: Propel: How EBT Benefits are StolenSystemic Vulnerabilities: Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General🛡️ Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Approov. Is your mobile app running on a jailbroken device? Are bots scraping your API endpoints? Approov provides a comprehensive mobile security solution that ensures only genuine mobile app instances, running on safe mobile environments, can access your backend APIs. 👉 Learn more at: approov.com 🔍 SEO Keywords Dopamine Jailbreak, Rootless Jailbreak, iOS 15 Jailbreak, iOS 16 Security, Mobile App Security, EBT Fraud, Skimming, API Security, Sideloading, TrollStore, Magstripe Vulnerabilities, App Attestation. 🎙️ Upwardly Mobile is hosted by Skye Macintyre & George McGregor. 🛡️ Sponsored by Approov: The only comprehensive solution for mobile app and API security. 👉 Subscribe & Review: Upwardly Mobile | Podcast This episode includes AI-generated content.

    14 min
  2. Beyond the Hardware: Why Key Attestation Is Just a Receipt, Not a Security Strategy

    JAN 30

    Beyond the Hardware: Why Key Attestation Is Just a Receipt, Not a Security Strategy

    Beyond the Hardware: Why Key Attestation Is Just a Receipt, Not a Security Strategy In this episode of Upwardly Mobile, we dive deep into the often-misunderstood world of mobile app security to debunk the myth that hardware-backed key attestation is a "silver bullet." Drawing from expert analysis by Approov, Oasis, and community discussions, we explore why relying solely on Apple’s App Attest or Google’s Play Integrity can leave your APIs vulnerable to sophisticated attacks like device farming and runtime instrumentation. We explain why attestation is merely a "snapshot" in time and how to implement a true defense-in-depth strategy. Key Takeaways: The Hardware Myth: Companies like Google and Apple promote hardware-backed key attestation (using TEEs or Secure Elements) as a primary security measure, but this approach has critical limitations when used in isolation. While it proves a cryptographic key is stored in secure hardware, it does not guarantee the integrity of the app calling that key or the user operating it.The "Receipt" Analogy: Remote attestation is effectively just a receipt proving that a specific binary ran on specific hardware at a specific moment. It fails to prove that the state hasn't been rolled back, that the operator isn't malicious, or that the inputs haven't been manipulated since that snapshot was taken.The Threat of Device Farms: Attackers can physically amass legitimate iPhones in "Device Farms" to generate valid App Attest tokens. These tokens are then sold via APIs to bots, allowing scripts to impersonate genuine devices and bypass standard hardware checks.Runtime Manipulation: Tools like Frida and Magisk allow hackers to hook into API calls and forge attestation results or manipulate the application's behavior after the boot process. Without Runtime Application Self Protection (RASP), a validly attested device can still run a compromised app.The Solution is Multi-Layered: Effective security requires moving verification off the device to the cloud and implementing dynamic checks. A robust strategy includes RASP, dynamic certificate pinning, and cloud-based mobile attestation that verifies the app's integrity continuously, not just at boot.Featured Resources & Source Material: Article: Limitations of Hardware-Backed Key Attestation in Mobile Security – An analysis of why verification must always occur off-device.Article: How to Defeat Apple DeviceCheck and AppAttest – A technical look at how hackers bypass iOS security using instrumentation and device farms.Community Insight: TEE Attestation Isn’t Trust It’s Just a Receipt – A breakdown of why attestation does not equal trust.Deep Dive: Attestation Is not Enough – Exploring the nuances of remote attestation within trust systems.Definition: Trusted Execution Environment (Wikipedia) – Understanding the history and hardware behind TEEs.Sponsored By: This episode is brought to you by Approov. Approov Mobile Security provides a comprehensive solution that goes beyond simple attestation. By combining RASP, dynamic certificate pinning, and cloud-based verification, Approov ensures that only genuine, untampered instances of your app can access your APIs. Website: approov.comTalk to an Expert: Schedule a CallCheck Your Security: Approov Mobile App AssessmentKeywords: Mobile Security, API Security, App Attestation, RASP, Device Farms, Man-in-the-Middle Attacks, Jailbreak Detection, Apple App Attest, Google Play Integrity, Approov, Cybersecurity, Trusted Execution Environment (TEE).  🎙️ Upwardly Mobile is hosted by Skye Macintyre & George McGregor. 🛡️ Sponsored by Approov: The only comprehensive solution for mobile app and API security. 👉 Subscribe & Review: Upwardly Mobile | Podcast This episode includes AI-generated content.

