Over-The-Air (OTA) updates allow React Native developers to deliver changes to users quickly — without going through app store re-approval. This significantly accelerates the deployment of bug fixes and new features. However, while OTA updates offer convenience and agility, they also introduce several security risks that developers must address to protect both themselves and their users.
If the data transmission channel is not adequately protected, attackers may intercept and alter update packages through MitM attacks. This can result in users unknowingly installing malicious code in place of legitimate updates.
Without proper safeguards, threat actors can inject malicious JavaScript into the update flow, compromising application functionality and potentially exposing sensitive user data.
Improper storage of update bundles—such as unsecured cloud storage or misconfigured servers - can lead to unauthorized access and data breaches.
If private keys or OTA platform credentials are leaked or stolen, attackers could distribute fake updates or gain access to critical infrastructure.
Digital signatures ensure the authenticity and integrity of OTA-delivered code. Developers should sign update bundles with a private key, while client applications validate the signature using the corresponding public key before applying any changes. This verification step prevents the installation of tampered or spoofed updates.
For a step-by-step guide to signing updates with Revopush SDK, refer to our iOS and Android documentation.
All communication between the client and server should occur over HTTPS, secured with modern TLS protocols. This encrypts the data in transit and mitigates MitM attacks. Additionally, implementing SSL Pinning enhances security by allowing the app to trust only specific SSL certificates. In React Native, libraries like react-native-ssl-public-key-pinning can be used to implement SSL pinning—no native code required. This is particularly effective when connecting to Revopush.
Sensitive assets like private keys and credentials must be stored securely. On iOS, use the Keychain; on Android, use Keystore. These native storage solutions offer robust protection against unauthorized access. In React Native, the react-native-keychain library simplifies secure storage of secrets across platforms.
Obfuscation makes it harder for attackers to reverse-engineer or analyze your JavaScript code. If you're using the Hermes JavaScript engine, additional obfuscation might not be necessary, as Hermes compiles JavaScript into bytecode by default — making it inherently more difficult to read and manipulate.
Establish a secure CI/CD pipeline with proper access control and regular security updates. Limit access to OTA build and distribution tools to only those who need it.
Conduct both manual and automated security testing on OTA updates before deployment. Use canary releases and staged rollouts to gradually push updates to small user groups, reducing risk and providing time to identify potential issues.
Implement logging and monitoring tools to track update behavior and detect anomalies. Be ready to respond quickly to suspicious activity to minimize potential damage.
Limit access privileges across your team and CI/CD systems. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all accounts involved in the OTA process. Regularly audit permissions and rotate credentials to maintain a strong security posture.
