Tools: Published a Lightweight Library for Root/Jailbreak Detection React Native

react-native-root-jail-detect ## Why Another Root/Jailbreak Detection Library? ## What Makes This Special? ## Incredibly Lightweight (~60KB) ## Clean & Simple API ## New Architecture Ready ## Battle-Tested Detection Methods ## Real-World Usage Example ## Perfect Use Cases ## Important Considerations ## Best Practices for Implementation ## Graceful Degradation ## Combine with Other Security Measures ## Server-Side Validation ## Open Source Forever ## Get Started Today Security is first thing in mobile app development, especially for banking, fintech, and enterprise applications. One critical security measure is detecting whether a device has been rooted (Android) or jailbroken (iOS). These compromised devices can expose your app to security vulnerabilities, data breaches, and unauthorized access. Today, I'm excited to share react-native-root-jail-detect - a lightweight, open-source library that makes device security checks incredibly simple. When building security-focused React Native apps, I noticed most existing solutions were either: I wanted something different: simple, fast, tiny, and open source forever. In a world where every kilobyte matters for app store optimization and user experience, this library weighs in at just ~60KB. That's smaller than most image assets in your app! Forget complex configurations. One method, one promise, one boolean result: That's it. No configuration files, no initialization, no complex setup. Built from the ground up to support React Native's new architecture (Fabric and TurboModules). Future-proof your security implementation today. The library doesn't rely on a single detection method. Instead, it employs multiple techniques: For Android (Root Detection): For iOS (Jailbreak Detection): Here's how you might integrate it into a banking app: This library shines in applications requiring enhanced security: Banking & Fintech Apps: Enterprise Applications E-commerce & Payment Apps While this library is highly effective, it's important to understand its limitations: Don't immediately lock users out. Consider a tiered approach: Never rely solely on client-side checks: This project is and will always remain 100% open source under the MIT license. Why? Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference! Building secure mobile apps doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With react-native-root-jail-detect, you get enterprise-grade security detection in a package smaller than a thumbnail image. Whether you're building the next fintech unicorn or a simple app that handles sensitive data, this library provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing your users' device integrity. Give it a try, star the repo, and join me in making React Native apps more secure for everyone! npm Package GitHub Repository Full Documentation Issue Tracker Found this helpful? Drop a ❤️ on the article and ⭐ on GitHub! Questions or suggestions? Drop them in the comments below! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or need assistance. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rushikesh-pandit-646834100/ GitHub: https://github.com/rushikeshpandit Portfolio: https://www.rushikeshpandit.in #ReactNative #TypeScript #MobileDevelopment #SoftwareEngineering #DevCommunity #root-detection #jailbreak-detection #mobile-security #device-integrity Templates let you quickly answer FAQs or store snippets for re-use. Are you sure you want to hide this comment? It will become hidden in your post, but will still be visible via the comment's permalink. Hide child comments as well For further actions, you may consider blocking this person and/or reporting abuse COMMAND_BLOCK: # Installation is a breeze npm install react-native-root-jail-detect Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode COMMAND_BLOCK: # Installation is a breeze npm install react-native-root-jail-detect COMMAND_BLOCK: # Installation is a breeze npm install react-native-root-jail-detect CODE_BLOCK: import RootJailDetect from 'react-native-root-jail-detect'; const isCompromised = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); if (isCompromised) { // Handle accordingly - restrict features, show warning, etc. } Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode CODE_BLOCK: import RootJailDetect from 'react-native-root-jail-detect'; const isCompromised = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); if (isCompromised) { // Handle accordingly - restrict features, show warning, etc. } CODE_BLOCK: import RootJailDetect from 'react-native-root-jail-detect'; const isCompromised = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); if (isCompromised) { // Handle accordingly - restrict features, show