An Anti-Piracy Method Based on Encryption and Dynamic Loading for Android Applications

App pirate remains a serious threat to the emerging mobile app ecosystem, especially in the Android Market. In this paper, we propose an anti-piracy method based on encryption and dynamic loading for Android applications. The basic idea of the method is to separate dex file from the original apk file and encrypt it, then hidden the dex file into resource, finally use a shell dex file to replace the original dex file. When apk is installed, the shell dex file begins to run and release the oringinal dex file and dynamic loading into memory. Once loaded success, shell code start the original apk activity through startActivity. Android app developers can use this method to protect their apps and the method is simple and convenient.