    14 min
  3. SNAP | Why Mobile Apps Are Failing to Stop Food Stamp Fraud?

    JAN 17

    SNAP | Why Mobile Apps Are Failing to Stop Food Stamp Fraud?

    Episode Summary In this episode of Upwardly Mobile, we investigate a growing financial crisis affecting the nation’s most vulnerable families. The USDA now estimates that up to $12 billion is stolen annually from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We explore how transnational criminal rings are using sophisticated technology—from physical skimmers to brute-force cyberattacks—to drain EBT cards in seconds. We also break down why the government’s latest solution—mobile apps that allow users to "lock" their cards—is failing to stop the theft. We analyze the technical vulnerabilities of the legacy magstripe system and explain why app-based controls are often bypassed by backend fraud and race conditions. This episode is sponsored by Approov. Mobile apps are now the front door to critical services, but as we discuss in this episode, they are only as strong as the security frameworks behind them. Approov provides comprehensive mobile app protection, ensuring that the requests hitting your API are from genuine apps running on untampered devices. Key Topics & Takeaways: • The Scale of the Problem: Federal investigators estimate that SNAP fraud has hit all-time highs, potentially reaching $12 billion annually. Georgia alone reported nearly $23 million stolen in just the first quarter of 2025. • How the Fraud Works: Criminals are utilizing advanced skimming technology and "brute force" software that can guess a four-digit PIN in less than a second. The Secret Service notes that these are often transnational organized crime groups capable of working easily across borders. • The "Lock" Feature Failure: Many states, including Georgia, encouraged users to download apps like ConnectEBT to "lock" their cards. However, users like Sheria Robertson report having funds stolen mere minutes after unlocking the app to make a purchase. • The Technical Vulnerability: The core issue is that EBT cards still rely on legacy magnetic stripe technology rather than secure chips (EMV). Because the backend system relies on static track data and a PIN, the mobile app’s "lock" feature is often bypassed by race conditions or bot attacks on IVR systems. • Bot Attacks: Cybercriminals are using bots to hammer IVR systems to check balances and time their withdrawals the moment funds are deposited. Featured Stories & Data: • Victim Spotlight: Sheria Robertson, a single mother who lost her Thanksgiving food budget to thieves in Brooklyn, NY, despite being in Georgia and using the app's security features. • Investigator Insight: Mark Haskins from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service explains that criminals are "taking it to the next level" with cyber and brute force attacks. • State Data: Top states for reported fraud include Georgia, New York, and California. Relevant Links & Resources: • USDA SNAP Replacement of Stolen Benefits Dashboard • Report Fraud: USDA Office of Inspector General Hotline [(800) 424-9121] • Technical Deep Dive: Security Vulnerabilities and Fraud Mechanics in EBT Systems • News Coverage: WSB-TV: Georgia officials say state SNAP system subject to cyberattack • Propel App Resource: How are EBT benefits being stolen? Keywords: SNAP fraud, EBT skimming, food stamp theft, mobile app security, Approov, ConnectEBT, cybercrime, magnetic stripe vulnerability, USDA, social safety net, financial fraud, IVR bot attacks. 🎙️ Upwardly Mobile is hosted by Skye Macintyre & George McGregor. 🛡️ Sponsored by Approov: The only comprehensive solution for mobile app and API security. 👉 Subscribe & Review: Upwardly Mobile | Podcast This episode includes AI-generated content.

    14 min
  4. The Punkt MC03: Can You De-Google Without the Headache?

    JAN 13

    The Punkt MC03: Can You De-Google Without the Headache?