warning, etc. } COMMAND_BLOCK: import React, { useEffect, useState } from 'react'; import { Alert } from 'react-native'; import RootJailDetect from 'react-native-root-jail-detect'; const BankingApp = () => { const [securityPassed, setSecurityPassed] = useState(false); useEffect(() => { performSecurityCheck(); }, []); const performSecurityCheck = async () => { try { const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); if (isRooted) { Alert.alert( 'Security Alert', 'Your device appears to be rooted/jailbroken. ' + 'For your security, some features will be restricted.', [ { text: 'Learn More', onPress: () => openSecurityInfo() }, { text: 'OK', style: 'cancel' } ] ); setSecurityPassed(false); } else { setSecurityPassed(true); } } catch (error) { console.error('Security check failed:', error); // Handle gracefully - perhaps allow access but log the incident setSecurityPassed(true); } }; if (!securityPassed) { return <RestrictedModeUI />; } return <FullBankingFeatures />; }; Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode COMMAND_BLOCK: import React, { useEffect, useState } from 'react'; import { Alert } from 'react-native'; import RootJailDetect from 'react-native-root-jail-detect'; const BankingApp = () => { const [securityPassed, setSecurityPassed] = useState(false); useEffect(() => { performSecurityCheck(); }, []); const performSecurityCheck = async () => { try { const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); if (isRooted) { Alert.alert( 'Security Alert', 'Your device appears to be rooted/jailbroken. ' + 'For your security, some features will be restricted.', [ { text: 'Learn More', onPress: () => openSecurityInfo() }, { text: 'OK', style: 'cancel' } ] ); setSecurityPassed(false); } else { setSecurityPassed(true); } } catch (error) { console.error('Security check failed:', error); // Handle gracefully - perhaps allow access but log the incident setSecurityPassed(true); } }; if (!securityPassed) { return <RestrictedModeUI />; } return <FullBankingFeatures />; }; COMMAND_BLOCK: import React, { useEffect, useState } from 'react'; import { Alert } from 'react-native'; import RootJailDetect from 'react-native-root-jail-detect'; const BankingApp = () => { const [securityPassed, setSecurityPassed] = useState(false); useEffect(() => { performSecurityCheck(); }, []); const performSecurityCheck = async () => { try { const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); if (isRooted) { Alert.alert( 'Security Alert', 'Your device appears to be rooted/jailbroken. ' + 'For your security, some features will be restricted.', [ { text: 'Learn More', onPress: () => openSecurityInfo() }, { text: 'OK', style: 'cancel' } ] ); setSecurityPassed(false); } else { setSecurityPassed(true); } } catch (error) { console.error('Security check failed:', error); // Handle gracefully - perhaps allow access but log the incident setSecurityPassed(true); } }; if (!securityPassed) { return <RestrictedModeUI />; } return <FullBankingFeatures />; }; COMMAND_BLOCK: const handleRootedDevice = async () => { const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); if (isRooted) { // Tier 1: Show warning, allow basic features showSecurityWarning(); // Tier 2: Disable sensitive features disableBiometricAuth(); disableStoredPaymentMethods(); // Tier 3: Require additional verification requireTwoFactorAuth(); // Analytics: Log for fraud detection logSecurityEvent('rooted_device_detected'); } }; Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode COMMAND_BLOCK: const handleRootedDevice = async () => { const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); if (isRooted) { // Tier 1: Show warning, allow basic features showSecurityWarning(); // Tier 2: Disable sensitive features disableBiometricAuth(); disableStoredPaymentMethods(); // Tier 3: Require additional verification requireTwoFactorAuth(); // Analytics: Log for fraud detection logSecurityEvent('rooted_device_detected'); } }; COMMAND_BLOCK: const handleRootedDevice = async () => { const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); if (isRooted) { // Tier 1: Show warning, allow basic features showSecurityWarning(); // Tier 2: Disable sensitive features disableBiometricAuth(); disableStoredPaymentMethods(); // Tier 3: Require additional verification requireTwoFactorAuth(); // Analytics: Log for fraud detection logSecurityEvent('rooted_device_detected'); } }; COMMAND_BLOCK: const comprehensiveSecurityCheck = async () => { const checks = await Promise.all([ RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(), checkSSLPinning(), validateAppIntegrity(), verifyDebuggerAbsence() ]); return checks.every(check => check === true); }; Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode COMMAND_BLOCK: const comprehensiveSecurityCheck = async () => { const checks = await Promise.all([ RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(), checkSSLPinning(), validateAppIntegrity(), verifyDebuggerAbsence() ]); return checks.every(check => check === true); }; COMMAND_BLOCK: const comprehensiveSecurityCheck = async () => { const checks = await Promise.all([ RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(), checkSSLPinning(), validateAppIntegrity(), verifyDebuggerAbsence() ]); return checks.every(check => check === true); }; COMMAND_BLOCK: const authenticateWithSecurityCheck = async (credentials) => { const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); // Send security status to backend const response = await fetch('/api/auth', { method: 'POST', body: JSON.stringify({ ...credentials, deviceSecurity: { isRooted, deviceId: getDeviceId(), appIntegrity: getAppSignature() } }) }); // Server makes final decision on access return response.json(); }; Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode COMMAND_BLOCK: const authenticateWithSecurityCheck = async (credentials) => { const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); // Send security status to backend const response = await fetch('/api/auth', { method: 'POST', body: JSON.stringify({ ...credentials, deviceSecurity: { isRooted, deviceId: getDeviceId(), appIntegrity: getAppSignature() } }) }); // Server makes final decision on access return response.json(); }; COMMAND_BLOCK: const authenticateWithSecurityCheck = async (credentials) => { const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); // Send security status to backend const response = await fetch('/api/auth', { method: 'POST', body: JSON.stringify({ ...credentials, deviceSecurity: { isRooted, deviceId: getDeviceId(), appIntegrity: getAppSignature() } }) }); // Server makes final decision on access return response.json(); }; COMMAND_BLOCK: # Install npm install react-native-root-jail-detect # iOS cd ios && pod install && cd .. # Use import RootJailDetect from 'react-native-root-jail-detect'; const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode COMMAND_BLOCK: # Install npm install react-native-root-jail-detect # iOS cd ios && pod install && cd .. # Use import RootJailDetect from 'react-native-root-jail-detect'; const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); COMMAND_BLOCK: # Install npm install react-native-root-jail-detect # iOS cd ios && pod install && cd .. # Use import RootJailDetect from 'react-native-root-jail-detect'; const isRooted = await RootJailDetect.isDeviceRooted(); - Too heavy (bloating app size) - Performance-intensive - Closed-source or poorly maintained - Complex APIs requiring extensive setup - Binary file scanning (su, Superuser.apk, etc.) - Runtime command execution attempts - Multiple common root path checks - Cydia and jailbreak app detection - Restricted file system access attempts - Sandbox integrity verification - Banking & Fintech Apps: Protect transaction integrity Comply with financial regulations Prevent unauthorized access to accounts - Protect transaction integrity - Comply with financial regulations - Prevent unauthorized access to accounts - Enterprise Applications Enforce corporate security policies MDM compliance Protect confidential business data - Enforce corporate security policies - MDM compliance - Protect confidential business data - Healthcare Apps HIPAA compliance requirements Patient data protection Secure telehealth platforms - HIPAA compliance requirements - Patient data protection - Secure telehealth platforms - Gaming Apps Prevent cheating Protect in-app purchases Maintain fair gameplay - Prevent cheating - Protect in-app purchases - Maintain fair gameplay - E-commerce & Payment Apps PCI-DSS compliance Secure payment processing Fraud prevention - PCI-DSS compliance - Secure payment processing - Fraud prevention - Protect transaction integrity - Comply with financial regulations - Prevent unauthorized access to accounts - Enforce corporate security policies - MDM compliance - Protect confidential business data - HIPAA compliance requirements - Patient data protection - Secure telehealth platforms - Prevent cheating - Protect in-app purchases - Maintain fair gameplay - PCI-DSS compliance - Secure payment processing - Fraud prevention - Not 100% Foolproof: Sophisticated concealment tools exist (RootCloak, Liberty, etc.) - Part of Defense-in-Depth: Use alongside SSL pinning, code obfuscation, and server-side validation - User Experience Matters: Don't alienate legitimate users with heavy-handed restrictions - Keep Updated: Root/jailbreak methods evolve; regular updates are crucial - Transparency: Security through obscurity doesn't work - Community: Better detection methods emerge from collaborative effort - Trust: You can audit every line of code - Innovation: Fork it, modify it, contribute back