    In this episode, we explore the landscape of "privacy-first" smartphones, focusing on the newly unveiled Punkt MC03. We break down whether this Swiss-designed, German-made device can finally offer a viable alternative to the data-harvesting giants of the mobile world. We discuss the trade-offs of leaving the Google ecosystem, the unique "subscription-based" operating system model, and whether the return of the removable battery signals a shift in hardware trends. Key Topics & Timestamps:The "De-Googled" Promise: The Punkt MC03 runs AphyOS, a custom version of Android that strips out Google Mobile Services to minimize background tracking and profiling.AphyOS & The Subscription Model: Unlike standard Android phones, the MC03 relies on a subscription model (approx. $10/month after the first year) to fund security updates and infrastructure rather than selling user data to ad networks.Security Architecture: The device splits the user experience into a secure "Vault" for vetted apps (like Proton and Signal) and a "Wild Web" environment for general Android apps, allowing users to isolate risky applications.Hardware Highlights: The phone features a 6.67" OLED screen, IP68 rating, and a 5,200 mAh removable battery—a design choice driven by upcoming EU regulations regarding repairability.Overcoming Past Failures: We discuss how the MC03 improves upon the "difficult-to-recommend" MC02 with a smoother onboarding process, an improved 64MP camera, and the option to install the Play Store for users who can't go fully cold-turkey.The Competition: How the MC03 stacks up against other privacy-focused devices like the Murena Fairphone and other non-GMS ROMs like GrapheneOS.Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Approov. Protect your mobile APIs from scripts, bots, and modified apps. Ensure that the requests you receive are from the genuine mobile app you released.Visit approov.com to learn more about comprehensive mobile app security.Relevant Links & Source Materials:ZDNET Review: Want real phone privacy? This $700 handset promises it – Coverage of the US launch, pricing, and removable battery features.Android Police Coverage: Can you de-Google without the headache? – An in-depth look at the onboarding improvements and specs.Punkt Official Site: The MC03 Product Page – Direct specs and philosophy from the manufacturer.Murena / /e/OS: The Murena Fairphone Review – Context on the competitor mentioned in the episode.Keywords: Punkt MC03, AphyOS, Non-GMS, De-Google, Mobile Privacy, Data Sovereignty, Removable Battery, Android Security, Fairphone, Murena, Apostrophy OS, Mobile Security.  Disclaimer: Information regarding pricing ($699 device / $10 monthly sub) and release dates (Spring 2026 for US) is based on reports from ZDNET and Android Police coverage of CES 2026. 🎙️ Upwardly Mobile is hosted by Skye Macintyre & George McGregor. 🛡️ Sponsored by Approov: The only comprehensive solution for mobile app and API security. 👉 Subscribe & Review: Upwardly Mobile | Podcast This episode includes AI-generated content.

    11 min
  5. Unmasking "Wonderland" – The New Wave of Android Droppers & SMS Stealers

    JAN 6

    Unmasking "Wonderland" – The New Wave of Android Droppers & SMS Stealers

    In this episode of Upwardly Mobile, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of Android malware. We break down the emergence of Wonderland (formerly WretchedCat), a sophisticated SMS stealer targeting users in Uzbekistan through legitimate-looking "dropper" applications. We explore how threat actors, specifically the "TrickyWonders" group, are leveraging Telegram and malicious ad campaigns to bypass security checks and hijack devices. We also discuss the broader trend of Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS), including new threats like Cellik, Frogblight, and NexusRoute that are lowering the barrier to entry for cybercriminals globally. From real-time screen streaming to bypassing Google Play protections, we analyze the tactics defining modern mobile security threats. Key Topics Discussed:The Rise of Droppers: How malware operators are shifting from "pure" Trojans to "droppers" (like MidnightDat and RoundRift) that appear harmless to evade detection before deploying payloads.Wonderland's Capabilities: How this malware establishes bidirectional communication to intercept OTPs, steal contacts, and execute USSD requests.The MaaS Economy: A look at the "Cellik" RAT, which offers one-click APK building to bundle malware inside legitimate apps, and "Frogblight," which targets users via fake court documents.Government Impersonation: How "NexusRoute" is targeting users in India by mimicking government service portals to steal financial data and UPI PINs.Defense Strategies: The importance of blocking unknown source installations and monitoring for suspicious SMS/USSD patterns.Sponsored By: This episode is brought to you by Approov. Stop mobile app abuse and API misuse. Ensure that the requests your API handles are from the genuine mobile app running on a safe mobile device. 👉 Visit our sponsor: https://approov.io Relevant Links & Source Materials:The Hacker News: Android Malware Operations Merge Droppers, SMS Theft, and RAT Capabilities at ScaleSC Media: Android malware Wonderland evolves with dropper apps targeting UzbekistanCypro: Security Analysis of Android Malware OperationsKeywords: Android Malware, Wonderland, SMS Stealer, Dropper Apps, Mobile Security, Remote Access Trojan (RAT), TrickyWonders, Cybersecurity, One-Time Password (OTP) Theft, Malware-as-a-Service, Approov.      🎙️ Upwardly Mobile is hosted by Skye Macintyre & George McGregor. 🛡️ Sponsored by Approov: The only comprehensive solution for mobile app and API security. 👉 Subscribe & Review: Upwardly Mobile | Podcast This episode includes AI-generated content.

    11 min

  6. 2025-12-29

    2026 Mobile API and AI Security Predictions

    2026 Mobile API and AI Security Predictions Episode Summary: In this episode of Upwardly Mobile, we audit the accuracy of Approov’s 2025 cybersecurity forecast. Of the seven trends predicted, four proved to be "absolutely correct." We break down these key hits: the dual-use of AI by attackers and defenders, the undeniable dominance of cross-platform development, the crackdown on open-source supply chain risks, and the heavy impact of new global breach reporting mandates. The 4 Mobile Security Trends That Defined the Year Key Topics — The 4 Correct Predictions: • 1. AI’s Double-Edged Sword: We discuss how 2025 wasn't just about AI hype—it was about operational impact. Attackers utilized LLMs to lower the bar for API abuse and generate scripts to bypass WAFs, while defenders leaned on AI for anomaly detection and scan interpretation to speed up code reviews. • 2. Cross-Platform is King: The prediction that cross-platform development would be "the way forward" held true. We analyze how Flutter and React Native maintained dominance in 2025, becoming the norm for enterprise and fintech apps, though Huawei’s HarmonyOS remained a regional outlier. • 3. The Open Source Crackdown: Scrutiny on open-source software (OSS) intensified as predicted. With attackers targeting ecosystems like npm and PyPI, and regulations like the EU CRA enforcing SBOMs, organizations were forced to verify their supply chains and adopt runtime protection to catch tampering. • 4. The Breach Reporting Crunch: Approov correctly forecasted that breach reporting would demand massive investment. With the EU NIS2 Directive and PCI DSS 4.0 coming into full effect, the focus shifted from simple disclosure to operational resilience—requiring companies to report incidents in hours, not days. Featured Resources & Links: • Approov Report: Approov Predicted 7 Mobile Cybersecurity Trends for 2025 - Did They Happen? – The full retrospective on which predictions hit the mark and which were too optimistic (like the adoption of certificate pinning). • Expert Insights: LW Roundtable: Mandates Surge, Guardrails Lag – Further reading on the friction between compliance mandates and security realities. Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Approov. Don’t let your mobile app be the weak link. Approov provides comprehensive runtime security, ensuring that only your genuine app communicates with your API. • Visit: approov.io • Solutions: Runtime Secrets Protection and Mobile API Security. Keywords: Mobile Security, Cybersecurity Predictions, AI Threats, Flutter, ReactNative, Open Source Security, SBOM, NIS2 Compliance, Supply Chain Attacks, Approov, API Security.  🎙️ Upwardly Mobile is hosted by Skye Macintyre & George McGregor. 🛡️ Sponsored by Approov: The only comprehensive solution for mobile app and API security. 👉 Subscribe & Review: Upwardly Mobile | Podcast This episode includes AI-generated content.

    12 min
  7. The 3.5 Billion WhatsApp Scraping Flaw: Is Your Mobile API Leaking?

    2025-12-22

    The 3.5 Billion WhatsApp Scraping Flaw: Is Your Mobile API Leaking?

    The 3.5 Billion WhatsApp Scraping Flaw: Is Your Mobile API Leaking? Episode Summary: In this episode, we break down a massive vulnerability discovered by researchers at the University of Vienna and SBA Research that allowed them to scrape data from roughly 3.5 billion WhatsApp accounts globally. We explore how a lack of rate limiting on the specific GetDeviceList API endpoint turned a benign contact discovery feature into a massive "enumeration oracle," allowing a single university server to query over 100 million numbers per hour. We discuss the types of data exposed—including active status, device types, public encryption keys, and millions of profile photos—and the implications for user privacy, particularly in regions where WhatsApp is banned like China and Iran. Finally, we cover Meta’s response to the disclosure and why industry experts are calling this a "masterclass in negligence" regarding API security. Key Topics Discussed: The Vulnerability: How researchers used the GetDeviceList API to bypass safeguards and identify valid accounts across 245 countries.The Scale: How a single server sustained 7,000 requests per second to verify 3.5 billion accounts without being blocked.The Data: The exposure of profile images, "about" text, and public keys, and how this data correlates with previous Facebook leaks.The Security Lesson: Why "does this number exist?" lookup APIs are inherently dangerous without strict behavioral monitoring and rate limiting.Sponsor: This episode is supported by Approov. When mobile app security is an afterthought, user privacy becomes collateral damage. Approov ensures that only genuine mobile app instances, running on safe mobile devices, can access your backend APIs. Visit the Sponsor: https://approov.ioFeatured Sources & Further Reading: BleepingComputer: WhatsApp API flaw let researchers scrape 3.5 billion accounts – Detailing the mechanics of the GetDeviceList abuse and the global scope of the data scrape.Malwarebytes: WhatsApp closes loophole that let researchers collect data on 3.5B accounts – Analysis of the privacy implications, including the exposure of users in restrictive regimes.Privacy Guides: WhatsApp contact discovery vulnerability identifies 3.5 billion users – Discussing the patch and how alternative messengers handle contact discovery.Keywords: WhatsApp, API Security, Rate Limiting, Data Scraping, Mobile Security, Cybersecurity, Meta, Privacy, Enum, GetDeviceList, Infosec, Approov.  🎙️ Upwardly Mobile is hosted by Skye Macintyre & George McGregor. 🛡️ Sponsored by Approov: The only comprehensive solution for mobile app and API security. 👉 Subscribe & Review: Upwardly Mobile | Podcast This episode includes AI-generated content.

    12 min
  8. Apple's DMA Non-Compliance: An Open Letter

    2025-12-15

    Apple's DMA Non-Compliance: An Open Letter

    Apple's DMA Non-Compliance: An Open Letter In this episode of *Upwardly Mobile*, we break down the seismic shift in the mobile app landscape following the European Commission’s decision to formally fine Apple €500 million for breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA). We explore why regulators view Apple’s recent changes not as genuine adherence to the law, but as "malicious compliance"—a deliberate attempt to technically meet requirements while maintaining control and fees. We also discuss the December 2025 Open Letter sent by app developers to EU President Ursula von der Leyen, which argues that Apple’s new 20% commission on external transactions continues to violate the law and stifle fair competition. Finally, we contrast the situation in Europe with recent US court rulings involving Epic Games, where judges have ordered Apple to stop charging for services it doesn't provide, raising the question: Why are European developers getting a worse deal?. Key Topics Discussed: *   **The €500M Fine:** The European Commission found Apple in breach of "anti-steering" obligations, restricting developers from directing users to cheaper offers outside the App Store. *   **"Malicious Compliance":** An analysis of how Apple’s fee structures and "scare screens" are viewed by critics and regulators as structural impediments to the DMA’s goals. *   **The Meta Connection:** A look at the parallel €200M fine imposed on Meta regarding their "pay or consent" model. *   **The Developer Pushback:** Insights from the "CleanV2" Open Letter, where developers demand the removal of new commission fees that range up to 20%. *   **Transatlantic Tensions:** How the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling regarding Epic Games highlights disparities in global enforcement. **Sponsor:** This episode is brought to you by **Approov**. Securing mobile apps is hard; Approov makes it easy. Ensure your APIs are only accessed by genuine instances of your mobile app and block scripts, bots, and modified apps. **Visit: [https://approov.io](https://approov.io)** **Resources & Source Materials:** *   **European Commission Press Release:** Details on the April 2025 fine regarding Apple’s anti-steering practices. *   **Kluwer Competition Law Blog:** "The DMA's Teeth: Meta and Apple Fined by the European Commission" by Alba Ribera Martínez. *   **Clean App Foundation Open Letter:** The December 2025 appeal to the European Commission regarding Apple's persistent non-compliance. *   **Analysis of US Rulings:** Context on the Epic Games vs. Apple court case and fee limitations. Digital Markets Act, DMA, Apple Fine, App Store Fees, Anti-Steering, Malicious Compliance, European Commission, Margrethe Vestager, Sideloading, Epic Games, Mobile App Security, Tech Policy, Antitrust. 🎙️ Upwardly Mobile is hosted by Skye Macintyre & George McGregor. 🛡️ Sponsored by Approov: The only comprehensive solution for mobile app and API security. 👉 Subscribe & Review: Upwardly Mobile | Podcast This episode includes AI-generated content.

    8 min
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Think the App Store’s built-in security is enough? Think again. Welcome to Upwardly Mobile, the podcast that exposes the gaps in iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS security. Hosts Skye and George take you into the high-stakes world of mobile defense, revealing why standard protections from Apple, Google, and Samsung often leave your sensitive data exposed. Sponsored by Approov—the gold standard in mobile app attestation—we move beyond the basics to tackle weaponized AI threats and dynamic API attacks. From runtime attestation to navigating complex compliance regulations, we equip developers and security pros with the actionable strategies needed to thwart attackers. Don’t leave your app vulnerable. Subscribe now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to elevate your security game.

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